Sberbank Rossii : opens unique exhibition of tactile pictures in Novosibirsk

October 2, 2017, Novosibirsk - To See the Invisible exhibition of tactile pictures opened in the Novosibirsk State Art Museum. This is the first travelling exhibition of tactile pictures in Russia created with the use of a unique technology.

The exhibition features raised copies of chefs-d'oeuvre of international art from the collection of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts. Residents and guests of Novosibirsk will be able to literally touch the paintings, as thanks to a special technology used to create them, the image can be "seen" with hands.

A photograph of each masterpiece is processed in a special way, a texture is chosen to show particularities of the painting, for example, the outfit of characters is perceived like cloth when touched. The edges of objects on the painting are clearly defined or shown by applying several layers of materials. As a result, visitors can feel where one element of the picture ends and another one starts using their fingers.

To See the Invisible is a joint project of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, Sberbank and Visa payment system. It features works by artists of various epochs and styles, and is aimed at helping the visually impaired learn more about European paintings.

The following paintings are being exhibited in Novosibirsk: The Annunciation by Sandro Botticelli, Virgin and Child by Lucas Cranach the Elder, The Attributes of Painting and Sculpture by Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin, Horse Attacked by a Jaguar by Henri Rousseau, Are You Jealous? by Paul Gauguin, and Old Jew and a Boy by Pablo Picasso.

In addition, the organisers of the exhibition choose one picture from the local collection in each city the exhibition is held and make a copy of it that is adapted for the needs of the visually impaired. A picture by famous 19th century Russian painter Vasily Tropinin - "Portrait of Prince Alexander S. Dolgorukov" - was chosen for the exhibition in Novosibirsk. The original of the painting is part of the Novosibirsk State Art Museum's permanent exhibition and is one of the gems of the collection.

Actor and film director Evgeny Mironov did the voicework for the audio guide of the main exposition, while Novosibirsk-born singer Pelageya voiced the description of Vasily Tropinin's picture.

The raised copies of the pictures could be of interest not only for the visually impaired. Any visitor of the exhibition can put on dark glasses, turn on the audio guide, and learn to perceive art in a new way, as well as better understand those who for some reason have to orient themselves in the world without vision.

To See the Invisible will be open in the Novosibirsk State Art Museum until October 27, 2017. Entrance is free of charge.