FEATURES ARCHIVE

Parisian theatres such as the Thêatre du Mogador and the Thêatre du Chatêlet were brought to life in the first two decades of the 20th century by the Ballets Russes. A Russian Ballet Company, the Ballets Russes inspired many artists and designers of the time. This influence is evident in the fluid and elegant forms of the protagonists in Russian artist Alexandra Exter’s Décors de Théâtre, to be offered in this sale.

A highly gifted artist, Exter turned her hand to many different projects including theatre and costume design. Her works have various influences including Cubism, Futurism, Suprematism, Constructivism and she is also credited as one of the founders of the Art Deco movement.

Exter travelled extensively, studying and later teaching in Paris where she became close friends with Braque and Picasso. Décors de Théâtre was produced during this time. The designs cleverly juxtapose fluid figurative elements with highly structured architectural and geometric components, to create what were received as highly innovative designs.

“Alexandra Exter's exhibition demonstrates her very great talent...her conceptions reflect that thirst for originality which presides over the renewal of stage design in the USSR.” - André Boll Architect, Interior Designer and Critic