Alexander Brodsky: Reliefs

On show at Betts Project in London, “Reliefs” presents sculptures in Alexander Brodsky’s signature unfired clay as well as a series of previously unseen drawings

“Reliefs” is an exhibition of Russian artist and architect Alexander Brodsky in London. The exhibition presents sculptures in Alexander Brodsky’s signature unfired clay as well as a series of previously unseen drawings, made especially for this exhibition.

Top: Alexander Brodsky, Untitled, unfired clay, 2014. Courtesy the artist and Betts Project. Above: Alexander Brodsky, Untitled, pencil on tracing paper, 2016. Courtesy the artist and Betts Project

Acclaimed as Œthe most important Russian architect alive today, Brodsky first made his name in the 1980s with a striking set of architectural etchings, produced in collaboration with his great friend Ilya Utkin. Over the last 30 years it is difficult to think of a more influential, more compelling set of architectural drawings, for Brodsky and Utkin not only reinvested Soviet design with all of the intelligence, history and humour it had lost over the previous half century, but they did so with images that were as original as they were engaging.

Alexander Brodsky, Untitled, pencil on tracing paper, 2016. Courtesy the artist and Betts Project

These drawings would be exhibited all over the world, and their success led to a period when Brodsky lived and worked in the US. Back in his beloved Moscow since 2000, he has continued to work across the boundaries of art and architecture, completing a number of pavilions, interiors and galleries, while also exhibiting drawings and large relief models in his now signature unfired clay.

Alexander Brodsky, Untitled, pencil on tracing paper, 2016. Courtesy the artist and Betts Project

Brodsky's architecture remains restrained, blurring the line between art and architecture, combining low cost, local and reused materials to produce buildings that are both traditional and modern. His unfired clay artworks as well as his buildings act as a reminder of the fragility of the city.

Alexander Brodsky, Untitled, pencil on tracing paper, 2016. Courtesy the artist and Betts Project
Alexander Brodsky, Untitled, pencil on tracing paper, 2016. Courtesy the artist and Betts Project
Alexander Brodsky, Untitled, pencil on tracing paper, 2016. Courtesy the artist and Betts Project
Alexander Brodsky, Untitled, pencil on tracing paper, 2016. Courtesy the artist and Betts Project


until 20 November 2016
Alexander Brodsky: Reliefs
Betts Project
100 Central Street, London