Melnikov House Photo Campaign

“I’m interested in helping, but don’t know what I can do.”

I’ve been hearing this more and more often lately, and in general there’s a real revival of interest in the Russian avant-garde and a desire to do something about its preservation. As mentioned in the previous post, Right Place, Right Time, I was fortunate to be at the right place, at the right time. That afternoon, while watching the events unfold, I also observed several people come by and take pictures of the Melnikov House. So here is my idea of how people can help and it’ll be fun too!

Those that are in MOSCOW, I invite you to stop by the Melnikov House and take a picture. Hint: to see the back of the house you need to walk through the archway in the neighboring building (if facing the Melnikov House on Krivoarbatsky Lane, the archway is on the left). Then send this picture to theconstructivistproject@gmail.com with “Melnikov House Photo Campaign” in the subject line, I will collect the photos and create an album on The Constructivist Project Facebook page where everyone will have a chance to enjoy the photos. Please indicate how would you like to be credited, for example – name and occupation, or you can remain anonymous. Would be good to include the date and time of the photo as well.

Having numerous people come visit the house to take pictures will keep the spotlight on the Melnikov House. It will show there is public interest in the fate of the house, and allow for the constant monitoring of the situation with the neighboring construction site (who knows who else might be at in the right place, at the right time).

Not only will this be an opportunity to show your support of the house (literally, with a PHOTOGRAPH), but it can also be an opportunity to show off some photography skills and creativity in capturing the Melnikov House according to your perception of it. There are many photographs of the house, so it might be an interesting challenge to show the Melnikov House in a unique way. Anyway, it should be fun!

So, if you find yourself near Arbat and have any type of camera on you (phone, iPad, point and shoot, DSLR, etc), go visit the Melnikov House and TAKE A PHOTO!