Enter if you dare….
The lights are dim, haunting music plays; I’m surrounded by machines and consumed by a slightly uneasy feeling of eeriness.
I have no idea what to expect at Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre at Trongate 103. The exhibition is a mixture of sculptures that combine bizarre carvings of animals and distorted human figures with pieces of scrap.
Frankenstein meets Bambi
Monkeys, rats and skulls nestle amongst kitchen utensils, assorted wheels and sewing machines. Unusual – creepy even. But the end result is hugely intriguing – especially when you consider when and how the sculptures were built.
Living under the Communist Regime – the work was created by Russian Eduard Bersudksy. In his one room apartment he crafted a unique and bold vision that bravely fell outside the realms of art at that time.
Do stay for the show!
You can wander around the exhibits for free – or for a mere £5 you can experience Sharmanka in all its glory by watching the incredible 40 minute show (free for kids with accompanying adult).
Trust me and stay for the show; it brings the sculptures to life; the magical story unfolds before your eyes. Light and sound stir your emotions as the glaring red eyes of a miniature cheetah swinging on trapeze holds your gaze. It will certainly stay with me a while.
The Nickodym and the Forget Me Not Russian Troika are among my favourite sculptures. But you must see it to believe it.
Words are not enough.
-B
About a City 