The Gallery of Modern Art of RT SMPA (GMII RT) from the collection Multimedia Art Museum of Moscow opens the exhibition "Forgotten War"

October 22, at 16.00, at the Gallery of Modern of PT GMII from Multimedia Art Museum of Moscow, Museum "Moscow House of Photography" ROSPHOTO presents  unique photos of World War I, devoted to the 100th anniversary of its beginning.

The exhibition presents little-known shots by the unknown photographer of  Dukhovschinsk y Regiment. War at the exhibition appears in line with the popular 1970s trend in historical science - micro-stories, which are not just interested in the fate of individuals, often "simple" and at first glance unremarkable, but also trying to diversify and deeply through the era show interesting and subtle details. Gaze of researcher grabs "little man” from impetuous and overwhelming amount of information (especially today), the flow of facts and tells the stories of individuals that make up the general, "big" story. Also, the wars are not only important, pivotal events, personalities of the commanders, but the life lines of individuals, the military or their associations - such as regiments or divisions.

Many of the photographs in the exhibition are a form photo cards. During the First World War production of expensive types of bristol board stopped, on which photos were glued on, and a variety of ready-made photographic material disappeared. Many amateur photographers and even professionals have begun to use  preset for Photo Greeting Cards - thick photo paper, small format, which do not need to stick to the board, and compact and standard format allows you to send photos by mail or carry personally.

Some of the photos on the back have a stamp what means that they has passed military censorship. This is not just an interesting detail - it raises a very important issue throughout the report and, in particular, the war photography. The first war, which captured photo, invented in 1839, was the Crimean War (1853 - 1856). Photographer Roger Fenton commissioned by Queen Victoria was tasked to capture the noble war, where there is no place for too naturalistic, and hence unsightly plots.

Unique pictures were taken thanks to human bravery and courage. The fact that photos have been preserved, - a great success. The photos show life in the war, a kind of "feast in time of plague" – age-old but always attractive theme. People get used to a lot, adapt, and life goes on as usual in all conditions; they are able to enjoy all the circumstances and find joy in all the little things. The shots show different aspects of reality and everyday life - teaching, fighting, sports, entertainment: the arrival of the guests to the regiment, the work of field post, playing snowballs, Army Theater or the celebration of Christmas. One can see the relationships and characters in each photo there is a mood.

In general, the exhibition provides an opportunity to at least partially feel the spirit of that tragic era.