Trends in Contemporary Decorative and Applied Art (Based on the Materials of the Ural Triennial of Decorative Arts)

This article discusses the processes that are taking place in contemporary decorative art. We are using materials and experience of the All-Russian open exhibition II Ural Triennial of Decorative Art, which brings together both domestic artists and masters from the neighbouring countries. Analysing different sections of the triennial (textile, glass, stonecutting), we explore various artistic trends and their potential to, eventually, become established schools of decorative and applied arts. Increasing acceptance from the professional art institutions is also recommended and required, since in Russia decorative art is still excluded from the list of “fine arts”. The example of the Ural Triennial shows that contemporary decorative artists are engaged in active experimentation, combining traditional and new materials and techniques. The result is a promising glimpse into the future of decorative and applied arts. Keywords: contemporary art, arts and crafts, Ural Triennial