(26 Jan 2021) LEAD IN:
An exhibition where blind and partially sighted people can feel the paintings is underway in Russia.
The works on display at 'Art at Your Fingertips' include raised covers that represent the details of the art beneath in 3D.
STORY-LINE:
At most exhibitions, touching the paintings is frowned upon.
But at 'Art at Your Fingertips' it is absolutely encouraged.
The event at a gallery in Tver, northwest of Moscow, brings together 10 copies of famous artworks that have been given a 3D tactile cover.
It means visually impaired people like Konstantin Kulikov can feel the details they are are not able to see.
"I am really glad that people had such an idea so that visually impaired and blind people can feel culture," he says.
"I loved almost all the paintings, but some of them are difficult to understand with touch, but some are more familiar for me from the memories I have from childhood. So, I knew what to feel there, therefore I liked them more."
Visitors can also tap against a spot under each painting to hear an audio description of the artwork.
Titles are provided in both print and Braille form.
The exhibition is not solely for the blind.
Other visitors also can gain new understanding by feeling a 3D relief of a famous painting.
"It is interesting to close your eyes and feel those paintings. This is very unusual and you cannot do it everywhere," says Alina Stepanova, an exhibition visitor.
The work on display spans different eras, including "Lady with an Ermine" by Leonardo da Vinci, "The Persistence of Memory" by Salvador Dali, "Girl with Peaches" by Valentin Serov and "Dance" by Henri Matisse.
Organisers say one barrier to holding more exhibitions like this is the cost.
"Making tactile copies is a very fine and difficult process, and plus very expensive. These kinds of things at the moment are made as one copy and per individual order. That is one of the reasons why there is a shortage of such exhibitions," explains Anastasya Savina, organiser of the exhibition.
"But also, there is the point that society is just understanding the importance of making art accessible for everyone. Our task is to tell everyone that such a demand exists and there are resources to make this happen."
The exhibition is being held as part of the regional program for people with disabilities titled "We give you kindness and joy!" and will run until 30 January (2021).
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