Syntax Gallery, in partnership with BoscoVesna, is launching Haut Futur by Gosha Ostretsov – a new exhibition space in the BoscoVesna shopping centre on Novy Arbat.

Haut Futur redefines the traditional exhibition space – it is an artist's studio open to the public, a laboratory that allows visitors to explore Ostretsov's concept of turning ordinary life into an artistic endeavour, get away from the stratagems proposed by society, and learn to customise one's own space through hands-on exercises and workshops conducted by the artist.

Haut Futur features works from Ostretsov's varied past projects: panels, objects, paintings, sculptures, collages, furniture, rugs, clothing, and floor lamps made of wood, metal and epoxy resin. On the one hand, Haut Futur brings to mind an antique cabinet of curiosities, a roomful of wonders bursting with rarities, interesting artefacts of all sorts, collectables, and art. On the other hand, it follows the traditions of the Russian avant-garde, Tatlin's 'Art Into Life' slogan, dating back to the time when, alongside artworks, artists created industrial designs, clothing, household items, and fabric patterns, embellishing the entirety of an ordinary person's daily life with their visual aesthetics.

Extrapolation of art to other domains, from the world of ideas to the world of things, has always been at the heart of Gosha Ostretsov's artistic stance. Initially inspired by folklore, studying mythology and fairytales, the artist wanted to discover what motivates someone to make essential household items by hand, to create culture. The artist finds the answer in his quest to restore the folk-mystical awareness – the respite from worldly labours that man got by taming fire, the time and energy freed by means of light or lightning sent down by God, became the very impetus for the emergence of art. Lightning – as a symbol – pierces the artistic space, and can be spotted throughout paintings, objects and characters as well as greeting visitors at the entrance.

The logical follow-up to this idea resulted in the artist's experiments with costume. Gosha Ostretsov has always viewed fashion as a medium, as a means of creative expression. For him, the purpose of clothing is an extension, a way of harmonising personality, and the first step between the physical body and the space that he builds for himself. Ostretsov began to realise his first avant-garde ideas in the fashion industry back in the 1980s, designing costumes for his art projects and performances, while in the 1990s he moved to France and collaborated with major fashion houses as an artist.

The name Haut Futur ironically alludes to high fashion – after an innovation laboratory in Milan called Haute Future Fashion Academy. This reference is not accidental and is quite appropriate – few articles about Russian alternative fashion of the 1980s and 1990s go without mentioning Ostretsov's name. To mark the launch of Haut Futur, a limited-edition clothing collection was unveiled, encapsulating the collaborative vision of Gosha Ostretsov and designer Sergei Soroka (Soroka on course). The capsule collection featuring garments crafted from a unique fabric that mimics the texture of crumpled paper will serve as a canvas to bring Ostretsov's innovative ideas to life.


BoscoVesna is located on Novy Arbat in Moscow. The location is one of the key features of the shopping centre. While having a stroll around the city, you're always welcome to visit BoscoVesna, check out the hottest trending products, or find something for a family member. Conceptually, the space is designed as a classic European department store and offers a wide selection of items for men, women, and the youngest trendsetters.

The space boasts a very open and friendly energy, as well as a wide selection of items. BoscoVesna offers the latest collections by premium brands. Some of the items on display are available exclusively here. One of the fundamental principles of BoscoVesna is its high-quality, professional, personalised service.