In 2018, the first stage of yard scenography was implemented—the Black House. By purposefully using the principle of contrast between achromatic colors and the layered plaster imitation typical of the sgraffito technique, a colorful, relief-like, floral knit-inspired design was created on the building’s facade. The Black House project aimed not only to showcase the neighbors’ hobbies, such as knitting or crocheting, but also to draw attention to the color palette of the house, which had never been painted before, and only became visible with the introduction of a black base.
The slide dedicated to transforming the Black House:
An important detail: The Yard Gallery adheres to the core principle that the “old colors of the buildings” are an integral part of our courtyard’s historical heritage. Only by introducing new, complementary colors do the old colors, as layers of past times, “come to life” again and reveal themselves in a different way. I play with cultural heritage, trying to preserve it authentically, and I consult with builders, for whom a newly plastered and painted wall is “correct.” I’m delighted when I manage to convince them that it is more beautiful with the marks of time, especially in a courtyard like ours, which is over 130 years old.
The creators of the Black House’s knitted designs: ceramic artist Tomas Zlotnikovas and my son Edvardas. 2018.
Kiemo Galerija 