Aldo Rossi, Russian Box, drawing, paper, watercolourpen, 51,2 (h) x 61,2 (w), 1989, Collection Bonnefanten. Foto Peter Cox
A play on shapes
The Russian Box consists of stacked, geometric volumes reminiscent of interlocking boxes. The name refers to the design’s architectural language and the inspiration Rossi drew from European architectural history, including the monumental architecture of Russia and Eastern Europe. Recognisable, archetypal forms from different eras and cultures were a major source of inspiration for his work.
The installation of the Russian Box is intended solely as a tribute to Aldo Rossi and his architectural legacy and should therefore not be seen as a political statement. The design dates from 1989, well before the current war in Ukraine.
Permanent Rossi exhibition
This autumn, Bonnefanten is opening a permanent exhibition on the life and work of Aldo Rossi. Visitors will be introduced to the versatility of one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century and discover the special relationship between Rossi and the museum. This colourful piece, the Russian Box, has now been installed in the museum as a reference to the permanent exhibition on Rossi, which opens at the Bonnefanten on 19 September.
