Brodsky and Utkin
Alexander Brodsky and Ilya Utkin, have produced some of the most fanatical architectural etchings of the 20th century. The magic however lies in their ability to create a lyrical and theatrical narrative to the scenes that they set forth to create. With a lack of career opportunities in Soviet Russia, as graduate architects the two combined to produce a paper architecture more powerful than physical manifestations. As an extension of Piranesi almost these etchings hold something deeper in their ability to convey the scenes they are inscribed with out ever referencing directly to a specific existing building. Moreover these etchings provide a platform for a conversation around the deeper social and political issues at play that architecture is currently facilitating or even the future possibilities of what architecture can play a role in creating. The architecture created by Brodksy and Utkin allow for individual interpretation of space and for playful grim narrative to unfold, further the nature of the medium allows for a timeless ephemeral experience, a guesswork and filling in on the blanks to create an engaging and ever present artwork.
Figure. 55. Columbarium Habitabile. 1989. Brodsky and Utkin. Brodsky and Utkin Etchings. 77