Tsiolkovsky

2015

Projects

Konstantin Eduardovich Tsiolkovsky who invented the first space rocket in the world was a great fan of cycling. There is a famous photo featuring the old scientist riding a bicycle. It was probably during a cycling trip in the Borovsk neighborhood when a future catch phrase came into his mind: “Earth is the cradle of Man. But it is impossible to stay in the cradle forever!”

The installation comprises a bicycle, and old-fashioned loudspeaker, and a light box. A small showcase presents The Exploration of Cosmic Space by Means of Reaction Devices, a book by Tsiolkovsky, a photograph featuring Tsiolkovsky riding a bicycle. Benches are set along the wall in the dark part of the room with girls, 8 or 12 of them, sitting on the benches wearing traditional Russian costumes.

The bicycle is raised above the floor on metal structures, its wheels do not touch the floor. An electricity generator is fixed on the luggage carrier of the bicycle. Visitors are offered to take the bicycle seat and to pedal. When pedaling speed exceeds a certain level, the loudspeaker starts to play Georgy Sviridov’s Time, Forward!, and then a plate featuring the sacramental phrase lights up on the opposite wall. A few moments later, when the speed is maximal, the music reaches crescendo, and the dancing team of girls starts dancing at once waving their shawls. The room is filled with jubilation.