GES-2

A Russian oligarch tasks Renzo Piano with the transformation of GES-2, a former power plant opposite the Kremlin, into a contemporary art space. Nastia Korkia’s debut boldly forgoes a chronological approach, yet still manages to convey a comprehensive narrative that conveys the unwieldy energy required to breathe life into this former industrial space. Over a period of five years, this wonderful documentary follows the construction workers, curators, artists and security guards as they offer us a peek into a space that resists logic, yet manages to function anyway. Humorous and without pretension, GES-2 is an engaging reminder of the transformative potential of art and architecture.