HOW TO SURVIVE ― Art as Survival Strategy | with Valérie Favre & Carina Plath
Germany
Hanover
2020
34
The group exhibition presents a compelling exploration of how art provides resilience in times of personal and societal crisis. The exhibition features works by renowned artists like Gustav Metzger, Shusaku Arakawa, and Alina Szapocznikow, each of whom faced extreme adversity and transformed their experiences into profound artistic statements. Whether addressing environmental destruction, illness, or existential threats, these artists used creativity as a means to survive and challenge the limits of human endurance. The exhibition emphasizes the power of art to propose alternative perspectives when the world seems trapped in binary thinking. By engaging with radical artistic responses to crisis, visitors are invited to reflect on how creativity can offer strength, hope, and new possibilities for navigating the uncertainties of modern life. Art, in this context, becomes more than expression — it becomes a strategy for survival and transformation.
Why should you watch this?
The exhibition tackles pressing issues like climate change, personal trauma, and social upheaval, and having a knowledgeable guide helps to bring those themes to life. It’s not just about admiring the art; it’s about understanding the stories and survival strategies that inspired each piece. This context makes the art resonate even more, helping you connect with the messages in a meaningful way. In a time when we’re all looking for ways to navigate challenges, a guided tour offers fresh insights that can spark reflection and inspire hope.
Alexander Grinberg. Movement. 1920s
Russia
Moscow
2019
53
Step back into the vibrant world of the 1920s with the Movement. 1920s exhibition, which captures the revolutionary spirit and artistic innovation of this transformative decade. Celebrating a surge of creativity across visual arts, architecture, and design, the exhibit showcases how artists challenged traditional norms and embraced new mediums and themes. Through a carefully curated selection of works and engaging installations, visitors can explore the interplay between art, politics, and society during a time marked by upheaval and change. From the bold geometries of constructivism to the experimental forms of avant-garde movements, Movement. 1920s invites audiences to witness how the decade laid the groundwork for contemporary art, illuminating the ongoing dialogue between past and present in the ever-evolving landscape of visual culture.
Why should you watch this?
This exhibition features a diverse array of works that reflect the pulse of a society in transformation — bold colors, experimental forms, and a celebration of motion that captures the zeitgeist of post-war optimism. Each piece invites the viewer to engage with the revolutionary ideas that shaped modern art, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the interplay between culture and creativity. It demonstrates how artists of the 1920s broke boundaries and redefined artistic expression, leaving an indelible mark on the contemporary landscape.
“Your Feedback is Very Important for Us”
Russia
Moscow
2018
47
The exhibition “Your review is very important to us” delves into the evolving landscape of reader engagement with classical literature, inviting visitors to explore how expressions of opinion have transformed from the 19th century to today’s digital era. Through a compelling blend of research by philologist Anna Gerasimova and innovative works from contemporary Russian artists, the show raises thought-provoking questions about the interplay between amateur reviews and literary criticism. Viewers will experience how machine learning interprets text, engage with an audio installation that echoes voices from the past and present, and even connect Nabokov’s correspondence to modern digital discourse.
Why should you watch this?
The exhibition “Your review is very important to us” holds significant relevance in today’s digital landscape, where reader voices and online reviews have transformed the way we engage with classical literature. In an age that celebrates individual expression, the show challenges traditional hierarchies of literary criticism by emphasizing the importance of personal perspectives alongside established viewpoints. It invites us to reflect on how technology, from machine learning to social media, reshapes our interaction with texts and broadens our understanding of art and literature. By highlighting the dynamic relationship between modern readers, artists, and classical works, this exhibition not only redefines the role of the audience in literary discourse but also underscores the importance of diverse interpretations in a cultural dialogue increasingly shaped by digital platforms.
HOW TO SURVIVE ― Art as Survival Strategy | with Jean-Pascal Flavien & Carina Plath
Germany
Hanover
2020
31
The group exhibition presents a compelling exploration of how art provides resilience in times of personal and societal crisis. The exhibition features works by renowned artists like Gustav Metzger, Shusaku Arakawa, and Alina Szapocznikow, each of whom faced extreme adversity and transformed their experiences into profound artistic statements. Whether addressing environmental destruction, illness, or existential threats, these artists used creativity as a means to survive and challenge the limits of human endurance. The exhibition emphasizes the power of art to propose alternative perspectives when the world seems trapped in binary thinking. By engaging with radical artistic responses to crisis, visitors are invited to reflect on how creativity can offer strength, hope, and new possibilities for navigating the uncertainties of modern life. Art, in this context, becomes more than expression — it becomes a strategy for survival and transformation.
Why should you watch this?
The exhibition tackles pressing issues like climate change, personal trauma, and social upheaval, and having a knowledgeable guide helps to bring those themes to life. It’s not just about admiring the art; it’s about understanding the stories and survival strategies that inspired each piece. This context makes the art resonate even more, helping you connect with the messages in a meaningful way. In a time when we’re all looking for ways to navigate challenges, a guided tour offers fresh insights that can spark reflection and inspire hope.
Human Condition. Session III. “Time And Senses”: Trauma, Memory, Oblivion, Knowledge. Exhibition “The Haunted House”
Russia
Moscow
2018
95
The Human Condition exhibition, a thought-provoking exploration of contemporary art that delves into the complexities of human experience. This showcase features a diverse collection of works that challenge perceptions and provoke dialogue about identity, society, and the emotional landscape of modern life. Each piece serves as a mirror, reflecting the multifaceted nature of existence in today’s world. Through innovative mediums and striking visuals, the artists invite viewers to engage deeply with themes of vulnerability, connection, and resilience. This exhibition is not just a display of art; it’s an immersive journey that encourages introspection and a deeper understanding of what it means to be human in an ever-evolving society.
Why should you watch this?
А thought-provoking contemporary art exhibition that delves into the intricacies of identity and societal dynamics in our rapidly changing world. This collection brings together diverse artists whose works challenge perceptions and provoke dialogue about what it means to be human today. Through innovative mediums and poignant narratives, the exhibition invites viewers to reflect on personal and collective experiences, making it an essential exploration for anyone interested in the intersections of art, culture, and self. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with pieces that resonate deeply with our shared humanity, encouraging both introspection and conversation. Experience art that speaks to the heart of contemporary life — your perspective might just change.
Nautilus – Snails, Shells, and Mollusks in Photography
Germany
Berlin
2018
68
The exhibition delves deep into the captivating world of shells and snails as seen through the lenses of iconic modern photographers like Edward Weston and Imogen Cunningham. This pioneering showcase assembles a rich tapestry of images, tracing humanity’s longstanding fascination with these natural forms—from their mathematical elegance to their cosmic symbolism. Grounded in Alfred Ehrhardt’s seminal works, including his influential books “Muscheln und Schnecken” and “Geprägte Form,” the exhibition also highlights the intersection of art and science, featuring innovative techniques like X-ray photography and the New Objectivity movement. Beyond mere visual appeal, the show offers an exploration of cultural significance, inviting viewers to reflect on the beauty and complexity of these “structural forms in nature,” culminating in the screening of Ehrhardt’s award-winning film “Tanz der Muscheln.”
Why should you watch this?
The exhibition at the Alfred Ehrhardt Foundation serves as a timely reminder of the profound connection between art, nature, and cultural history, inviting contemporary audiences to reflect on our relationship with the natural world. In an era increasingly defined by technology and rapid change, this exploration of shells and snails highlights the enduring allure of organic forms, encouraging a return to appreciation for the intricate beauty found in nature. By showcasing how modern photographers have captured these motifs—often imbued with deep symbolic significance—the exhibition underscores the relevance of natural elements in contemporary art and design, prompting discussions about sustainability and the need for mindful engagement with our environment. Furthermore, the intersection of art and science represented in this collection resonates with current dialogues on ecological awareness, reminding us that aesthetic appreciation can foster a deeper understanding of the world we inhabit.
TIME FOR OUTRAGE! Art in Times of Social Anger | Feminism
Germany
Dusseldorf
2020
23
Can anger and rage be justified in a world riddled with oppression and inequality? Are these emotions destructive forces or vital catalysts for social change? As democracy faces crises and populism gains ground globally, these questions have sparked renewed debate. Contemporary artists have responded, using their work to navigate and challenge the pressing issues of our time.
The exhibition ‘Time for Outrage!’ in Düsseldorf explores these questions through six thematic blocks: Right-wing Shift, Trumpism, Protest, Postcolonialism, Feminism, and Discrimination. Across a diverse range of mediums — including installations, drawings, paintings, sculptures, photography, and video art — 40 international artists immerse viewers in the visceral realms of protest, social dissent, and public anger. The exhibition doesn’t just present anger as a raw emotion; it portrays it as a vehicle for dialogue, resistance, and empowerment in the face of systemic injustice.
A substantial portion of the works on display come from the collection of entrepreneur and collector Florian Peters-Messer, whose commitment to socially engaged art amplifies the urgent messages these pieces convey.
Why should you watch this?
KOMAR & MELAMID
Russia
Moscow
2019
135
KOMAR & MELAMID delves into the fusion of art and ideology, spotlighting the pioneering duo known for their satirical takes on Soviet culture. This exhibition showcases their innovative approach to ‘Sots Art,’ a movement that critiques the socialist aesthetic while playfully engaging with the political and commercial landscapes of the 20th century. Through a diverse array of works, including paintings, installations, and conceptual pieces, Komar and Melamid invite viewers to reconsider the purpose and function of art in society. Their collaboration challenges traditional boundaries, marrying humor with profound sociopolitical commentary—a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art’s dialogue with history and culture.
Why should you watch this?
This exhibition represents the place where art meets incisive commentary on society and culture. This dynamic duo takes you on a journey through the playful yet poignant realm of Sots Art, characterized by a mix of humor and critique. Their works challenges normative ideals and question the role of art under Soviet influence, making it both a historical exploration and a contemporary dialogue. By engaging with their art, you’ll uncover layers of meaning about ideological constructs, consumerism, and identity. It’s a unique opportunity to reflect on how these themes continue to resonate today. Experience firsthand how Komar and Melamid’s innovative spirit invites a critical look at the world around us — ensuring you walk away with new insights and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of art.
Train Arrival
Russia
Moscow
2018
56
“Arrival of the Train” is a captivating exhibition that unites over a hundred artistic works from both Russian and international creators, celebrating the train’s rich cultural significance as a harbinger of change and progress. It delves into the multifaceted roles of trains throughout history—from transformative technological marvels to poignant symbols in art—inviting viewers to journey through time and space. Showcasing everything from the historic funeral train of Lenin to the nostalgic echoes of the Trans-Siberian Railway, the exhibition highlights the train’s enduring impact on civilization and its power as a vessel for communication and innovation, ultimately crafting a shared narrative that connects cultures and eras in a uniquely dynamic way.
Why should you watch this?
The tour offers profound insights into our rapidly changing social landscape. In an era marked by globalization, technological advancement, and environmental challenges, the train serves as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of cultures and the migration of ideas. The exhibition elevates the experience, providing expert interpretations that illuminate how the train symbolizes not only progress but also the historical traumas associated with industrialization and modernization. As society grapples with issues like climate change, urbanization, and the quest for sustainable mobility, this exhibition invites reflection on our past and present relationship with transportation and technology. Engaging with these themes alongside knowledgeable curators allows viewers to critically assess their own narratives and environmental footprints, fostering a deeper connection to both art and contemporary global issues.