Arts | Culture | History | Society & Politics
18+

CLUBS of the FUTURE. Common Spaces in Transitional Societies

CLUBS der ZUKUNFT. Gemeinsame Räume in Übergangsgesellschaften
Germany Berlin 2024 54

CLUBS of the FUTURE explores the legacy of communal spaces, particularly the Houses of Culture across Europe and the former GDR, as it reflects on contemporary practices of collectivity and reform. Emerging from research into the 1,800 GDR Houses of Culture—two-thirds of which were closed post-reunification—the project addresses the societal gaps exploited by right-wing groups. Featuring innovative workshop formats, the exhibition includes Ina Wudtke’s video Greif zur Feder (Grab a Pen), Andrea Pichl’s Klub Zukunft (Future Club), and Ming Wong’s KONTAKTHOPE. Highlighting future-oriented projects, it also showcases garden initiatives like Katya Gardea Browne’s A Floating Garden & Exchange of Seeds, emphasizing the ongoing negotiation of shared civic spaces in times of transition. More at https://www.clubsofthefuture.net/

Culture | History | Philosophy | Society & Politics
18+

GASTEV. How to Work

Гастев. Как надо работать
Russia Moscow 2019 66

The exhibition GASTEV. How to Work examines the profound influence of Alexey Gastev, a key figure in Soviet thought and the founder of the Central Institute of Labor (CIT). Gastev’s work in the 1920s and 1930s revolutionized labor practices through his development of scientific labor organization (NOT), blending Marxist ideology with avant-garde approaches to efficiency, biomechanics, and human-machine interaction. His theories sought to transform workers into precise, efficient elements of industrial production, reflecting the broader Soviet utopian vision of reshaping society through labor. The exhibition contextualizes Gastev’s role not just as an organizer but as a visionary whose ideas on human potential and mechanization resonate with contemporary discussions on automation and the future of work. Despite his execution during the Stalin’s Great Purge/Terror, Gastev’s legacy continues to provoke thought on the relationship between labor, politics, and the shaping of the modern human.
More at http://avantgarde.center/gastev (in Russian only)

Arts | Culture | History | Music | Society & Politics
18+

Notes from the Underground. Art and Alternative Music in Eastern Europe 1968-1994

Underground und Improvisation. Alternative Musik und Kunst nach 1968
Germany Berlin 2018 56

The exhibition Notes from the Underground. Art and Alternative Music in Eastern Europe 1968–1994 examines the intersection of underground music and visual arts under communist regimes in Eastern Europe. It highlights how rock, punk, and new wave music, alongside performance art, fashion, and film, became tools of countercultural expression against state control. In response to censorship and scarcity, artists and musicians created homemade instruments, produced Samizdat magazines, and distributed recordings. The exhibition underscores the role of improvisation and irony in resisting authoritarianism, with works from Poland, Yugoslavia, the Soviet Union, and Czechoslovakia, offering a new perspective on how art and music intertwined as forms of dissent.

Arts | History | Philosophy
18+

If our soup can could speak: Mikhail Lifshitz and the Soviet Sixties

Если бы наша консервная банка заговорила… Михаил Лифшиц и советские шестидесятые
Russia Moscow 2018 59

The exhibition is dedicated to one of the most enigmatic, mysterious, and controversial philosophers of the USSR and his famous anthology of polemical texts, The Crisis of Ugliness, which criticizes the art of the 20th century. The retrospective showcases never presented before archive documents, Lifshitz’s texts, and artworks in ten interiors, each representing a milestone in the development of modernism or Lifshitz’s thought: 10 rooms – 10 stages of Soviet history – 10 knots in Lifshitz’s biography. The project is the first large-scale analysis attempt of the tense relationship between so-called progressive art and politics in the XX-XXI century.

Arts | Culture
12+

Alexander Grinberg. Movement. 1920s

Александр Гринберг. Движение. 1920-е годы
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.

 

 

Arts | Culture | Society & Politics
12+

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.

Arts
18+

History of the Photo Club “Riga”

Izstāde „Fotokluba „Rīga” Vēsture”
Latvia Riga 2017 45

In the early 1960s, photography emerged as a recognized art form, yet, in Latvia, it struggled for acceptance in traditional art spaces. The establishment of the Photo Club “Rīga” in 1962 marked a pivotal moment, fostering a vibrant community that embraced photography’s artistic potential. This collective became a vital force in shaping the perception of art photography both locally and globally, drawing in visionary talents who pushed creative boundaries. The club’s ongoing legacy reflects not just the evolution of photography as an art form but also its enduring relevance within contemporary Latvian culture. As it adapts to new challenges and styles, the Photo Club remains a cherished cornerstone, celebrating its historical impact while inspiring future generations of photographers.

Arts | Culture | History | Society & Politics
18+

Revolved Revolutions. On the occasion of centenary of the Great October Socialist Revolution

Рулевые революции. К 100-летию Великой Октябрьской социалистической революции
Russia Moscow 2017 47

The exhibition illuminates the profound influence of the Great October Revolution on Eastern art. Featuring over 100 works from Soviet Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, China, and Vietnam, the exhibition showcases a rich tapestry of artistic expressions—embroideries, posters, paper cutouts, and more—that reflect a unique amalgamation of local traditions and Soviet ideologies. Visitors will encounter the cult of personality through portraits of revolutionary leaders, discover the vibrant propaganda posters that redefined societal roles, and engage with stunning engravings depicting the industrial ambitions of China. This exhibition not only highlights the artistic responses to political shifts but also serves as a testament to the complex legacy of the Russian Revolution, revealing how hope, trauma, and cultural identity were woven into the fabric of artistry across nations. Many of these pieces are being showcased to the Russian public for the first time in decades, offering fresh insights into this historical narrative.

Arts | Culture | History
16+

Agitprop Trains

Агитпоезда
Russia Moscow 2018 55

The exhibition delves into a groundbreaking aspect of Russian cultural history birthed from the revolution—mobile propaganda trains. These unique vehicles served as a fusion of art and technology, transforming into vibrant mobile platforms that combined exhibitions, theater, libraries, and cinema on wheels. Launched in 1918 under the directive of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee, these trains traversed vast distances, reaching from Odessa to Irkutsk and engaging communities with their painted exteriors and rich artistic content. Supervised by renowned graphic artist Ignatiy Nivinsky, the trains featured contributions from a diverse array of artists, blending Symbolism with early avant-garde ideas. This exhibition promises an in-depth exploration of their socio-political significance during the Civil War, showcasing archival photos, posters, and various artifacts that capture the ethos of an era where art became instrumental in uniting and inspiring a nation.

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