Culture | History | Society & Politics
12+

“Heart of a Dog” : Adventures of a Banned Book. A Monstrous Story

"Собачье сердце" : Приключения запрещенной книги. Чудовищная история
Russia Moscow 2019 75

The exhibition Heart of a Dog: Adventures of a Banned Book. A Monstrous Story delves into the provocative themes of banned literature, spotlighting the cultural ripples caused by censorship. Through a compelling blend of visual art and literary references, this showcase invites visitors to reflect on the power of words and the resilience of artistic expression. By intertwining the narrative of Mikhail Bulgakov’s infamous novella with contemporary artistic interpretations, the exhibition not only celebrates the defiance against oppression but also fosters a dialogue on freedom and creativity in our modern world.

Arts | Culture
12+

Mikhail Grachev. Soviet Daily Life. 1930s—1960s

Михаил Грачёв. Советская повседневная жизнь. 1930–1960-е годы
Russia Moscow 2019 62

In Mikhail Grachev. Soviet Daily Life. 1930s—1960s through an array of photographs, artifacts, and multimedia installations, attendees are invited to experience the complexities of everyday existence during a transformative era in Russian history. The exhibition captures the interplay of culture, politics, and personal narratives, reflecting how art and design were interwoven into the fabric of daily routines — from the bustling streets to communal celebrations. By showcasing both the mundane and the extraordinary, the exhibition offers a unique lens on how people lived, worked, and dreamt in a time of significant socio-political change, encouraging visitors to ponder the lasting impact of this period on contemporary society and culture.

Arts | Culture
12+

Augury of Cosmos

Предчувствие космоса
Russia Moscow 2018 78

The exhibition Augury of Cosmos showcases the innovative works of contemporary artists, who masterfully blend traditional techniques with modern themes to explore the complexities of human experience. Through a diverse array of mediums, including painting and installation, viewers engage with the interplay of memory, identity, and the passage of time. Thought-provoking pieces challenge conventional narratives, encouraging a dialogue between the past and present. This exhibition not only highlights unique artistic vision but also serves as a reflection on the broader cultural landscape, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the evolution of contemporary art.

Arts | Culture | History
12+

Nissky. Horizon

Нисский. Горизонт
Russia Moscow 2018 56

Nissky. Horizon is a compelling exhibition at the Institute of Russian Realistic Art that explores the intricate relationship between contemporary art and traditional Russian realism. Featuring a diverse array of artists, the exhibition invites viewers to engage with works that reflect on cultural heritage while pushing artistic boundaries. Each piece serves as a dialogue between past and present, showcasing how contemporary creators reinterpret classical themes and techniques. This fusion not only honors the legacy of Russian art but also challenges perceptions, encouraging a deeper understanding of identity and artistic expression in today’s globalized context. Through thought-provoking installations and evocative imagery, Nissky. Horizon celebrates the enduring relevance of realism in contemporary discourse.

Arts | Culture
12+

Implicit Modernism. Roman Babichev’s Collection. Part I.

Модернизм без манифеста. Часть 1. Собрание Романа Бабичева
Russia Moscow 2017 123

The exhibition presents Roman Babichev’s collection as a compelling exploration of Soviet modernism, challenged by decades of controversy surrounding the term due to the anti-formalist campaigns of the 1930s and Cold War ideological battles. Offering a fresh lens, the exhibition sheds light on the often-overlooked variety within Soviet art, breaking down entrenched stereotypes and revealing the interconnections among post-avant-garde communities active after the 1932 ban on creative associations. By emphasizing the nuanced expressions of these artists—whose declarations were rendered in their unique painting styles rather than explicit statements—the exhibition invites viewers to reassess the rich tapestry of Soviet artistic heritage through a symbolist perspective, encouraging a more multidimensional understanding of its evolving narrative.

Arts | Culture
12+

Implicit Modernism. Roman Babichev’s Collection. Part II.

Модернизм без манифеста. Часть 2. Ленинград. Собрание Романа Бабичева
Russia Moscow 2017 95

The exhibition presents Roman Babichev’s collection as a compelling exploration of Soviet modernism, challenged by decades of controversy surrounding the term due to the anti-formalist campaigns of the 1930s and Cold War ideological battles. Offering a fresh lens, the exhibition sheds light on the often-overlooked variety within Soviet art, breaking down entrenched stereotypes and revealing the interconnections among post-avant-garde communities active after the 1932 ban on creative associations. By emphasizing the nuanced expressions of these artists—whose declarations were rendered in their unique painting styles rather than explicit statements—the exhibition invites viewers to reassess the rich tapestry of Soviet artistic heritage through a symbolist perspective, encouraging a more multidimensional understanding of its evolving narrative.

History | Society & Politics
16+

“A” fell down, “B” is gone. Glossary of Soviet censorship. Censorship practices in the USSR from the first to the last day of the Soviet authorities

А упало, Б пропало. Словник советской цензуры. Цензурные практики в СССР с первых шагов советской власти и до последнего ее дня
Russia Moscow 2019 66

The exhibition serves as a poignant exploration of the pervasive and often absurd censorship that defined Soviet culture over 70 years. By navigating through the Russian alphabet—from the arrest of manuscripts to the Yauza tape recorder and the underground phenomenon of magnitizdat—visitors will uncover a narrative rich in both cruelty and resilience. Each letter unveils stories of meticulous scrutiny and cold repression, highlighting the complex interplay between censorship and state security, while also showcasing remarkable acts of civil defiance against artistic oppression. Enhanced by an array of documents, media, and artifacts, this exhibition invites you to explore the hidden layers of Soviet history and the power of creative expression that endeavored to resist the “red pencils” of authority.