GASTEV. How to Work
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)
Why should you watch this?
If our soup can could speak: Mikhail Lifshitz and the Soviet Sixties
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.
Why should you watch this?
This exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in the deep connections between art, politics, and society. Lifshitz’s The Crisis of Ugliness offers a rare Soviet critique of modernism, challenging Cubism and Pop Art in ways that still resonate today. The exhibition’s exploration of these ideas through archival materials, artworks, and Lifshitz’s own writings sheds light on the complex relationship between avant-garde art and political ideology. In a time of global crisis, Lifshitz’s critiques are more relevant than ever, inviting viewers to reconsider the role of art in shaping social consciousness.
From Kerenkа to Sovznak: Money and Revolution
Russia
Saint Petersburg
2017
38
The exhibition invites viewers into the intricate narrative of Russia’s monetary evolution during a time of upheaval. It explores the profound impact of the 1917 revolution on currency, showcasing how money served as both a reflection and catalyst of societal change. Visitors can discover unique artifacts, many on display for the first time, organized into sections such as “Stable Ruble,” “Money and War,” and “The New Economic Policy.” Highlights include the first “Kerensky” notes, designs featuring Marx, and the initial Soviet currency.
Why should you watch this?
This exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal period in Russian history, exploring how currency reflects the societal upheavals of the early 20th century. It presents unique artifacts, many on public display for the first time, showcasing the evolution of money from the stable ruble to revolutionary currencies. Each section meticulously details the impact of World War I and the 1917 revolution on the monetary system, featuring highlights like the iconic “Kerensky” notes and innovative designs for Soviet currency. This exploration not only reveals the artistic and political significance of currency but also connects past struggles with contemporary economic debates, making it a thought-provoking experience for anyone interested in history, art, or economics.