Haim Sokol. Testimony
Russia
Moscow
2018
90
Haim Sokol’s solo exhibition delves into the intricate interplay of memory and oblivion, offering a poignant exploration of individual narratives amidst historical upheaval. Blending documentary material with artistic expression, Sokol showcases a decade’s worth of work that includes videos in collaboration with migrant workers, a workshop dedicated to the art of protest, and a thought-provoking examination of “paper memory.” The exhibition features a rich tapestry of forms — drawings, performances, installations, and objects crafted from diverse materials such as metal, leather, and plastic — all converging around the central video installation “Testimony,” which poignantly recounts his father’s harrowing experiences in a ghetto during WWII. This compelling collection not only honors those marginalized in history but also ignites crucial conversations about identity, resilience, and the significance of personal testimonies in contemporary art.
Why should you watch this?
The guided tour provides a vital lens through which we can confront and reflect on pressing contemporary issues such as migration, displacement, and the struggle for recognition. In an era marked by increasing xenophobia and political polarization, Sokol’s exploration of marginalized voices and historical amnesia resonates deeply, urging us to confront our collective past and present. The guided tour offers insights that enrich our understanding of how memory shapes identity and informs socio-political discourse, making it particularly relevant as today’s world grapples with the consequences of both historical injustices and ongoing humanitarian crises. Engaging with Sokol’s work through a guided narrative not only enhances appreciation for the artistry involved but also emphasizes the urgency of empathy and awareness in combating societal erasure and advocating for the dignity of all individuals.
CLUBS of the FUTURE. Common Spaces in Transitional Societies
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/
Why should you watch this?
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?
HOW TO SURVIVE ― Art as Survival Strategy | with Carina Plath
Germany
Hannover
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.
Notes from the Underground. Art and Alternative Music in Eastern Europe 1968-1994
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.
Why should you watch this?
In a time where freedom of expression remains a contested issue, Notes from the Underground. Art and Alternative Music in Eastern Europe 1968–1994 draws vital parallels between past and present struggles against authoritarianism. By showcasing how rock, punk, and new wave music intertwined with visual arts to resist state control, the exhibition highlights the subversive power of creativity. From DIY instruments to Samizdat magazines, it captures the spirit of rebellion and improvisation that thrived under repressive regimes, making it a timely exploration of art’s role in confronting oppression and fueling collective resistance.