“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.
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.
“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
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.
Why should you watch this?
Being familiar with censorship practices is crucial in today’s increasingly polarized society, where issues of free speech and artistic expression are under threat globally. In an era marked by social media scrutiny, fake news, and governmental overreach, understanding the historical context of censorship serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of our rights and liberties. This exhibition resonates with contemporary struggles against misinformation, the suppression of dissent, and the erosion of trust in media and government institutions. By delving into the past, viewers gain insights into the tactics used to stifle voices and the importance of civil resistance. Thus, this tour becomes not just a historical observation, but a call to action, encouraging us to safeguard freedom of expression and advocate for a culture where diverse narratives can flourish without fear of repercussion in our modern landscape.