Russia
Moscow
2018
90
Russian
English, Russian
In a nutshell
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.
Curators(s)
Andrey Egorov
BioAndrei Egorov is an art historian, an esteemed curator, and the head of the research department at the Moscow Museum of Contemporary Art (MMOMA). In addition to his roles at the museum, he is also recognized as a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Arts. He graduated from the Department of History and Theory of Art at Moscow State University in 2006. Since then, he has dedicated himself to art curation, and his various curatorial projects have spanned a wide range of topics, encompassing from avant-garde to contemporary digital art. His work reflects a commitment to fostering dialogue between different generations of artists and highlighting the significance of evolving art forms in today’s cultural landscape.
Artist(s)
Haim Sokol
BioHaim Sokol is a Russian-Israeli artist currently based in Israel, specializing in installations, sculpture, video, and performance art. Born in 1973 in Archangelsk, Russia, his work delves into themes of alienation, isolation, and the breakdown of relationships in contemporary society. Sokol employs archives and personal documents to reflect on 20th-century history through individual narratives, grappling with concepts of historical memory within today’s sociopolitical climate. A graduate of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and the Moscow Institute of Contemporary Art, Sokol has exhibited in prestigious venues such as the Tretyakov State Gallery and the Moscow Museum of Modern Art. His international participation includes the 2nd Kyiv Biennial and the 1st Indian Biennale in Kochi-Muziris. Recognized for his contributions, he is a nominee for the Innovation Prize and the Kandinsky Prize, and received the Special Stella Art Foundation Prize in 2009. Additionally, he teaches at the Rodchenko School of Photography and Multimedia in Moscow.
