Russia
Moscow
2017
95
Russian
English, Russian
In a nutshell
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.
Why should you watch this?
The exhibition challenges prevailing narratives about art and encourages critical engagement with the complexities of cultural identity. In a time when discussions about artistic censorship, identity politics, and the role of art in society are more pertinent than ever, this exhibition provides a vital platform to explore how historical legacies shape contemporary artistic expressions. By delving into the often-misunderstood facets of Soviet modernism, viewers will uncover important parallels with current global movements calling for the recognition of marginalized voices and the reevaluation of entrenched ideologies. The guided experience not only enriches understanding of the artwork but also fosters a dialogue about the role of art as a form of resistance and expression in addressing modern societal challenges.
Curators(s)
Nadia Plungian
BioNadezhda Plungian is an art historian with a Candidate of Art History degree, specializing in Soviet and contemporary art. From 2009 to 2019, she was a senior researcher at the State Institute for Art Studies in Moscow and served as the editor of the Art section on Colta.ru from 2017 to 2021. A member of the New Moscow association since 2017, she was the lead curator for the exhibition Modernism Without Manifestos at the Moscow Museum of Modern Art and curated Wandering Stars: Soviet Jewry in Prewar Art in 2021. Plungian has co-curated several notable exhibitions, including Surrealism in the Land of the Bolsheviks (2017) and VKhUTEMAS 100. The School of the Avant-Garde (2020) at the Museum of Moscow. Since 2019, she has taught at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow, where she continues to live and work. Plungian’s Telegram channel: https://t.me/privateXXI
