History of the Photo Club “Riga”
Latvia
Riga
2017
45
In the early 1960s, photography emerged as a recognized art form, yet, in Latvia, it struggled for acceptance in traditional art spaces. The establishment of the Photo Club “Rīga” in 1962 marked a pivotal moment, fostering a vibrant community that embraced photography’s artistic potential. This collective became a vital force in shaping the perception of art photography both locally and globally, drawing in visionary talents who pushed creative boundaries. The club’s ongoing legacy reflects not just the evolution of photography as an art form but also its enduring relevance within contemporary Latvian culture. As it adapts to new challenges and styles, the Photo Club remains a cherished cornerstone, celebrating its historical impact while inspiring future generations of photographers.
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Nicholas Roerich. Sanctuaries and Citadels
Russia
Moscow
2018
108
N.K. Roerich’s exhibition unveils over 80 captivating works inspired by his 1925 Central Asian expedition. With an extraordinary blend of majestic mountain landscapes, Buddhist monasteries, and formidable fortresses, Roerich crafts a compelling narrative of heroism and spiritual pursuit that transcends cultural boundaries. His pieces celebrate the sacredness of labor and the enduring human spirit, evoking a universal call to courage and resilience. Roerich’s unique style, characterized by what can be termed “epic realism,” draws upon his deep understanding of history, folklore, and religious traditions.
Why should you watch this?
N.K. Roerich’s “Shrines and Strongholds” resonates powerfully in today’s world, where themes of resilience, spirituality, and cultural identity are increasingly vital. As modern society redefines spirituality Roerich’s exploration of heroism and the sacred nature of labor offers a poignant reflection on the indomitable human spirit that transcends boundaries of faith and nationality. His majestic depictions of mountain landscapes and spiritual sites serve as symbols of hope, encouraging us to aspire for personal and collective growth. Roerich’s emphasis on courage and the potential for spiritual feats invites contemporary audiences to recognize the shared human experience and the transformative power of art as a catalyst for understanding. The exhibition not only honors Roerich’s legacy but also inspires a renewed dialogue about courage, identity, and our interconnectedness in the global narrative.
Maya Schweizer – Voices
Germany
Munich
2020
43
Human perception of time often resembles a collage — fragmented and layered, shaped by memory and experience. Berlin-based artist Maya Schweizer captures this complexity through her unique language of short film. In her work, everyday spaces become carriers of memory, interweaving found footage, situational observations, and soundscapes to create immersive, multifaceted narratives. Schweizer’s art subtly explores the intricacies of cultural identity and the role individuals play as political actors, encouraging deeper reflection on how we engage with our surroundings and their embedded histories. In her solo exhibition Stimmen (Voices) at the Museum Villa Stuck, composed of 10 films spanning the past 14 years, Schweizer gives voice to those who have disappeared, recounting stories of violence, memory, and loss, particularly within the context of German history and Munich’s past. By blending personal and collective histories, her work oscillates between documentation and staged reality, using urban spaces as laboratories for examining overlapping historical layers. As viewers dive into the culture of remembrance, Schweizer uncovers new and often unsettling depths of human memory, sparking a reflection on the invisible ties between people, places, and their histories.
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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)
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Revolved Revolutions. On the Occasion of Centenary of the Great October Socialist Revolution
Russia
Moscow
2017
47
The exhibition illuminates the profound influence of the Great October Revolution on Eastern art. Featuring over 100 works from Soviet Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, China, and Vietnam, the exhibition showcases a rich tapestry of artistic expressions—embroideries, posters, paper cutouts, and more—that reflect a unique amalgamation of local traditions and Soviet ideologies. Visitors will encounter the cult of personality through portraits of revolutionary leaders, discover the vibrant propaganda posters that redefined societal roles, and engage with stunning engravings depicting the industrial ambitions of China. This exhibition not only highlights the artistic responses to political shifts but also serves as a testament to the complex legacy of the Russian Revolution, revealing how hope, trauma, and cultural identity were woven into the fabric of artistry across nations. Many of these pieces are being showcased to the Russian public for the first time in decades, offering fresh insights into this historical narrative.
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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.
BIG D@T@! BIG MON€Y!
Germany
Leipzig
2020
55
BIG D@T@! BIG MON€Y! is a bold, thought-provoking exhibition that explores the intersection of data, finance, and digitalization. Featuring seven artists and collectives, the works explore how our everyday digital footprints and the rise of cryptocurrencies are reshaping economies, identities, and power structures. Through projects like a speculative trading AI, a data-driven remake of classic art, and an analysis of the hidden infrastructure behind Amazon transactions, the exhibition sheds light on the often-invisible forces governing our digital lives. In an era of increasing surveillance and technological control, the exhibition raises critical questions about freedom, privacy, and the future of society.
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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.
Anthropocene Island. The Tallinn Architecture Biennale 2017
Estonia
Tallin
2017
68
The Tallinn Architecture Biennale (TAB) 2017delved into the future of urban environments through the lens of biotechnology and non-human-centered design. Curated by Prof. Claudia Pasquero, this fourth edition featured a diverse program comprising the Curatorial Exhibition, a thought-provoking symposium titled “Polycephalum City”, and the Tallinn Vision Competition, alongside satellite events like the Installation Programme exhibition and the bio.School showcase. Over two days, distinguished architects and researchers, including Mitchell Joachim and Rachel Armstrong, gathered to exchange insights on architecture’s intersection with biology and computation, envisioning cities as self-organizing systems. This Biennale not only highlighted innovative architectural practices but also prompted essential discussions on the evolving role of urban spaces in our rapidly changing world.
Why should you watch this?
In our current context, when climate change and urbanization demand urgent attention, it’s crucial to learn about the creative solutions sustainable architecture can provide. This exhibition serves as a vital platform to explore innovative solutions at the intersection of architecture, biology, and technology, emphasizing the importance of sustainable urban development. In today’s rapidly evolving society, where environmental crises impact our daily lives, understanding how cities can evolve into self-organizing entities is more relevant than ever. A guided tour illuminates the intricate relationships between human and non-human systems, fostering a deeper appreciation for how architecture can adapt to our ecological challenges. By engaging with expert interpretations, viewers can gain insight into the pressing issues of resilience, sustainability, and the ethical considerations of urban design, making this experience not only educational but transformative in our quest for a more sustainable future.