Abdellatif Laâbi: A Poet Passes Through
Morocco
Rabat
2024
11
A Poet Passes Through celebrates the expansive world of Abdellatif Laâbi, the Moroccan writer, poet, and painter, at the Mohammed VI Museum in Rabat. This exhibition explores Laâbi’s rich and engaged body of work, presenting him as a voice for a generation seeking meaning through art. It unveils the creative spirit of an era, featuring literary works, archival documents, paintings, and videos that trace his journey and reveal his less-known facet as a painter. A significant focus is the groundbreaking Souffles review, co-founded by Laâbi, which profoundly transformed Moroccan culture and liberated minds. Visitors will discover how one artist’s vision and intellectual struggle historically shaped artistic expression and continue to resonate today, offering a unique insight into a life dedicated to creative impact.
Why should you watch this?
A Poet Passes Through speaks directly to questions of voice, memory, and cultural freedom. Abdellatif Laâbi’s journey — from the radical energy of Souffles to the intimacy of his paintings — shows how words and images can both confront oppression and nurture renewal. The exhibition reveals the texture of a life lived in dialogue with history, where poetry became protest and later painting carried a quieter, but no less powerful, resonance. To watch it is to sense how one artist’s struggle for expression connects with ongoing searches for dignity and meaning, making Laâbi’s work as urgent as it is timeless.
Sergiy Bratkov. My Brother’s Cats | Curatorial Introduction with Annegret Laabs
Germany
Magdeburg
2024
25
Sergiy Bratkov (b. 1960) is renowned for his radically unsettling and striking photographs that, beneath their vivid surface, present an unflinching report on societal conditions. Like other members of the “Kharkiv School of Photography,” his work over the past 30 years has focused on social photography. In spring 2022, the Ukrainian artist, who had been living in Moscow since 2004, emigrated to Berlin. His recent work, previously centered on outdated Soviet-era clichés and the brash new capitalism of post-Soviet Ukraine, has now been sharply refocused by the brutal realities of the ongoing war.
In this exhibition, Bratkov presents new cycles of images and videos created since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The once ironic observer has transformed into a reflective analyst, confronting the horrors of war in his former homeland. His new works grapple with this trauma while resisting the pull of hopelessness.
Why should you watch this?
Sergiy Bratkov. My Brother’s Cats | Immersive Artist Tour
Germany
Magdeburg
2024
43
Sergiy Bratkov (b. 1960) is renowned for his radically unsettling and striking photographs that, beneath their vivid surface, present an unflinching report on societal conditions. Like other members of the “Kharkiv School of Photography,” his work over the past 30 years has focused on social photography. In spring 2022, the Ukrainian artist, who had been living in Moscow since 2004, emigrated to Berlin. His recent work, previously centered on outdated Soviet-era clichés and the brash new capitalism of post-Soviet Ukraine, has now been sharply refocused by the brutal realities of the ongoing war.
In this exhibition, Bratkov presents new cycles of images and videos created since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The once ironic observer has transformed into a reflective analyst, confronting the horrors of war in his former homeland. His new works grapple with this trauma while resisting the pull of hopelessness.
Why should you watch this?
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?
Raqs Media Collective. Everything Else is Ordinary
Germany
Dusseldorf
2018
97
Why should you watch this?
The Raqs Media Collective’s exploration of time as a force shaping human experience offers a profound critique of how society functions under capitalism. Their works challenge traditional notions of time, revealing its role in regulating life and framing historical narratives. By dismantling these fixed interpretations, they invite audiences to rethink the ways time is measured, experienced, and manipulated. In doing so, their practice merges art, history, and philosophy, making their work a compelling reflection on the rhythms that shape our individual and collective existence.
Katrin Nenasheva. Between Here and There: Stories of City Isolations
Russia
Moscow
2017
50
Between Here and There: Stories of Urban Isolation is an exhibition by Katrin Nenasheva that explores the lives of individuals permanently isolated in psychiatric institutions. In her performance, Nenasheva traversed city streets wearing virtual reality glasses displaying panoramic images from these institutions, highlighting the barriers that separate their world from ours. She engaged with the public in various locations, including the subway and Red Square, inviting them to experience her perspective and share the motivations behind her work. The exhibition presents documentation of her journey, allowing visitors to engage with virtual reality themselves, fostering a dialogue between “here” and “there.” This immersive experience encourages reflection on societal isolation and connection.
Why should you watch this?
Katrin Nenasheva’s exhibition Between Here and There: Stories of Urban Isolation offers a profound exploration of the often-overlooked lives of individuals in psychiatric institutions. By donning virtual reality glasses that display panoramic views of these spaces, Nenasheva creates a striking connection between the isolated and the public, inviting visitors to step into her shoes as she navigates familiar urban landscapes. This immersive performance, paired with documentation of her interactions in locations like the subway and Red Square, blurs the lines between separation and engagement. Through this unique experience, attendees are encouraged to confront their perceptions of mental health, societal isolation, and human connection, prompting vital conversations about empathy and understanding in our communities.
KOMAR & MELAMID
Russia
Moscow
2019
135
KOMAR & MELAMID delves into the fusion of art and ideology, spotlighting the pioneering duo known for their satirical takes on Soviet culture. This exhibition showcases their innovative approach to ‘Sots Art,’ a movement that critiques the socialist aesthetic while playfully engaging with the political and commercial landscapes of the 20th century. Through a diverse array of works, including paintings, installations, and conceptual pieces, Komar and Melamid invite viewers to reconsider the purpose and function of art in society. Their collaboration challenges traditional boundaries, marrying humor with profound sociopolitical commentary—a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art’s dialogue with history and culture.
Why should you watch this?
This exhibition represents the place where art meets incisive commentary on society and culture. This dynamic duo takes you on a journey through the playful yet poignant realm of Sots Art, characterized by a mix of humor and critique. Their works challenges normative ideals and question the role of art under Soviet influence, making it both a historical exploration and a contemporary dialogue. By engaging with their art, you’ll uncover layers of meaning about ideological constructs, consumerism, and identity. It’s a unique opportunity to reflect on how these themes continue to resonate today. Experience firsthand how Komar and Melamid’s innovative spirit invites a critical look at the world around us — ensuring you walk away with new insights and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of art.
Agitprop Trains
Russia
Moscow
2018
55
The exhibition delves into a groundbreaking aspect of Russian cultural history birthed from the revolution—mobile propaganda trains. These unique vehicles served as a fusion of art and technology, transforming into vibrant mobile platforms that combined exhibitions, theater, libraries, and cinema on wheels. Launched in 1918 under the directive of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee, these trains traversed vast distances, reaching from Odessa to Irkutsk and engaging communities with their painted exteriors and rich artistic content. Supervised by renowned graphic artist Ignatiy Nivinsky, the trains featured contributions from a diverse array of artists, blending Symbolism with early avant-garde ideas. This exhibition promises an in-depth exploration of their socio-political significance during the Civil War, showcasing archival photos, posters, and various artifacts that capture the ethos of an era where art became instrumental in uniting and inspiring a nation.
Why should you watch this?
Watching a guided tour of this exhibition is particularly essential in today’s context, as it illuminates the enduring power of art as a vehicle for social change and collective identity. In a world increasingly fractured by division and misinformation, the exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of how creative expression can be mobilized to unite communities and convey critical messages. As contemporary society grapples with its own political upheavals, understanding the historical context of these mobile propaganda trains reveals the importance of merging various forms of media and art to engage the public constructively. This tour not only highlights the innovative spirit of artists who contributed to the movement but also encourages dialogue about the role of culture in shaping our narratives and responding to social challenges.
Victoria Lomasko. Other Russias
Switzerland
Basel
2019
41
Victoria Lomasko’s retrospective at Cartoonmuseum Basel invites viewers to engage deeply with her explorations of Russia’s marginalized communities. This vibrant exhibition showcases her striking murals and drawings, which intricately depict the lives of LGBT activists, sex workers, and migrant laborers. Through her keen observations and bold, expressive style, Lomasko highlights the social injustices and political repression faced by these groups.
Why should you watch this?
Victoria Lomasko’s retrospective at Cartoonmuseum Basel resonates profoundly with today’s global landscape of social justice and human rights. As she illuminates the lives of Russia’s marginalized communities, her work serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by those often overlooked in society. In a world increasingly confronted with issues of inequality, discrimination, and political repression, Lomasko’s murals and drawings act as both a testament to resilience and a call for advocacy. By capturing the essence of these lived experiences she invites audiences to reflect on the shared responsibility we hold in addressing injustices, igniting conversations that transcend borders. The exhibition serves as both a visual narrative and a call to action, reflecting her long-standing commitment to human rights advocacy. This exhibition underscores the enduring relevance of her work in fostering empathy and inspiring change in our contemporary era.