Switzerland
Basel
2019
41
Russian
English, Russian
In a nutshell
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.
Curators(s)
Anette Gehrig
BioAnette Gehrig has held the position of director and curator at the Cartoonmuseum Basel – Center for Narrative Art since 2008. Throughout her tenure, she has curated exhibitions featuring renowned artists such as Robert and Aline Kominsky-Crumb, Blutch, Catherine Meurisse, Christoph Niemann, Joe Sacco, Chris Ware, and Joost Swarte, among others. She’s also an accomplished author of numerous publications on art history. Anette’s work at the Cartoonmuseum Basel encompasses the full spectrum of narrative art, exploring interconnected fields like animation and fine art. Her exhibitions reflect a passion for exploring the rich tapestry of storytelling through visual mediums.
Artist(s)
Victoria Lomasko
BioVictoria Lomasko (b. 1978) is a Russian artist who lived in Moscow until March 2022. A graduate of Moscow State University of Printing Arts, her graphic illustration practice encompasses novels, journalism, comics, paintings, and murals. Notably, her graphic novel Other Russias won the Pushkin House Prize in 2018 and was recognized by The Guardian as one of the best books for understanding contemporary Russia. Lomasko’s work, characterized by a blend of direct reportage and magical realism, reflects the voices of marginalized communities. She has exhibited globally, including recent solo shows at the Santa Giulia Museum in Italy (2022) and Edel Assanti in London (2023). Her work has appeared in Art in America, GQ, and The New Yorker, and is included in notable public collections, such as the Reina Sofia in Madrid and the National Centre for Contemporary Arts in Moscow. Now based in Berlin, Lomasko continues to explore themes of resistance and social justice through her art.
