Yuri Avvakumov: Red Galley, 1989-95, silk screen, 56 x 74 cm
On the occasion of the centennial of the October Revolution we are exhibiting a selection of works from the Arteast 2000+ collection by artists from the former Soviet Union, whose art is based on the avant-garde traditions of “Red October.” The concepts they employ in their works are related to the revolution and inspire them politically and aesthetically, being interpreted in light of the events and developments in the post-Soviet era.
One of watershed events of the 20th century, the October Revolution had long-term international consequences and impacted all segments of society, including the arts. Led by the Bolsheviks, workers overthrew the provisional government in 1917, establishing a new government of the working class. The revolution marked the beginning of a new era, not only in the history of the Soviet Union, but also more broadly – the dawn of socialism.
In these past few decades, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the wars in former Yugoslavia, the collapse of the regimes in Eastern Europe, and the global predominance of capitalism, little seems to remain of the ideas of communism. The globalized liberal system now seems to rule the world, with no real alternatives in sight. This makes it all the more important to not just repeat history today, but think about other, different models and utopias. And it is often artists who show us visions of a possible different world.
Exhibited artists:
Yuri Avvakumov
Chto delat
Alexandr Kosolapov
Vladimir Kupriyanov
Alexander Roitburd
Arsen Savadov
