The shocking truth about Russian art
Published 13 November, 2008, 03:55
The cream of Russia’s contemporary artists are battling it out for the Kandinsky Prize. The total prize money on offer is 50,000 euros, but for some artists, the real prize is to have their work displayed.
Some critics accuse the short-listed works of being heavily politicised; others say they simply lack taste. But one thing is sure: these installations and performances have not been censored; nor are they boring.
Following the trends set by modern art generally, contemporary Russian work favours high social engagement and responsibility.
Nostalgia for the Soviet past, consumer society and Russian neo-imperialism are among the top themes of this year’s competition.
“Throne” installation
Contemporary art is obviously social. One look at the huge “Throne” installation, with its double-headed eagle symbol, security cameras and a crown on top, leaves the viewer in no doubt about what artist Sergey Shekhovtsov meant to say – Big Brother’s watching you!.
For many, modern art works are not pleasing to the eye; you wouldn’t choose to decorate your house with them. They are provocative to the extent that some mothers would be reluctant to show them to their teenage daughters. Those used to traditional art forms turn their backs on this art with disgust.
“We understand the idea but can't bear the way the author shows it. Is there any need to make it so vulgar?” one female visitor to the exhibition asked.
This is a rhetorical question and her view is not shared by the prize organisers. The inclusion in the competition of a controversial work by the Siberian art duo “Blue Noses” demonstrates this. Their image of two policemen kissing each other caused outrage last year. More than that, the picture is among the favorites to win the prize.
Last year the then Culture Minister Andrey Sokolov banned “Kissing Policemen” being shown in Paris.
Other artists have also suffered misunderstanding at home.
A work by PG group was prevented from being shown in Russia or at a European exhibition last year. The artists say the Kandinsky Prize is the last hope that it will be seen in Russia. Their video installation features thousands of Chinese marching in Red Square and a dragon dominating the Mausoleum.
PG group project showing Chinese occupation
“We've just shown people's fears about a possible future where they see Chinese occupation or something. We think nothing about it ourselves, but people are talking about it,” one of art group said.
Diana Machulina's “Rubber Soul” features a Kremlin made of erasers – and her 'election pencils' have already gained popularity in the West. But only recently has she been exhibited in Russia. Her work was inspired by a story told to her by her friend working as a journalist in Ukraine.
“Ukraine is the second country, after the Czech Republic, where patients of psychiatric hospitals can vote. Once he was interviewing one of those patients on whether it's getting better, in comparison with the previous year, the patient answered that indeed it's getting much better, as they've finally been given pens instead of pencils,” Diana recalls.
Kandinsky Prize organizer, Shalva Breus, believes banning art works is a waste of time.
“I don't think by prohibiting art we can stimulate its development. We give equal rights to everybody. Talent is the only criteria,” he said.
The International jury has already been given a shortlist of 60 works chosen from 300 from all across Russia. That will be reduced to just three when the finals are held next month.
