Globalization Meets National Identity

Today’s art world is becoming increasingly global, with biennales and multi-national exhibitions taking place across the globe.

The fusion of diverse ideas between nations continues to grow, yet national art organizations are seeing a rise, especially in non-Western regions like Latin America, China, and parts of Eastern Europe.

An exemplary foundation in this global shift is V-A-C, a private, not-for-profit art institution based in Moscow. With an international outlook, V-A-C also focuses on supporting local artists and art practices. This summer, the foundation is participating in the 13th Venice Architecture Biennale with a thought-provoking exhibition, The Way of Enthusiasts.

This exhibition showcases how contemporary artists’ work is deeply influenced by their cultural and national identities. Having worked under oppressive regimes and dealing with enforced ideologies, artists today are profoundly aware of their artistic heritage. The political and social landscape that has evolved over the years has created a thriving art scene that is both globally ambitious and rooted in local traditions. V-A-C artfully balances these tensions, offering international opportunities for emerging and established artists. The exhibition is curated by Silvia Franceschini and Katerina Chuchalina and takes a close look at the transformation of urban spaces, specifically the changing landscapes in modern-day cities.

Urban Spaces as a Canvas for Art and Protest

The growing international influence of the Occupy movement and the rise of urban protests aligns with recent political developments, making the exhibition timely. Public spaces have once again become areas for activism and observation. The use of urban settings not only serves as a foundation for artistic exploration but also highlights how flexible art is in today’s world. The exhibition integrates architectural elements that invite viewers to explore the intersection of art, architecture, and political change. Through this experimental approach, visitors can examine how art and architecture coexist within the same urban framework, bringing together the fragmented experiences of recent history.

The Legacy of a Lost Era

For many contemporary artists, their works speak to the enduring influence of the past, despite having grown up in a society far removed from it. Many artists, though not direct witnesses to earlier ideologies, reflect a nostalgia for the values and ideologies of a bygone era. This sentiment is explored in works by artists like Kirill Gluschenko, whose Gluschenkoizdat reimagines remnants of a lost reality. Gluschenko’s art bridges the gap between history and contemporary experience by blending photographs, old architecture magazines, and diaries, reconstructing memories that blur the lines between fact and fiction.

Art, Memory, and Social Reflections

The exhibition also emphasizes the significance of memory and the struggle to come to terms with the past. Works such as Dmitry Prigov’s Poet-a-grams celebrate the shift from oppression, turning propaganda into a form of poetic resistance. These typewritten pieces engage with the meaning of words, drawing attention to how language can obscure or reveal truths.

Xenia Sorokina and Maria Kapranova’s video installation, Vanishing Spaces, explores the impact of architecture and space on individual identity. By documenting the erosion of public art created during previous times, the work interrogates the shift in purpose and identity of public spaces over time. Through their work, Sorokina and Kapranova aim to recreate the forgotten spaces that once embodied a society's hopes and ideals.

Art as a Means of Navigating Urban Life

Vladimir Logutov’s video series Untitled offers a deep dive into the complexities of the post-Soviet cityscape. Filmed in his hometown, the work presents fragmented visuals of a city that is constantly evolving. Logutov's use of various filming techniques conveys a sense of disorientation, reflecting the juxtaposition of diverse landscapes within a city in transition. The project challenges viewers to examine their perceptions of the urban environment, highlighting the absurdities inherent in daily life.

Reimagining Public Space

Arseniy Zhilyaev’s installation, Untitled, takes a different approach to public art. His launderette installation invites viewers to interact with the work, breaking down the boundaries between art and everyday life. This participatory art reflects the tension between aesthetic ideals and practical realities, bridging the gap between art as an object and art as an experience.

Connecting the Global and the Local

While modern artists are more connected than ever to the global art scene, local traditions and the context of their environment remain essential to the creation of their work. The tension between international influences and local heritage continues to shape contemporary art. This exhibition serves as a reflection of how local traditions intersect with global movements, creating a dynamic and unique artistic landscape.

Dear Lykkers! This exhibition illustrates that while art may evolve, it remains deeply connected to the places and histories from which it originates. The ongoing dialogue between past and present, between local heritage and global influences, continues to shape and define contemporary art.