Moscow Conceptualism, 1975-1985: Words, Deeds, Legacies

Moscow conceptualists were the last generation of underground artists in the Soviet Union and the first on the post-Soviet scene, providing a unique point of view on the breakup of the USSR, the changing role of unofficial art in a repressive state, and the beginning of a new world order in both art and politics. Their work challenged the Soviet authorities, official doctrine, and other colleagues in the nonconformist art world, rejecting elitist notions about art for arts sake in favor of a more open, democratic, and ongoing dialogue about everyday concerns. Their embrace of humor, focus on the real meaning of words, and insistence on the importance of broad participation in the creation of art make them important models for the challenges of our own time.

Format: Hardback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Moscow conceptualists, the last generation of underground artists in the Soviet Union and the first on the post-Soviet scene, provide a unique perspective on the breakup of the USSR, the changing role of unofficial art in a repressive state, and the beginning of a new world order in both art and politics. This book offers insight into the production and activism of the experimental artists that worked in Moscow during this watershed moment in Russian history, challenging the Soviet authorities, official doctrine, and other colleagues in the nonconformist art world. Nicholas demonstrates how the work of these radical, unconventional artists challenged the Soviet authorities, official doctrine, and even other colleagues in the nonconformist art world. They rebelled against political and artistic restraints alike, turning everyday texts and engaged performances into powerful statements of creative independence and unrestrained imagination. Unlike many of their fellow dissenters, these artists rejected elitist notions about art for art's sake in favor of a more open, democratic, and ongoing dialogue about everyday concerns. Their embrace of humor, their focus on the real meaning of words, and their insistence on the importance of broad participation in the creation of art make these artists important models for the challenges of our own time. A crucial link between the revolutionary avant-garde and contemporary protest art, Moscow conceptualism offers lessons for activists under pressure from authoritarian regimes around the world. By highlighting the importance of laughter, imaginative outreach, and direct engagement with everyday citizens, this book presents fascinating evidence of the importance of humor, imaginative outreach, and direct engagement with everyday citizens in the creation of art.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350227866