Gaiety is the Most Outstanding Feature of the Soviet Union

21 Nov 2012-9 Jun 2013

Overview

“Gaiety is the Most Outstanding Feature of the Soviet Union” takes its name from a quote by Joseph Stalin and provides a large survey of work by an exciting group of 20 artists who have recently emerged in Russia. Rather than promising a state of joyful exuberance the paintings, sculptures, photographs and installations by these artists focus on the complexities of present day Russia. Formed in the wake of the break-up of the Soviet Union, this group explores Russia’s past, present and possible future from very diverse perspectives, which range from slap-stick humour to gritty realism. Gaiety is the Most Outstanding Feature of the Soviet Union is set to play a key role in shaping our understanding of the work of this young group of artists, who have absorbed many aspects of contemporary life in Russia and chosen very individual ways to communicate this; showing extraordinary talent and energy through an array of arresting, compelling and powerful images and objects.