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

As the last generation of underground artists in the Soviet Union and the first on the post-Soviet scene, Moscow conceptualists provide 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.Offering a counter-narrative to the tradition of Socialist Realism that dominates Soviet art history, this book provides insight into the production and activism of the experimental artists that worked in Moscow during this watershed moment in Russian history.Based on extensive original research and in-depth interviews with the original artists, 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 indepen