Revisiting Revolution

The Future Remains: Revisiting Revolution from the Calvert 22 Foundation, London, reflects on the nature of social upheaval and on the writing of history itself. Marking the centenary of the events in Russia 1917, described as the “ten days that shook the world”, the period is investigated as an undisputable turning point and a controversial phase in modern history. The foundation hosts a year-long season of exhibitions and seminars uncovering new perspectives on incidents that have been endlessly mythologised.

The programme begins with a series of monthly debates musing on the impacts of the revolution of aspects of everyday life. Starting by examining the social histories associated with the time, the organisation progresses to comment on how the episodes of 1917 evolved economic balance, gender relations and fashion. These discussions bring together political scientists, historians, economists and journalists for diverse and industry specific sessions. The debates question the relevance of the past era to present-day concerns, encompassing concerns from health care, equality and the role of culture in society. Furthermore, in April, a conference addressing the impact of 1917 on museums across the former Soviet Union provides audiences opportunities to critically reflect on the impact on gallery collections. “The Museum after the Revolution” asks how contemporary organisations display and interpret the chasm caused by 1917 and its aftermath.

The 12-month event is concluded with an exhibition by renowned conceptualist Dmitri Prigov. Theatre of Revolutionary Action is the first UK solo show and approaches the prolific and genre-defying oeuvre through the lens of the stage, focusing on a range of creative disciplines from installations, video, concrete poems and drawings. Running simultaneously with the display is Russian director Yuri Muravitsky’s version of Prigov’s Revolt, a piece which hovers between a play, performance and interactive work. The composition reflects the disorder of the 1980s, a time when the events of 1917 had lost their inherent terror. Also, as part of The Future Remains: Revisiting Revolution, a curated series of online essays and photo stories are published throughout the year, which future explore the topic of the rebellion and its social consequences.

The Future Remains: Revisiting Revolution, Calvert 22 Foundation, London. For more information, visit: www.calvert22.org/the-future-remains-revisiting-revolution

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Credits
1. Archival Image of the Winter Palace. Courtesy of The State Hermitage Museum.