MEMORY REANIMATION

The exhibition of world famous Polish artist Miroslaw Balka,

FRAGMENT is held at two venues  in Moscow, in the NCCA and Winzavod Centre of Contemporary Art , as a part of the 5th Moscow Biennial of Contemporary Art.

To tell the truth, I was skeptical about this exhibition.

Miroslaw Balka in his art chose  the line of a reminder about far past events. Like many other contemporary Polish artists, writers, directors are speculating on the theme of persecution of the Jews and the concentration camps during the Second World War.

The artist was born in 1958 year, 13 years after war. He  hasn't personal experience about how it was in reality.

On my view, there is only one way to make exhibit alive and touching, to have personal connection with theme.

What artist personal emotions forces him again and again return to the events of bygone?

He said about it following:

«In 1942, from Otwock 8,000 Jews were deported in one day, it is 75 percent of the city population. When I was in high school, we were not told about it. Only after 1989, began to talk about it openly. I felt ashamed, that I know so little about this event, the shame for my parents, who never spoke to me about it».[1]

So the shame inspired the artist for creation. It's sounds catchy.

In his interview, he mentioned, that for contemporary society it's important don't forget the terrible moments in history. I agree with this  statement, but there is Jewish Museum for this purpose. 

What artist without personal attitude could add to historical information? Soul?

So answer is : yes, it's soul.

I changed my skeptical opinion after visiting his exhibit.

It is sensitive and thought-provoking project.

The artist uses the minimalistic images, repeating fragments that become the starting point of spectator’s associative series, immersing him into the fear and horror.

It is a pure idea, without unnecessary details, which is enough for understanding.

There are no name plates and detailed descriptions. Just empty, dark and cold Winzavod’s basement  spaces.

Video projected on the floor or wall, becoming the only spot that attracts attention.

It's clear design and intelligent organized space, created to touch the heart of audience.

I recommend to visit this exhibit , it's open until 17 of November.

Danilya Khutbeeva 
IAD, Level 4
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[1] http://www.ncca.ru/news.text?filial=2&id=863