Report by Marina Simakova: Russian Cosmism and the Present, followed by a screening of preliminary version of Anton Vidokle’s film, Immortality and Resurrection For All!

November 10, 8:00 pm

Social scientist, cultural critic, and doctoral candidate at the European University in St Petersburg, Marina Simakova will present a report that attempts to make sense of the recent resurgence of interest in Russian Cosmism, from both Russian and international artists and researchers. Simakova will explore how the futurological ideas of the Cosmists have been subject to new interpretations within the context of contemporary art, while taking a critical look at the adaptation of the Cosmist project for the present moment.

The presentation includes a screening of preliminary version of Immortality and Resurrection For All! — the final part of Anton Vidokle’s trilogy. The film is a meditation on a museum as the site of resurrection — a central idea for many Cosmist thinkers, scientists and avant-garde artists. Filmed at the State Tretiyakov Gallery, Moscow Zoological Museum, The Lenin Library and The Museum of Revolution, the film looks at museological and archival techniques of collection, restoration and conservation as a means of the material restoration of life, following an essay penned by Nikolai Fedorov on this subject in 1880s. The film follows a cast comprised of present-day followers of Fedorov, several actors, artists and a Pharaoh Hound that playfully enact a resurrection of a mummy, a close examination of Malevich’ Black Square, Rodchenko’s spacial constructions, taxidermied animals, artifacts of the Russian Revolution, skeletons, mannequins in tableau vivant-like scenes, in order to create a contemporary visualization for the poetry implicit in Fedorov’s writings.

Admission is free of charge, but seats are limited, so advance registration is requested.