Art, Science and Technology in Russia: current affairs and ambitions for the future (from institutional and artistic perspective)

Abstract

Experiments in art, science and technology in the cultural situation of post-Soviet Russia have been remaining relatively marginal area of contemporary art, education and cultural production. There were very few artists, no art institutions, education programs and almost no institutional support (normally we compare to European or Asian context). However starting around 2010 there has been a growing positive tendency that demonstrates significant shift from pioneer enthusiasm of 1990s to formation of artistic field of art, science and technology. We analyze this trend from institutional and artistic perspective considering cases of emerging programs and institutional activities (NCCA, Garage museum, Pushkin museum among others) as well as projects and visions of new and older generation of artists. Our research material is based on historical reconstruction, case studies and interviews with artists and curators. We also trace connections/references lines and comparisons between works of Russian and European artists as well as focusing on curatorial approaches and theoretical influence/foundations. Our report can be considered as “snapshot” or “photographic” cut as a work with media art histories in the “local” context of changing cultural situation.