January 28 – March 28 2010
Rating: 4 out of 5
http://www.calvert22.org/e/exhibition-programme/photo-i-photo-you
One of the new kids on the block, with less than a year of exhibitions under its belt, Calvert 22 presents its fourth exhibition. Focused solely on contemporary art from Russia and Eastern Europe, the foundation aims to promote art from this region but also showcase its diversity. For the past twenty years, contemporary art from this region of the world has been undergoing a renaissance that its unique history and juxtaposition of people, religion and politics has created.
On the ground floor of the wonderful bright and open space, Igor Eskinja’s dust composition is the first work that makes an impact with its lovely detail and temporary beauty. But it is the excellent photographs incorporating overlapping images that are nostalgic and thoughtful. Aesthetically beautiful, they are also charged with meaning that is demanding to be deciphered. Ján Mančuška’s photo negatives are also quite interesting. Beautifully displayed, they are quite a fascinating examination of our bodies and self-perception.
The lower floor has some interesting video art. Anna Jermolaeva’s oddly captivating video of traditional Russian nevaliashka tilting dolls rolling around would be silly except for the symbolism of mere humans caught in the storm of politics and history. Olga Chernysheva’s work is a voyeur’s paradise with multiple street windows offering a glimpse into both people’s lives and the act of watching others while going unnoticed. Lastly, Stefania Babeva’s interesting paper sculptures and photographs are beautifully intricate.
Overall a good show showcasing some exciting new talent. But you can’t help but feel that in all the lovely nuances, subtlety, subtext and symbolism, some punches are being pulled and some self-editing is constricting artistic expression.
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