Arseniy Zhilyaev: M.I.R.: Polite Guests from the Future
M. I. R.: Polite Guests from the Future is the first solo exhibition in the U. S. by Moscow-based artist, Arseniy Zhilyaev. Implementing the museum as a medium, Zhilyaev models his approach after the “negative display” exhibitions of A. Fedorov-Davydov, a Soviet art historian who disregarded the authenticity and centralit y of the museological object in favor of depicting social processes. The second chapter of an ongoing investigation initiated at Kadist, Paris, this iteration of the imaginary Museum of Russian History (M. I. R.) focuses on outer space conquests under the flag of the “Russian Cosmic Federation.” For the exhibition, Zhilyaev critiques the political climate of Russia with a revisionist and speculative eye, tracing the nation’s intergalactic achievements—from their origins in the “polite politics” of the early 21st century, to the future space militia, charged to defend the Tarantula Nebula RC? 0021. Opening Reception: Wednesday, July 9, 6-9pm Gallery hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 2-7pm, or by appointment