REDISCOVER HISTORY, 2017
Giclée fine artprint on paper, 87 x 128 cm
Edition of 3 + 1AP (signed and stamped by Laibach)
Please note: The piece is, and will be supplied, unframed
REDISCOVER HISTORY is based on one of the first paintings of Laibach Kunst, entitled "Blue Sower in Lenin's Room ", created in 1982. The original version of this painting is now in private collection. Laibach created a copy of it in 2021.
Isaac Brodsky, who originally painted “Lenin in Smolny”, created the image of Lenin based on sketches and photo documents in 1930, after Lenin's death. Painting was made to mark the 60th anniversary of Lenin’s birth. The artist carefully and consciously selected a specific time and place in which to set the subject of the painting – the first months of the Soviet regime when Smolny the HQ of the Revolution. Brodsky wanted to convey an absolute portrait likeness and the concentrated, business-like appearance of Lenin canonising him as the leader of the world proletariat. Over time, the picture became christomatic, familiar to many generations of Soviet citizens since childhood.
Because the sheer amount of information in historical sources can seem overwhelming to most of people, REDISCOVER HISTORY is a work of art which is created to better understand and interact with historical materials that may be difficult to attain or retain. For example, people can compare several different narratives about a specific historical event and discuss the reasons behind the differing viewpoints and what these say about both the event itself and the ways we see the past in general.
Historical materials can be used to prevent disinformation and help people to become more informed sub-objects by teaching them how to critically evaluate historical material. Thus the REDISCOVER HISTORY artwork places a strong emphasis on the value of critical thinking in history education as well as promoting artistic engagement and responsibility. By analysing media from various historical sources, people can learn to recognise bias and propaganda tactics. For instance they can more easily reply to questions like:
Which was the greatest, most memorable and more important moment in politics?:
A: When first decrees of Soviet Power were proclaimed by Vladimir Ilyich Uljanov – Lenin while in Smolny,
or
B: When United States of America adopted was as the Nation's official name at on the Second Continental Congress.
C: Lenin had a picture of Kazimir Malevich on his wall in Smolny
or
D: Kazimir Malevich had a picture of Lenin at his home?
Terms and details:
Upon prior request, it is possible to view artwork live at a Laibach WTC location in Ljubljana, Slovenia. If you are interested in doing so, please write to wtc.support@laibach.org.
The listed price includes 9,5% value-added tax (VAT). If you are located outside the EU, or are a legal entity that is part of EU reverse charge system, you may take this into account when submitting your offer.
For all other issues, the Terms of service of the Laibach WTC online store apply.