Give examples of when art served power. Contemporary art as an instrument of influence on the policy of the Russian Federation

Art and Power

Sukhareva Svetlana Viktorovna - art teacher, MBOU secondary school, village of Nikolskoye

• To acquaint students with works of art, thanks to which the authorities strengthened their authority, and cities and states maintained prestige.

In human development

culture constantly

an interesting pattern is observed. Art as a manifestation of the free, creative powers of a person, the flight of his imagination and spirit was often used

to strengthen power - secular and religious.

August from Prima Port- more than two-meter statue of Augustus, found in 1863 in the villa of the wife of Emperor Augustus. The villa was discovered not far from Rome on the Via Flaminius in the area of ​​Prima Porta, which in ancient times was called Ad Gallinas Albas. The statue is a copy of bronze original, made by order of the Roman Senate in 20 BC. e. It is believed that the statue, unlike most of the surviving images of Augustus, has a portrait resemblance. It is very likely that, according to ancient tradition, it was polychrome. The statue is currently kept in the Vatican Museum Chiaramonti.

France, Paris

built date: 1836

The most famous of the triumphal arches is located in the heart of Paris on the Champs Elysees. It took over 30 years to build!

The creation of the Arc de Triomphe in honor of the victories of the French army was ordered by Emperor Napoleon. However, he never saw his offspring.

The construction of the arch was completed after his death.

Russia, Moscow

built date: 1968

The main Arc de Triomphe of Russia was rebuilt, dismantled and even transported. Initially, it was a wooden arch built near the Tverskaya Zastava to meet Russian soldiers from the liberation campaign across Europe in 1814. IN Soviet years the arch was hidden in the museum for 30 years.

"Portrait of Catherine II - the Legislator" caused a wide controversy in the Russian press. The discussion was started by the poet I. F. Bogdanovich. He turned to the artist with a poetic greeting

Levitsky! Having drawn the Russian deity,

By which the seven seas rest in joy,

With your brush you revealed in Petrovgrad

Immortal beauty and mortal triumph.

Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin- an Orthodox church located on the Cathedral Square of the Moscow Kremlin. It was built in 1475 - 1479 under the guidance of the Italian architect Aristotle Fioravanti. main temple Moscow State. The oldest fully preserved building in Moscow.

Resurrection Cathedral The New Jerusalem Monastery, built in 1658-1685, was conceived as a copy of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, but the construction turned out not to be an exact repetition of the prototype, but rather its artistic transformation. The cathedral was erected according to measurements brought from Jerusalem, and at the first stage of construction, until 1666. work was personally controlled by Patriarch Nikon. He also sent the masters of the patriarchal court. Due to the disgrace and exile of Nikon, the construction of the entire monastery and the cathedral in particular was suspended, and continued by decree of Tsar Fyodor Alekseevich in 1679.

Palace of the Soviets- an unrealized grandiose construction project of the Soviet government, work on which was carried out in the 1930s and 1950s: a grandiose administrative building, a place for congresses, festivities, etc. It was supposed to be the culmination of all high-rise construction in the USSR in the post-war years, the ninth , the central and main Stalinist skyscraper

The love for singing and music passed to him from his father - Boleslav Shostakovich - a professional revolutionary, exiled by the tsarist government to an eternal settlement in Siberia.

The first serious achievements of Shostakovich in the development of civil themes in music are his Second and Third Symphonies (1927-1929). Both in the work of the composer and in history Soviet music they occupy a special place, for they were among the first symphonic works where the revolutionary theme was reflected.

The war that began in 1941 delayed the implementation of peacetime plans for a long time. “To our struggle against fascism, our coming victory over the enemy, to my hometown - Leningrad - I dedicate my 7th symphony,” Shostakovich wrote on the score in the summer of 1941.

With extraordinary enthusiasm, the composer set about creating his Seventh Symphony. “Music burst out of me uncontrollably,” he later recalled. Neither hunger, nor the beginning of autumn cold and lack of fuel, nor frequent shelling and bombing could interfere with inspired work.

• Prepare a report or computer presentation on a topic related to instilling certain feelings and thoughts in people through art.
• Analyze various works of art of the same art form in different eras, or select an era and by works various kinds art, imagine its holistic image.

The power of art. Art and power. How are such phenomena as art and power related? Art, as a manifestation of the free, creative powers of a person, the flight of his imagination and spirit, was often used to strengthen power, both secular and religious. "The Bronze Horseman" Thanks to works of art, the authorities strengthened their authority, and cities and states maintained prestige. Art embodied in visible images the ideas of religion, glorified and immortalized the heroes. D. Levitsky. Catherine II «J.-L. David "Napoleon at the St. Bernard Pass" Task:  What qualities do artists, sculptors emphasize in the images of statesmen, rulers of different eras and countries?  What are the similarities and differences between these images? What are the common (typical) features that symbolize power. The valor of warriors and commanders is perpetuated by works monumental art. Equestrian statues are being erected, triumphal arches and columns to commemorate the victories won. Triumphal Arch of Constantine, Rome, Italy. By decree of Napoleon I, who wanted to immortalize the glory of his army, the Triumphal Gate was built in Paris. On the walls of the arch are engraved the names of the generals who fought alongside the emperor. France, Paris, Arc de Triomphe In 1814 in Russia, for the solemn meeting of the Russian liberator army, returning from Europe after the victory over Napoleon, wooden Triumphal Gates were built at the Tverskaya Zastava. For more than 100 years, the arch stood in the center of Moscow, and in 1936 it was demolished. Only in the 60s. 20th century The triumphal arch was recreated on Victory Square, near Poklonnaya Gora, at the place where Napoleon's army entered the city. The Moscow tsars considered themselves heirs of Roman traditions, and this was reflected in the words: "Moscow is the Third Rome, and there will be no fourth." Resurrection New Jerusalem Monastery - a monument. 2nd floor XVII century (the desire of Patriarch Nikon to create holy places in the image of Palestine, where the earthly life of Jesus Christ passed) In the twentieth century, in the era of Stalinism in our country, grandiose, magnificent architecture emphasized the strength and power of the state, reducing human personality, ignored the individual originality of each person. Unrealized projects of Moscow architects of the 30-50s. Palace of Soviets Homework.  Prepare a report or computer presentation on a topic related to instilling certain thoughts and feelings in people through art. Analyze various works of art of the same type of art in different eras, or select an era and present its holistic image based on works of various types of art.

Preview:

Grade 9

Lesson #2

Theme of the lesson: "Art and power"

Target: continue to master the concepts of "art" and "power", "types of art", the diversity of the content of works of art.

UUD:

Cognitive: get acquainted with the types of art, get acquainted with the concepts of "art", "classification"

Regulatory: Acquisition of independent creative experience, which forms the ability for independent actions.

Communicative:Provide opportunities for cooperation - learn to hear and listen. Learn to cooperate with both the teacher and peers. Provide dialogue with the teacher.

Personal: To make learning a meaningful process, to provide the student with the significance of solving educational problems, linking them with real life goals and situations. Direct to the consciousness, research and acceptance of life values ​​and meanings, help develop one's life position in relation to the world, people around, oneself and one's future.

Teacher equipment:

Screen for showing presentation, abstract.

Student equipment:

Notebook, pen, pencil.

Lesson type: combined lesson.

During the classes:

1. Greetings.
2. Readiness check:notebook and pen, textbooks on ports
3. Marking absentees.
4. Repetition of the topic covered:

• Let's remember what we talked about in the last lesson? On the connection between art and power
• What is art? Art - part of the spiritual culture of mankind, a specific kind of spiritual and practical development of the world.
• What kinds of art do you know? painting, architecture, sculpture, music, fiction, theater, dance, cinema.
• When did art appear? The birth of art and the first steps artistic development of humanity go back to the primitive communal system, when the foundations of the material and spiritual life of society were laid.
• What is power? Power - the ability and ability to impose one's will, to have a decisive influence on the activities, behavior of people with the help of any means - will, authority, law, violence (parental power, state, economic, etc.)
• When did power emerge? Power came with the advent human society and will always accompany its development in one form or another.
• What conclusion can we draw from the above? art and power arose and developed simultaneously and are an integral part of the formation of social life.

• What was art used for? human culture? (to strengthen power - religious and secular)
• How did art help to strengthen the power and authority of rulers?(art embodied in visible images the ideas of religion; glorified and immortalized the heroes; gave them extraordinary qualities, special heroism and wisdom)
• What traditions are shown in these monumental images? (traditions coming from ancient times - the worship of idols, deities that cause awe)
• What works most clearly strengthened power? (equestrian statues, triumphal arches and columns, cathedrals and temples)
• What arch and in honor of what events was restored in Moscow on Kutuzovsky Prospekt? (in 1814, the triumphal gate in honor of the meeting of the Russian liberator army, returning from Europe after the victory over Napoleon; in 1936 it was demolished; recreated in 1960 on Victory Square, near Poklonnaya Gora, at the place where Napoleon's army entered the city)
• What arch is installed in Paris?(by decree of Napoleon in honor of his army; the names of the generals who fought with the emperor are engraved on the walls of the arch)
• When did Moscow become the center of Orthodox culture?(in the XV century after the fall of Byzantium, which was considered the successor of the Roman Empire and was called the Second Rome)
• How did the cultural image of the Moscow State improve?(the courtyard of the Moscow Tsar becomes the place of residence of many culturally educated Orthodox people, architects, builders, icon painters, musicians)
• Why was Moscow called the "Third Rome"? (Muscovite tsars considered themselves heirs of Roman traditions)
• Which architect began to rebuild the Moscow Kremlin? (Italian architect Fiorovanti)
• What marked the completion of the construction of the first stone church in Moscow - the Assumption Cathedral? (the formation of the choir of the sovereign's singing deacons, because the scale and splendor of the temple required greater strength of the sound of music)
• Guess: look at the screen and name the works of art:

• Sun god - Ra
• Octavian August from Prima Porto. Roman statue
• The Pyramid of Cheops
• Narva triumphal gates, St. Petersburg
• Idols. Statues of pagan gods
• Ramses II slaying a Syrian barbarian.
• Hercules
• Moscow triumphal gates, St. Petersburg
• Golden funeral mask of Tutankhamun
• Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin

Well done!

6. Learning new material:

We continue with youtopic of the lesson: "Art and power"

Notebook entry:In the second half of the XVII century. According to the grandiose plan of His Holiness Patriarch Nikon - holy places were created in the image of Palestine, associated with earthly life and the feat of Jesus Christ - the New Jerusalem Monastery was built near Moscow.

Its main cathedral is similar in plan and size to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. This is the brainchild of Patriarch Nikon - the pinnacle of the development of the ancient traditions of the Russian Church, originating from the time of the baptism of Rus' (X century).

In the "Word about the destruction of the Russian land" it is said:

“O bright and beautifully decorated Russian land! And you are surprised by many beauties; You are surprised by many lakes, steep mountains, great cities, wondrous villages, temples of God, - formidable princes ... you are full of everything, the Russian land!
This beauty has inspired our people for centuries. Monuments of architecture and fine arts, icon painting are an excellent asset of society.

Notebook entry:In the XVIII century. opened a new chapter in Russian history.

Peter I, according to Pushkin's apt expression, "cut a window to Europe" - founded Saint Petersburg .

Notebook entry:New ideas are reflected in all kinds of art. Secular painting and sculpture appeared, music changed to a European style.

Let's listen to V. Titov's Concert dedicated to the Poltava victory.

Vasily Polikarpovich Titov (c. 1650-1710) - Russian church composer, sovereign chorister.

Titov Concert in honor of the Poltava victory

The choir of the sovereign's choristers has now been transferred to St. Petersburg and is becoming the Court Singing Chapel (often Peter I himself sang in this choir). The arts proclaim praise to the Lord and toast to the young tsar of all Rus'.

Now Choir chapel named after M. I. Glinka is a majestic monument of Russian culture, famous throughout the world. The chapel helps to maintain the connection of times and the continuity of traditions.

(slide Choir Chapel named after Glinka)

We can observe the chanting of power especially clearly in music.

"God save the Tsar!" -National anthem Russian Empire from 1833 to 1917, replacing the previous anthem "Russian prayer ».

Listen to the anthem "God Save the Tsar!"

• Who can give an example of the use of this kind of hymns in modern history? (God save the queen).

One example of the modern use of such hymns is the British anthem.

Listening to the British anthem

Anthem of Great Britain in Russian

God save our gracious Queen

Long live our noble Queen

God save the queen

Send her victorious

happy and nice

Long to reign over us

God save the queen

In the twentieth century, in the era of Stalinism in our country, pompous, magnificent architecture emphasized the strength and power of the state, reducing the human personality to an insignificantly small level, ignoring the individual originality of each person.

The Moscow Palace of Soviets is one of the most famous unrealized architectural projects in history. A huge (the largest and tallest in the world) building, which was supposed to become a symbol of victorious socialism, a symbol of new country and new Moscow. This project is amazing even today.

Most likely, the Palace of Soviets was built in order to, after the victory of the World Revolution within its walls, accept ... the last republic into the Soviet Union. And then the whole world will be one Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

The soulless mechanism of state coercion highlights the grotesque beginning in music (D. Shostakovich, A. Schnittke and others).

The democratic sentiments of the people find especially vivid expression in art at turning points in history. These are revolutionary songs, marches during the October Revolution in Russia (1917),

Video fragment of the songs of the October Revolution

…monuments,

posters,

painting,

musical compositions during the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945).

This is also a mass song reflecting labor enthusiasm post-war years, and author's song of the second half of the XX century. (a kind of urban folklore), expressing not only lyrical moods younger generation, but also a protest against the restriction of individual freedom, which was especially pronounced in rock music.

Such wonderful singers: V. Vysotsky, B. Okudzhava, A. Galich, B. Grebenshchikov……

7. Consolidation of the material covered:

TEST:

A) Assumption Cathedral

B) Cathedral of Christ the Savior

2. What changes in art took place during the time of Peter I? _

Secular and religious

A) B. Iofan B) Dm. Levitsky

C) J. L. David

Dmitry Grigorievich Levitsky

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5

Continue the sentence:

• Today I found out...
• I was surprised...
• I purchased...
• I will try…
• I wanted…

8. Homework

Divided into groups, prepare a presentation:

(3 - 4 slides) or a message on one of the topics:

• Jacques Louis David on Napoleon(presentation)
• Portraits of celebrities by the artist D. G. Levitsky(slides with titles)
• Monuments of the Moscow Kremlin(slides with the name of the monuments)
• triumphal arches of the world(presentation)
• Artistic works of the same type of art (music, painting, literature, architecture, sculpture) in different eras(presentation)
• Artistic works of the same era (Renaissance, Baroque, Classicism, Romanticism, Impressionism, Realism) different types art(presentation)
• Sights of St. Petersburg. monuments(photo slides)
• Cathedrals of Russia (presentation film)

Preview:

Homework:

1. Textbook retelling (pp. 104-105)(Necessarily)

___________________

1. Artistic works of the same type of art (music, painting, literature, architecture, sculpture) in different eras(presentation)

2. Artistic works of the same era (renaissance, baroque, classicism, romanticism, impressionism, realism) of different types of art(presentation)

3. Sights of St. Petersburg. monuments(photo slides)

4. Cathedrals of Russia (presentation film)

Preview:

1. Which monastery was built according to the plan of Patriarch Nikon?

A) Assumption Cathedral

B) New Jerusalem Monastery

B) Cathedral of Christ the Savior

________________________________________

A) B. Iofan B) Dm. Levitsky

C) J. L. David

________________________________________

5. Identify the New Jerusalem Cathedral

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5

2. Art and power in Russia after the 17th century.

1. Which monastery was built according to the plan of Patriarch Nikon?

A) Assumption Cathedral

B) New Jerusalem Monastery

B) Cathedral of Christ the Savior

2. What changes in art took place during the time of Peter I? _____________________

________________________________________

A) B. Iofan B) Dm. Levitsky

C) J. L. David

________________________________________

5. Identify the New Jerusalem Cathedral

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5

2. Art and power in Russia after the 17th century.

1. Which monastery was built according to the plan of Patriarch Nikon?

A) Assumption Cathedral

B) New Jerusalem Monastery

B) Cathedral of Christ the Savior

2. What changes in art took place during the time of Peter I? _____________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

A) B. Iofan B) Dm. Levitsky

C) J. L. David

________________________________________

5. Identify the New Jerusalem Cathedral

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5

2. Art and power in Russia after the 17th century.

1. Which monastery was built according to the plan of Patriarch Nikon?

A) Assumption Cathedral

B) New Jerusalem Monastery

B) Cathedral of Christ the Savior

2. What changes in art took place during the time of Peter I? _____________________

________________________________________

A) B. Iofan B) Dm. Levitsky

C) J. L. David

________________________________________

5. Identify the New Jerusalem Cathedral

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5

2. Art and power in Russia after the 17th century.

1. Which monastery was built according to the plan of Patriarch Nikon?

A) Assumption Cathedral

B) New Jerusalem Monastery

B) Cathedral of Christ the Savior

2. What changes in art took place during the time of Peter I? _____________________

________________________________________

A) B. Iofan B) Dm. Levitsky

C) J. L. David

________________________________________

5. Identify the New Jerusalem Cathedral

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5

2. Art and power in Russia after the 17th century.

1. Which monastery was built according to the plan of Patriarch Nikon?

A) Assumption Cathedral

B) New Jerusalem Monastery

B) Cathedral of Christ the Savior

2. What changes in art took place during the time of Peter I? _____________________

________________________________________

A) B. Iofan B) Dm. Levitsky

C) J. L. David

________________________________________

5. Identify the New Jerusalem Cathedral

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5

2. Art and power in Russia

after the 17th century

1. Which monastery was built according to the plan of Patriarch Nikon?

A) Assumption Cathedral

B) New Jerusalem Monastery

B) Cathedral of Christ the Savior

2. What changes in art took place during the time of Peter I?)

2. What innovations appeared in Rus' with the reign of Peter I? (secular painting and sculpture appear; music changes to the European way; the choir of the sovereign choristers becomes the Court Singing Chapel in St. Petersburg)

3. What role did Soviet architecture play in the 20th century during the era of Stalinism? (magnificent, pompous architecture emphasized the power and strength of the state, reducing the human personality to an insignificantly small level, ignoring the individual originality of each person)

4. Which composers had to fulfill the orders of the state? (D.D. Shostakovich, A.G. Schnittke)

5. Give examples of a vivid expression of democratic sentiments in art? (revolutionary songs and marches; posters; music of the times of the Great Patriotic War; mass song about labor enthusiasm; author's song of the middle of the XX century; rock music)

Alexander Alexandrovich Vlaskin

Political motives art

Artistic creativity, self-expression, as well as the activities of politicians, have a great impact on society. A lot has been said and written about the close connection between art and politics, this connection was strengthened back in ancient times, when sculptors and artists formed heroic images rulers, reflected their exploits and victories. Later, art began not only to praise, but also to denounce, vilify certain figures or ideologies. What are the political motives of art, those who create it?

Politicians make history, stay in it, just as artists and writers strive to stay in it... The authors not only depict the world for posterity, but also contribute to the formation of modernity, give an assessment and offer their vision. At the same time, both processes are politically engaged, because what arouses public interest is beneficial to those who want to gain power.

Mass culture, progress in the field of information transfer, the emergence of global means of communication, as well as the dominance of the clip model of consciousness - all this has significantly affected both art and politics. In fact, it is difficult for a modern person to hide from propaganda, offers of various opinions, and art can clothe some ideologies in a popular and fashionable form.

In itself, contemporary art is part of the aesthetic and ethical paradigm, materializes the spirit of the times in certain works, and therefore does not remain aloof from topical issues.

Modern Art seeks to shape fashion, fashion influences the way of life and the worldview of the consumer society. The author, in turn, can engage in artistic labeling, demonizing some and exalting others, and part of the audience adopts his views, not even being interested in politics as such. Since contemporary art is often a protest, a rebellion of the author, a response to established norms, stereotypes, a test of public morality, then political opposition is also characteristic of it. Figures of contemporary art in different periods of history were singers and artists of revolutions, even if some later understood the tragedy of such a path. However, contemporary art in Russia is now partly used as a political tool.

Contemporary Art Intervention and Post-Soviet Russia

Mayakovsky, who for his time was a provocative and progressive author, spoke about “a slap in the face of public taste”. At the end of the twentieth century, slaps turned into a series of blows, into a kind of provocative competition.

The period of perestroika, and later the 90s, is characterized by the fact that a number of scandalous authors received a kind of “all-terrain vehicle pass” into all spheres of society. The competition of permissiveness resulted in dozens of exhibitions, events, performances, where the moral bar was lowered, there was an attack on traditional, conservative foundations and values.

The landmark event that Vladimir Salnikov speaks of has become very characteristic: “The art of the 90s itself was born on April 18, 1991, when Anatoly Osmolovsky’s group “These” laid out the word of their three letters with their bodies on Red Square.”

One of the symbols of the strengthening and spread of new approaches was the naked Oleg Kulik, who portrayed a dog. The prehistory of this act, which received worldwide recognition, is also indicative - the artist “became a dog” from hunger. He simply gave the critics what they successfully presented to Western society, but which remained wild for Russia.

Despite the fact that the majority of citizens still adhered to conservative views, and were far from studying the subtleties of art history, a large and vibrant community of informals formed in the dying Soviet Union. From the informal environment, dozens of artists, poets, and musicians emerged, who, in the period of permissiveness and encouragement to go beyond the moral framework, received an unlimited opportunity for creative experiments.

The new art, which received a certain carte blanche and was supported by awards, could not reformat the consciousness of the older generation, but it could have a very serious impact on young people, especially in the absence of state programs in this area.

Like bright, but artificial and often harmful products, in the wake of perestroika, samples of Western art, which were not previously widespread, but began to be called advanced and progressive. Here is abstractness, seeking to displace realism, and existential experiences, and depressiveness, and the denial of the canons, and experiments with the body instead of exploring the soul. And such a product was cultivated, as chewing gum or alcohol was cultivated.

However, there are dozens of examples of works and authors who did not have a destructive impact on society, but some precedents can be considered serving pro-Western political interests. For example, the figure of a professional political strategist Marat Gelman, who became a conductor of contemporary art. He actively participated in political life countries in the 90s and early 2000s, but after a series of scandals, when his exhibitions were called insulting and violating the foundations Russian society, he announced the curtailment of the contemporary art market in the Russian Federation, and later moved to Montenegro, actively criticizing the policies of Vladimir Putin.

Called himself a political activist and Alexander Brener. He gained fame by appearing naked in certain places, explaining this with various subtexts. One of his most memorable actions was a show on Lobnoye mesto Red Square in boxing gloves with a challenge to the fight of the then President Boris Yeltsin. True, in this case Brener was still in his shorts.

In the processes of promoting new and incomprehensible creativity, art managers and gallery owners come to the fore, which can contribute to the development and prosperity of the author. They also send requests to his activities, bring, if necessary, a political component in the order or selection of works.

TO beginning of XXI century, a community developed in Russia that dealt not so much with art in the classical sense as with experiments of a provocative nature. This applied to the visual arts, and cinema, and theater. Depressive art that denies authority and despises classical canons began to be elevated to the norm. It also brings to mind “Norma” by Vladimir Sorokin, a cult writer who gained popularity just at the turn of the century. It was not for nothing that his prose was called "excremental", since much attention was paid to excrement.

Features of the positioning of contemporary art

Of course, not all authors and gallery owners pursue political goals and increase their popularity through provocations. For example, the well-known gallery owner Sergei Popov spoke about the cutting of icons and other mockery at exhibitions: “I reacted extremely negatively to the exhibition“ Caution, Religion ”- it was a provocation in its purest form. And it gave rise to a very bad reaction of the conservative public to contemporary art, we are still reaping the fruits of such idiotic actions. As a provocation, art can only be presented in countries where they are ready for it. But artists do not have the right to slaughter pigs and show images of naked women in countries where Sharia is in force - they will be beheaded for this. And in Russia it is impossible to arrange provocations on religious themes, do not take into account the context of the country".

Thus, provocativeness is not a prerequisite for contemporary art. This is more of a choice, and a conscious and motivated choice. Those who have made this choice often become participants in not only artistic, but also political processes, a tool in the hands of political technologists.

Actionism has become an important feature of the post-Soviet period. One of the leading artists, Anatoly Osmolovsky, described this phenomenon as follows: “In a society that is not sensitive to art, the artist has to hit the head with a microscope, instead of observing some beneficial bacteria in it. Society in Russia is not sensitive to art, therefore, since the 90s, our artists have been practicing direct entry into society itself - these are actions, interventions.

Actionism, being a way out of the usual artistic spaces, is also close to politics, and a number of actions carry political overtones. This kind of activity also attracts the media, which actively broadcast bright and provocative actions. With the development of the Internet, clip and viral events are becoming a popular product that reaches a wide audience. This is the undoubted benefit of using contemporary art to promote the desired ideology.

Journalists brought actionism, which often falls under the article of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation on hooliganism, to a new level of popularity. It is strange in itself that the action of the Voina group with the overturning of a police car was generally called an artistic act. But this group also received in 2011 the prestigious Kandinsky State Prize, established by the Ministry of Culture for an action with a drawing of a member on a drawbridge opposite the FSB building in St. Petersburg.

The current "troublemakers" who implement an ideologically destructive message are the artist Pavlensky, " Pussy Riot”,“ Blue Rider ”, formerly the art group“ War ”- all of them were formed just under the influence of the style of the 90s, encouraging permissiveness, which was made synonymous with freedom. And such examples can be called one of the weapons of the information war. Just as in the late 80s, rock and roll became a weapon against communism and "sovietness". True, unlike rock hymns, the actions of drawing huge phalluses or wrapping in barbed wire do not get such a large number of fans.

The political overtones of Brener or the provocations of Ter-Oganyan, who cut icons with an ax, were replaced by an orgy of the art group "Voina" in the museum, dancing in the temple, but the essence remained the same - the author gains fame (albeit scandalous) and citation, and a possible customer or patron - a political metaphor accessible to the masses, which can be actively used in the future.

According to the artist Nikas Safronov, today about a hundred people decide the policy of all art in the world, and it does not matter whether you can draw or not. If you have charisma, if you made people talk about themselves, this can already be part of the art.

Clash of provocateurs and conservatism

In fact, as many experts said, including A. Konchalovsky in his famous lecture on contemporary art, the goal of provoking often replaces artistic skill, as can be seen from the flagships of the genre.

With the strengthening of conservative sentiments, with the strengthening civic patriotism and statehood in general, the free actions of artists-provocateurs began to receive more and more criticism.

By the beginning of the new century, postmodernist fashion had become stronger in the theater, in literature, and in fine arts, well, the chosen conservative course of the state led to a clash of interests and preferences in the artistic environment. Some sought to show something that required additional explanation, something that largely repeated the Western tradition of ten, twenty and thirty years ago. But the principles of shock therapy in art, popularized at the same time that shock therapy was applied in the economy in relation to the whole country, did not captivate the majority of citizens. Outrageous, arrogant, obscure, defiant, sometimes aggressive and depressing - all this remained alien. Realizing this, the conductors of such art began to insist on the elitism of their product, on the fact that it is only for the elite, educated and highly developed. This division became one of the factors of the conflict. This feature has already manifested itself more than once in Russian history, but not everyone draws conclusions. The people are called cattle, gray mass, quilted jackets and so on. Separate epithets are awarded to the Orthodox community, which was recorded as "obscurantist". This approach small group fences off, and also cuts off the possibility of spreading popularity to the general public, calling his product "art not for the masses." Take, for example, the play "Boris Godunov" by Bogomolov, where on stage academic theater the situation in power is displayed with a hint of modernity, and on large screens the titles “The people are stupid cattle” go on and on.

Following the traditions and principles for one part of society is portrayed as something shameful and backward, and this is one of the important tasks of the Russian liberal ideology. The image of the "stealing priest" appears in films ("Leviathan"), and in songs (Vasya Oblomov's "Multi-Move"), and on stage ("Boris Godunov"). All this looks like the development of one trend, and the most effective remedy for this seems to be the creation of an alternative artistic product of a mass orientation. Excellent examples in this area are the film "The Island", the book "Unholy Saints", etc.

Perhaps the most resonant conflicts of provocation and conservatism were the recent situation with the opera Tannhäuser, as well as the scandals around the Forbidden Art exhibition in 2006. Here we can already talk about the clash of political concepts, liberalism and Westernism against guardianship, when there is a deliberate destructive effect on objects and objects of religious worship.

The Church and Orthodoxy in general become one of the targets of artistic provocation, which can be called a way of influencing national archetypes. These are the famous cathedrals of blue enemas, and the cutting of icons, and so on.

True, contemporary art can influence politics in a more straightforward way. The same play "Boris Godunov" is a caricature of the current government with images of both the president and the patriarch. There are also performances at the “independent” Theatre.doc, where the plays Berlusputin, Bolotnaya Delo, ATO appeared, and now they are preparing a play about the Ukrainian director Sentsov, who was convicted of preparing terrorist acts in Crimea. Here there is a defense of the right to swear on stage, which is called an integral artistic device.

At the same time, when this theater began to have problems with the premises, both famous Russian cultural figures and Western ones actively stood up for it. Inclusion foreign stars culture on the political agenda is a popular technique. They stood up for the "Tannhäuser", and for the same Sentsov. It is worth remembering Madonna, who went to one of the concerts with the inscription "Russian Riot" on her back, although she really did not know anything about this band. Such examples demonstrate the unity of political goals, and the general lines that directors, actors and artists are willing to serve.

It is also interesting to observe the penetration of politicized contemporary art into the regions. Liberals traditionally had low popularity in the provinces, and art can convey those theses that are difficult to perceive from the lips of visiting politicians. The Perm experience with the massive introduction of modern and incomprehensible art to the Ural region proved to be in the best way. The apotheosis of the participation of politics in this process was the exhibition of Vasily Slonov, who depicted the symbols of the Sochi Olympics in a disgusting and frightening way. But theatrical performances are more understandable, with their help it is easier to broadcast the worldview. Therefore, Theatre.doc tours with pleasure, therefore they tried to put on a scandalous play "The Bath Attendant" in Pskov, therefore the "Orthodox Hedgehog" appears in Tomsk.

A number of cultural figures joined the columns of demonstrators and protesters. In itself, this is not new, since there have always been many rebels in art, that's just the current Russian situation devoid of any romantic revolutionism, it is rather a monotonous game of dissidence, to which Ulitskaya, Makarevich, Akhedzhakova, Efremov, partly Grebenshchikov and others joined talented people mostly retirement age. They are glad to see representatives of the old intelligentsia, who still remember the kitchen policy and samizdat, but the youth are such "leaders public opinion"Somehow not impressed. Of the young opposition figures, in addition to Tolokonnikova and Alyokhina, who are perceived ambiguously even by the opposition, one can single out musicians Vasya Oblomov and Noize MC, who, however, are not so radical.

Guardians in contemporary art

Along with the liberal forces, which see in modern pro-Western, postmodern art their life-giving environment, as well as the opportunity to broadcast an ideology close to them, more and more authors began to appear, as well as creative unions who, using the avant-garde style, pop art, already defend patriotic values.

Fashionable areas of art can and should be a means of self-expression and transmission of the necessary theses for the protectors, for those who need an independent Russia that honors traditional values.

Examples of political protection in art can be seen not only in the halls and galleries, but also on the streets of our cities. Many exhibitions of artists supporting the Kremlin's policies, as well as thematic performances, are held under open sky, attracting both hundreds of spectators and journalists.

Separately, it should be noted street culture- street art, one of the most popular manifestations of which is graffiti. In Moscow and a number of other cities, more and more patriotic graffiti began to appear, and large-scale ones, covering hundreds of square meters of the surface.

There are also artists who draw inspiration from patriotic themes and images of the country's leaders. So, a discovery in this area a few years ago was the St. Petersburg artist Alexei Sergienko, who became famous for a series of portraits of Vladimir Putin. Then he created a number of paintings in the style of Andy Warhol, but only with iconic Russian symbols, as well as a collection of "patriotic" clothes, in which the ornament was from nesting dolls and other classical elements of Russian culture.

In music and literature, a certain patriotic layer has formed around the theme of Donbass. These are Zakhar Prilepin, who was previously considered an oppositionist and collaborated with the NBP, and Sergey Shargunov, and the most popular group "25/17" with heartfelt lyrics, and a number of others famous authors. These people and collectives, each of which has thousands or tens of thousands of fans, constitute a serious counterbalance to the liberal wing of creative figures.

Entire associations also attract attention. Thus, the Art Without Borders Foundation caused a huge resonance with the exhibition “At the Bottom”, which collected examples of immoral and sometimes offensive scenes in modern Russian theater. At the same time, attention was drawn to the fact that budgetary funds were received for a number of scandalous productions. This action has caused a storm of indignation in a part of the theatrical environment .

The fund itself, however, is also known art exhibitions, in which young authors demonstrate works on topical political topics in the style of pop art.

There were also theatrical performances in a patriotic spirit. One can recall the attempt of the Vladimir theater to transfer the story of the "Young Guard" to modern Ukraine - this performance received many angry reviews from critics.

There is also the SUP project, which was noted not only for readings on the Ukrainian conflict, but also for a small political performance about dreams about revolutions and historical experience that denies these very revolutions.

In the season that has begun (both political and creative), we should rather expect a strengthening of the protective link, strengthening and greater artistic diversity. At the very least, the prospect of attracting an audience depends on the quality of an artistic product, its originality and spectacularity, and this is, in fact, a struggle for the intelligentsia, for those who can be leaders of public opinion. And the reflection of opinions and beliefs on the stages and in the halls is no less important than street performances.

On the current situation in the field of contemporary art

By the 2015-2016 season, the liberal part of the art community continued to talk about “tightening the screws” and increasing government pressure. The scandal with the Golden Mask award, which was decided to be reformatted, was indicative. The established expert council from among “their own” was changed, which angered many critics and directors. Kirill Serebrennikov and Konstantin Bogomolov even refused to participate in upcoming events. But the experts simply became different, with different opinions and views, and not people from the same camp. But even this angered liberals, who saw politics in the change. It turns out that the so-called "freelancers" are intolerant of criticism, and the most prestigious theater award was usurped in order to introduce its own canons and principles, far from classical and academic, into the domestic theater. The authors of the main stage scandals at one time became the owners of this award. The “Golden Mask”, in turn, played the role of some protection: “Well, you can’t scold him, he’s the winner of the“ mask ”.

Figures of contemporary art are trying to present themselves as special, outstanding, while dictating own opinion paying attention to politics. Political motives can only intensify in next year, which accounts for parliamentary elections and, accordingly, the growth of political activity. Due to the Internet, a number of authors and critics get access to a wide audience, and bright and original works will be aimed at spreading the necessary ideologies. Even manifestations are not excluded new wave political actionism.

Naturally, it is both difficult and irrational to suppress such a wave with prohibitions and restrictions. On the other hand, the practice of symmetrical responses seems to be quite viable - something that has already been successfully tested in foreign policy. That is, in the world of art it will be a response of creativity to creativity, creativity to creativity, a battle for the audience, despite the fact that the majority of the population is still inclined towards conservative and traditional values, is not looking for ways to understand the abstract, is not ready to substitute its taste for " slaps" artists. Naturally, this statement does not apply to outright provocations and violations of the law, for countering which there are completely different reliable mechanisms.