Vitaly Komar — Ruins
Guelman und Unbekannt Gallery is honored to present "Ruins," an innovative exhibition by renowned artist Vitaly Komar, curated by Marat Guelman. This groundbreaking project marks Komar's inaugural exploration into the realm of artificial intelligence, offering a profound commentary on the impermanence of cultural institutions.
Vitaly Komar, a pivotal figure in contemporary art, co-founded the Sots Art movement in the early 1970s, blending elements of Socialist Realism with Western Pop Art to critique Soviet propaganda. His collaborative works with Alexander Melamid, such as the "Nostalgic Socialist Realism" series, employed irony and satire to challenge totalitarian narratives.
In "Ruins," Komar revisits themes from his earlier "Post-Art" series, where he depicted iconic artworks as decayed frescoes, envisioning a future where contemporary masterpieces have succumbed to time. This new exhibition utilizes AI to reimagine major museums in a state of ruin, prompting reflections on the transient nature of art and the institutions that house it.
Art critic Arthur Danto has noted that Sots Art's critique of official styles parallels the intentions of American Pop Art and German Capitalist Realism, highlighting its role in challenging established artistic norms.
Curator Marat Guelman emphasizes that "Ruins" not only showcases Komar's adeptness in merging traditional artistic techniques with modern technology but also serves as a poignant reminder of the ephemerality inherent in cultural edifices.
We invite you to experience "Ruins" at Guelman und Unbekannt Gallery, Mittelstraße 51/52, 10117 Berlin, from February 1, 2025. Join us in exploring this compelling fusion of art and technology that challenges our perceptions of permanence and legacy.
Sources on Vitaly Komar and Sots Art
Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University – Komar and Melamid: A Lesson in History
Zimmerli Museum Exhibition
Tate Modern Interview with Komar and Melamid – The World Goes Pop
Sots Art Overview
Guelman Gallery Archive
Google Arts & Culture