Curated by Deborah Wye and Margit Rowell
This comprehensive exhibition of 300 Russian artist’s books and manifestos, organized by MoMA curator Deborah Wye and guest curator Margit Rowell, reminds us that the goal of breaking down the barriers between creative disciplines is nothing new. With infectious slogans like “Real materials in real space” and “Art into life,” the Russian avant-garde’s production was anything but autonomous. Even if their dream of integrating art into everyday life through industrial production went unrealized, we’re left with a compelling record of photomontage propaganda and a view into a world in which art acknowledged no limits. What could be more persuasive as an instrument of social change than a book? Thousands of them.
