Comments on: Russian blasphemy trial inspires the publication of a book of banned art

By: Stuart H.

Stuart H. — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:30:36 +0000

Seeing the ‘Order of Lenin’ crucifix thingie makes me wonder if there’s a bit more to this. There’s been a trend in Eastern European art for around two decades for questioning the way Communism operated like a state religion and the setting up of Lenin, Stalin and co as ‘prophets’ -some of it very effective. You do wonder if a Russian government that trades off being in the tradition of a way of operating that us pesky westerners made the heroic comrades abandon finds such satire a bit too close to the truth.
Another funny thing – that Oleg Kasin thing about doing art in private but don’t frighten the horses in public. As an old Amnesty member I remember sending shedloads of protest letters to East Europe defending religious bods who got picked up for worshipping at home. On the positive side, a religious nut who thinks you have the right to behave as you like at home is a step forward, but funny how they now automatically think public worship is a basic right, but not public art.

By: Neuseline

Neuseline — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 14:09:40 +0000

Gosh, how times have changed in Russia. Personally, I prefer the times when all religions were banned.

By: Janstince

Janstince — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 05:11:58 +0000

And here I was thinking that the purpose of art was to hold a mirror up to the real world, show us things about ourselves we didn’t know and might not like. As the old saying goes, those who refuse to learn the mistakes in history are doomed to repeat them.

By: kosmofilo

kosmofilo — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 03:14:56 +0000

The Russian government is developing its own search engine, which will filter pornography and everything else Russians shouldn't be looking at: Reiman Confirms New Search Project.

By: Broadsword

Broadsword — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:56:22 +0000

Strange how Russia tolerates the hosting of kiddie porn websites yet pursues blasphemers with vigour. Were the Forbidden Art 2006 exhibitors were prosecuted using some archaic law that punishes those who ridicule sky faeries? I suppose it’s too hard or dangerous to go after real criminals and corrupt officials would struggle financially without their bribes.

Off topic. Friend of mine just sent me a book recommendation. It’s called “The Bible” and some of the reviews seem quite positive:
http://www.kontraband.com/pics.....ge=13#show