...ON THE EASTERN FRONT

The exhibition examines the effects of the changes taking place in the region of the former Soviet Bloc on the individual and on various groups of society from the aspect of socio-psychology. It focuses on the human dimensions of the transition beginning from the end of the eighties and on, micro-processes involved.
What is our attitude to our historical past? What are the consequences of the changes in national identity and national stereotypes? How can individual lives be carried on amidst all these rearrangements in society? What intergroup relations and conflicts have played a defining role in the last twenty years?
(http://www.ludwigmuseum.hu/site.php?inc=kiallitas&kiallitasId=723&menuId=44)

You can see the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MWLSMCuVzg

I liked the idea. On this subject one can speculate a lot and there is a lot to say..
Well, I am from Republic of Moldova and I think this subject is very much close to me..But let's forget my identity and I'll try to think from another perspective. First, the exhibition takes place in Hungary - a country which also had to suffer a lot from the changing of the "Soviet Bloc". From this point of view - i would say that for Hungarians it wouldn't be hard to understand the message behind the Videos.
So- nice done!The subject is attractive and it is PRESENT.
Secondly - it takes place in Ludwig Museum - a very well known spot. And usually, we say that if an exhibition takes place in Ludwig - it means - a great show.Which is true at leas for me each time I go there.
Advertising - is good: we have the site which provides info, fun zine and magazines like that, even videos in you tube...But Ludwig attracts people all the times...no need for a huge marketing.
Back to the subject. Let me mention that I didn't like all the Videos...which is totally ok..as it is a contemporary VideoArt exhibition, and you simply can't like everything.
But if to specify - I didn't like the CHTO DELAT, entitled PERESTROIKA SONGSPIEL.
Firs of all I think it's very hard to get the message. 5 people are singing in a Russian didactic play - in a chorus..in Russian..there are English subtitles.
It is a total lack of comprehension. May be this is what they would like to achieve through this video. But I really like the idea and it's a pity they couldn't get it in a nicer manner..in a clearer manner..
The idea is that there are 5 'archetypal figures of the (Russian) change of regime': the democrat, the businessman, the revolutionary, the nationalist and the feminist. Great idea! They are arguing about their country's future. The authors could do something extraordinary starting from this idea. But the fact that you are watching 5 people singing in a chorus and you have to read the subtitles in English at the same time..makes a total chaos. I think this, only Russians can understand..and it's not really for European Public.

Now, let me say that I was proud to see the work of an artist from Moldova: Pavel Braila. It's a very simple shot of how all trains in Ungheni (small frontier station at the Moldavian-Romanian border) have to wait like 3h at the station, while their wheels are replaced from Russian gauge to standard Eu gauge.
Very simple video..but the IDEA is what is crucial here: the distinction between the East and West. We still use the Russian gauge and we still have to change wheels to get to the Eu side...