The title of this platform-project refers to the title of a sonnet by Percy Bysshe Shelley, published in 1818. Its central theme is the inevitable decline of all leaders and the empires they build, no matter how powerful they were in their time. Like Ozymandias (Ramses II), history has witnessed the downfall of several world powers that were once considered indestructible, leaving behind only remnants of their once-great existence.

As the project progresses, it will grow to include smaller parts that collectively offer a diverse array of perspectives under the same overarching theme.

The public presentation of the project takes on an open and fluid form, inviting proposals that engage in a dialogue between abstract concepts such as ruin and crisis, vividly illustrating their physical consequences.

Thus, the primary objective of #ozymandias is to delve into the form and content of the origin that the obtained objects represent, shedding light on the internal tensions of the different territories in which they are found, whether geographical, political, economic, or historical. This practice involves taking a personal stance as an artist, aiming to bring to the forefront specific and often overlooked situations, such as the porous nature of borders, the remnants of modernity's aspirations, the fascinating discoveries of contemporary archaeology, or the traces left by the structures of power on the landscape. In essence, it is a quest to explore the concept of entropy.

Through the #ozymandias project, I seek to capture the fleeting nature of the ruined grandiosity, revealing how even the mightiest structures and leaders succumb to the inexorable forces of time and change. By juxtaposing these remains with the underlying complexities of their contexts, the project aims to provoke contemplation and introspection, encouraging viewers to confront the transient nature of human endeavors and the ever-shifting paradigms of power.

Ultimately, #ozymandias offers an artistic and intellectual journey, inviting audiences to ponder the cyclical nature of history, the fragility of human accomplishments, and the enduring allure of ancient ruins that continue to captivate our collective imagination.

Research > Collect > Narrate

 

1.
8792 Mt

In the vast expanse of the former Soviet Union, a haunting legacy of the Cold War lingers, concealed within the abandoned nuclear missile bases that once shaped the geopolitical landscape of Europe and America. This is the focal point of 8792 Mt, a poignant reference to the unimaginable magnitude of 8,792 Megatons, the total nuclear power of the Soviet Union enough to destroy the world several times (the total amount of Megatones can vary slightly between different sources due to differences in data collection and estimation methods).

Through a series of one-minute videos, I embark on a journey to depict diverse locations within these silent ruins. Devoid of embellishment or subjective commentary, the footage remains true to the raw reality of these long-forgotten sites capturing the essence of these dormant relics.

The project shows the enigmatic allure of these cold, concrete constructions, capturing not only their physical decay but also the intangible echoes of history that reverberate through them.

The concept emerges as a contemplative quest, not for the sentimental or overtly emotive, but rather for a more profound exploration of the significance of these relics. It is a meditation on the intangible impact of these bases that once held the power to instill fear and uncertainty on a global scale.

Avoiding any interpretative bias, the project challenges viewers to contemplate the ramifications of past decisions. Each silent testimony carries the weight of a pivotal chapter in human history, urging us to confront the fragility of global stability.

8792 Mt stands as a subtle tribute to the memory of a past that remains both haunting and captivating. The convergence of stillness and motion in the videos accentuates the poignant paradox of these forsaken bases that once held the power to alter the course of history.

With each new location captured on film, the project implores the viewer to navigate the recent history, thus making this endeavor more than a mere documentation of ruins but an ode to the enigmatic shadows cast by the past. The title 8792 Mt serves as an evocative reminder of the immense nuclear force that once loomed over the world, and now lies dormant, encapsulated within these decaying remains.

American satelite map of the 739th Missile Regiment base.

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Video stills.

 

2.
Rise & Fall

Monuments have long been a significant aspect of our cultural landscape, serving as physical representations of historical figures, events, or ideologies. Throughout history, these statues and structures have evolved, reflecting shifts in societal values, political climates, and popular sentiment. One such emblematic example is the monuments dedicated to Vladimir Lenin, the iconic figure of the Russian Revolution and the early Soviet Union.

Although Lenin mentioned in a conversation with Lunacharski: "Please don't think I have my heart set on marble, granite, and gold lettering. We must be modest for the present, let it be concrete with clear, legible inscriptions. I am not at the moment thinking of anything permanent or even long-lasting. Let it even be of a temporary nature." In the aftermath of Lenin’s death in 1924, Lenin monuments began to emerge across the newly established Soviet Union, standing tall as symbols of the socialist ideals that had shaped the nation. For decades, these statues of Lenin adorned city squares, parks, and public spaces, projecting an image of unity and revolutionary fervor.

However, with the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, a wave of political and cultural transformations swept across Eastern Europe and other former Soviet republics. As these nations transitioned towards democracy and capitalism, many Lenin monuments faced a hazardous fate. In the wake of newfound independence and the desire to shed the remnants of the communist past, these statues became targets of public scrutiny.

In numerous countries, Lenin monuments were dismantled, defaced, or removed entirely. The act of tearing down these once-revered structures became symbolic of a break from their history. For some, it was a cathartic act of liberation from the previous regime, representing a turning point and signifying a departure from an era that was now viewed as oppressive and unwanted.

Conversely, in some countries, the devotion for Lenin persisted, leaving the monuments untouched. In nations where the power transitioned from the USSR without a clear breaking point, it is argued that preserving Lenin monuments is important for historical documentation and education and they serve as reminders of the Soviet period, becoming cherished symbols of national identity and a tribute to their historical struggles. In these countries Lenin is still revered as a visionary leader who advocated for social justice and equality, regardless of the ultimate outcome of the Soviet experiment.

The contrasting treatment of Lenin monuments highlights the complexities of popular culture and the varied ways in which societies interpret their shared histories. The evolution of these monuments reflects the multifaceted nature of public memory, wherein a single figure like Lenin can evoke both pride and disdain, nostalgia and rejection, depending on the historical context and the societal lens through which he is viewed.

As time continues to pass, the fate of Lenin monuments will likely continue to evolve. The resilience of some statues in the face of political change demonstrates the enduring influence of historical figures on national identities. Simultaneously, the removal and destruction of others symbolize the change and flow of collective memory and the transformative power of public sentiment.

Therefore, the evolution of monuments in popular culture, especially in the case of Lenin monuments, serves as a reminder of the fluid nature of history and the intricate relationship between societal values and the physical symbols that represent them. As new generations emerge, the legacy of these monuments will continue to be shaped by the ever-changing tides of time, memory, and interpretation, considering that in the same way we judge History, we will also be judged by the same History.

This projects has been possible thanks to the cooperation with:
Tampere Lenin Museum
Spandau Historical Museum
Estonian History Museum
Armenian History Museum
Kotka Kymenlaakso Museum
Turku Museum

Kiev, Ukraine

Berlin, Germany

Kotka, Finland

Turku, Finland

 

3.
The Soviets

The term "New Soviet Man" refers to a concept that was a central ideological component of the Soviet Union during its existence. The idea of the New Soviet Man was an ambitious goal set by the communist regime to create a new type of person who would embody the values and principles of socialism and communism.

According to the Soviet ideology, the New Soviet Man was supposed to be a selfless, disciplined, and morally superior individual, fully committed to the collective goals of the communist society. This concept was closely tied to the belief that human nature could be molded and transformed through education, social conditioning, and the removal of capitalist influences.

The New Soviet Man was envisioned as a person who would prioritize the well-being of the state and the community over individual interests. They would be productive, hardworking, and devoted to the socialist cause, striving for the advancement of the country towards a classless and stateless communist society.

This concept was heavily promoted in Soviet propaganda, educational materials, and political discourse, particularly during the early years of the Soviet Union under the leadership of figures like Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin. However, as time passed and the realities of human nature and individuality prevailed, the idea of the New Soviet Man became increasingly criticized and questioned by both scholars and citizens.

Ultimately, the concept of the New Soviet Man played a significant role in shaping Soviet society and the political landscape during its existence, but it also exposed the gap between ideological aspirations and the complexities of human nature. With the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the idea of the New Soviet Man gradually faded into history.

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4.
SUR

In this project, I delve into the compelling history of Soviet Union roubles (SUR) discarded during the twilight of the USSR. Combining photography together with an art installation made of 57 kilos of banknotes, that once held the life-time salary of a USSR worker, the project presents an immersive exploration of a pivotal chapter in our shared human narrative.

At the heart of this endeavor lies an intriguing tale from the late 20th century: a fixed exchange rate of 1.5 United States dollars (USD) per SUR was artificially established in the 1960s, driven solely by propagandistic motives. However, these roubles found utility only within the borders of the USSR, as their exportation was strictly prohibited.

As the era of perestroika dawned in the mid-1980s, the absurdity of upholding this artificial value became evident, leading to a drastic devaluation of SUR. Their worth plummeted to a mere 0.15 USD per SUR, aligning more closely with international realities. Yet, this was only the prelude to further devaluation. With the disintegration of the Soviet Union in December 1991, the exchange rate further diminished to a mere 0.01 USD per SUR.

The 1990s marked a tumultuous decade for the USSR, witnessing unprecedented political and economic transformations. As the Berlin Wall fell in 1989 and the Eastern Bloc countries gained independence, the winds of change swept across the Soviet Union.

In a historic moment, the USSR officially dissolved on December 26, 1991, bringing an end to decades of communist rule. The collapse of the Soviet Union ushered in a new era for the region, marked by the emergence of independent states and the demise of the planned economy.

The disintegration of the USSR had far-reaching consequences, including the shift from the Soviet rouble (SUR) to the Russian rouble (RUB) in 1992. With the adoption of the new currency, the SUR ceased to circulate, rendering a considerable stockpile of paper currency obsolete.

In the quest to dispose of this surplus, a peculiar solution was found. Due to concerns about the toxicity of the inks used in the banknotes, burning the money was deemed impractical. Instead, the decision was made to discard the currency in disused, secret missile silos. An estimated one trillion SUR met this fate.

However, in a twist of fate, the once-discarded banknotes have found new life in our art installation. Photographs, capturing the essence of these historical remnants, complement the installation, inviting viewers to journey through a tangible testament of the past.

A project that embarks on an enthralling exploration of the legacy left behind by these discarded Soviet Union roubles. Each banknote carries echoes of a bygone era, a chapter in history that once held the world in its grip. As we unearth these fragments of the past, we invite you to contemplate the intricate tapestry of history, where currency and geopolitics intertwine, leaving an indelible mark on the canvas of time, inviting contemplation on the impermanence of power and the indelible footprints of history.