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Russian Abstract Masterpieces in Moscow Museums with Dr. Nina Wieda

Russian Abstract Masterpieces in Moscow Museums with Dr. Nina Wieda


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Kazemir Malevich’s Black Square is the foundational work of abstract art. It paved the road from traditional representational painting to futurism, cubism, and other abstract art movements that defined the 20th century.

Although revolutionary and shocking to many, Black Square did not emerge in a vacuum. It emerged as a part of a rich and vibrant creative movement uniting artists, writers, and composers deeply engaged in the social and political life of their country. Our conversation will illuminate how the Black Square and other abstract paintings relate to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the monumental social changes of the early 20th century. 

Led by an expert on Russian Art, Dr. Nina Wieda, this Conversation will illuminate the rich cultural and social meaning behind Malevich's Black Square and other important works of Russian futurism. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased appreciation of Russian abstract art and a desire to visit the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, along houses works by Malevich, Kandinsky, and Chagall. 

Nina Wieda is a native of the Caucasus living in Chicago, USA. She holds a Ph.D. in Slavic from Northwestern University and an MA in Nationalism Studies from Central European University. Nina also has experience in journalism, advertising, and consumer research – her writing has been published in three languages. She wrote her Master's thesis about the Northern Caucasus region. Dr. Wieda currently teaches at Northwestern University near Chicago.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 5 reviews
80%
(4)
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20%
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A
A. (Santa Monica, US)

Guest did not leave comment

M
M.A.M. (Chesterfield, US)
Fascinating review of modern art before the Russian Revolution

This talk on the political history and art leading up to the Russian Revolution as exemplified by 3 paintings was very interesting and educational. Dr. Wieda is exceptionally knowledgeable, well organized and thought provoking. Now I would love to travel to Moscow. I only wish she had also discussed the painting in the course description as well since it fascinated me. I will be looking for other lectures from Dr. Wieda.

S
S.B. (Chicago, US)
Another remarkable lecture from Nina Wieda

Dr. Wieda’s approach to this subject was unexpected and incredibly revelatory. Her multidisciplinary approach to early 20th C Russian painting is fascinating. (I thought I understood Malevich before, but not like I do after today’s lecture). Her talk today was enriched by her vast knowledge of pre-revolutionary Russian history. I appreciate Dr Wieda’s “deep dive” into her topic, an hour and a half packed with fascinating material, presented by someone with an “insider’s” point of view. Bravo.

A
A. (Venice, US)

Guest did not leave comment

R
R.L. (Islington, GB)
Russian abstract art in Moscow

I was somewhat disappointed in this seminar. For me, the balance between the history and background of the period and the art that was produced was the wrong way round: while some of the history was of course necessary for context and understanding, this heavily outweighed the art that was shown, sadly to the detriment of the session.
Again for me, I would have much preferred the starting point to be the art, using this as a jumping off point for a brief discussion of the history that influenced the production of the work.

Customer Reviews

Based on 5 reviews
80%
(4)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
20%
(1)
0%
(0)
A
A. (Santa Monica, US)

Guest did not leave comment

M
M.A.M. (Chesterfield, US)
Fascinating review of modern art before the Russian Revolution

This talk on the political history and art leading up to the Russian Revolution as exemplified by 3 paintings was very interesting and educational. Dr. Wieda is exceptionally knowledgeable, well organized and thought provoking. Now I would love to travel to Moscow. I only wish she had also discussed the painting in the course description as well since it fascinated me. I will be looking for other lectures from Dr. Wieda.

S
S.B. (Chicago, US)
Another remarkable lecture from Nina Wieda

Dr. Wieda’s approach to this subject was unexpected and incredibly revelatory. Her multidisciplinary approach to early 20th C Russian painting is fascinating. (I thought I understood Malevich before, but not like I do after today’s lecture). Her talk today was enriched by her vast knowledge of pre-revolutionary Russian history. I appreciate Dr Wieda’s “deep dive” into her topic, an hour and a half packed with fascinating material, presented by someone with an “insider’s” point of view. Bravo.

A
A. (Venice, US)

Guest did not leave comment

R
R.L. (Islington, GB)
Russian abstract art in Moscow

I was somewhat disappointed in this seminar. For me, the balance between the history and background of the period and the art that was produced was the wrong way round: while some of the history was of course necessary for context and understanding, this heavily outweighed the art that was shown, sadly to the detriment of the session.
Again for me, I would have much preferred the starting point to be the art, using this as a jumping off point for a brief discussion of the history that influenced the production of the work.