Unpredictability of Past is Theme of Exhibitions at Blaffer Art Museum

Shows That Reflect on Uses of History Run Through Aug. 11

Two new exhibitions at the University of Houston’s Blaffer Art Museum aim to make visitors re-examine the way they think about history in an age where facts are under question. The shows draw inspiration from historical events such as the Russian Revolution and the creation of the philosophical and cultural movement called Russian Cosmism. The exhibitions run through Saturday, March 24 and return Friday, June 1 through Saturday, Aug. 11.

  • “Immortality for All: A Film Trilogy on Russian Cosmism” by Anton Vidokle explores cosmism’s influence on the 20th century and its relevance to the present day. Cosmism, a scientific, philosophical and utopian movement, was based on the belief that technology should be used to create immortality and resurrect the dead. It is also believed that cosmism was an impetus for the creation of the Soviet space program because the earth would be crowded with immortals.
  • “The Future Is Certain; It’s the Past Which Is Unpredictable”is about the perception of time and history, about how the past can reassert itself in the present and the future. This exhibition brings together works by a dozen artists and collectives from around the world.

“The shows look at the way history was re-written as a means of control or creating unifying myths,” said Toby Kamps, Blaffer Art Museum director and chief curator. “Visitors can expect to see a lot of complicated works where the formal devices and the stories and outside references are inextricably knit together.”

WHAT: “Immortality for All: A Film Trilogy on Russian Cosmism” by Anton Vidokle and “The Future is Certain; It’s the Past Which is Unpredictable”

WHEN: Exhibitions are free and open to the public through August 11. Note: exhibitions will be closed from Sunday, March 25-Thursday, May 24

WHERE: Blaffer Art Museum at the University of Houston, 4713 Elgin St., Houston, TX 77004 Click here for map and directions.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sara Tubbs at 713.743.4248 or sstubbs2@uh.edu.