Grand Illusions

The totalitarian epoch by its very nature required the entire community's participation. The word "Youth," when reiterated and accentuated in a familiar typeface, is instantly recognizable as coming from the cover of a once very widely read journal. Types of almost romantic illusions were completely woven into all activities of the masses. Some examples we see are: "Thanks to the great Stalin for our happy childhood!" or "Life is better and life is more joyful now," and "Go forward with determination." And, who could forget "Everybody to the elections," "Yes, yes, yes," "All rise," and "Enthusiastic and continuous applause." Several of these phrases can identify an entire epoch, for those who understand and remember them.

Today, we see other slogans into which we read a different meaning. They are bright, brief, simple, superficial, and ready- to- prompt- at- any- time- of- the- day slogans that are meant not for society as a whole, but rather for individuals, who can each on his own be carried away by the carnival-like revelry of advertising billboards with catchy terms such as "super," "give in to shopping," "Miss Tourism," "sales," "round the clock." The personal pronouns 'we,' 'us,' and 'all' have disappeared, while the social density gradually thins, and a sense of emptiness takes presence in more than just a culturological context. The lyrics of rock band "Leningrad," remind us that "no one is sorry for anyone, not for him, not for you and not for me." These words are already shot with loneliness, and drenched with both fear and a weak-willed readiness before some automated sacrifice.

Irina Rekhovskikh, curator

Grand Illusions