Description
The exhibition “Signs of Power” focuses on the University of Tartu Assembly Hall and examines the changes in this space under the influence of different powers. An installation created by group of young artists Ajuokse (Brain Vomit) lends a future perspective to the exhibition.
Power in society does not only manifest itself through laws, orders and prohibitions. Often, it takes place in more covert ways and expresses itself also in the space around us. Our physical environment reflects our cultural and socio-political choices and the ideological views and preferences of the ruling social groups.
The university assembly hall — this strictly classicist and solemnly academic white pillared hall — is a notable example of a remarkable public space that was deliberately decorated with the desire to perpetuate the ruling ideology and in which elements and understandings of different eras have been gradually passed on or replaced. Be it works of art, ideological symbols, furnishings or the layout of the space.
We examine the ways in which the ruling powers’ values and attitudes have been presented in the hall during four political eras. We ask what means have been used to emphasise the political importance of the hall, how the signs have changed over time and how we perceive them today. What are the signs of power surrounding us that we may not notice, and how can we recognise them in the future?
The exhibition is not limited to looking at the past. Artists from the Ajuokse group bring an alternative set of symbols to the exhibition hall with an installation that dreams of a more conscious society. After the exhibition presents us with choices made in the past, the installation raises the question of what kind of space and society we want to create around us today.
Location on map
Languages of communication
Organiser
- Organisation:
- Tartu Ülikooli muuseum
- Address:
- Lossi 25, Tartu
- Contact:
- Tartu Ülikooli muuseum
- E-Mail:
- Homepage:
- https://muuseum.ut.ee