Fluid Futures: Recalibrating Land and History in Global Eastern Europe

State Socialism from the twentieth century generated particular social, cultural and artistic responses, and informed decades of subsequent political structure. But how do these histories exist within a contemporary, global perspective? How can we think about Eastern European geopolitics and ecology through different image cultures today?

The symposium aims to further discussions around Eastern Europe in a global context through three thematic panels, which will include talks, panel discussions, a film screening and keynote lecture. ‘Land, Ecology and the Global Ecosystem’ focuses on the intersection of artistic practice and climate change in Eastern Europe as a shared human reality. It considers the environmental histories of Socialism, and the position of Eastern Europe in the worldwide issues and conflicts connected to the climate emergency today. 'Globality in Eastern Europe’ explores Eastern Europe’s nuanced position within different kinds of global exchange: tracing histories of contact between Eastern Europe and other continents across the world, and challenging how narratives around oppression and imperialism have changed in light of evolving social discourse and contemporary conflict. 'Reframing Inheritance' considers how younger generations reconcile regional histories they did not experience with contemporary environments that both cling to and resist the recent past, including how these ideas manifest in fashion and other forms of cultural expression.

The keynote speakers are Maja and Reuben Fowkes (UCL), with other participants spanning artists, curators and researchers. Please see full programme attached.

Conference supporters include the Liszt Institute – Hungarian Cultural Centre, London; Adam Mickiewicz Institute, Poland; Czech Cultural Centre, London; and the Romanian Cultural Institute, London. Fluid Futures is organised by the V&A Photography Section in collaboration with Emese Mucsi (Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center) and Wiktoria Michalkiewicz (Independent Curator).