Fragmented Histories: Critical Writings on Cold War Legacy

As part of the Creative Europe project In(Visible) Traces: Artistic Memories of the Cold War, the Art Criticism Training program was a two-day intensive workshop designed to equip five emerging art critics, curators, and cultural professionals with the tools to critically engage with Cold War-era cultural heritage. Selected via an open call, participants gathered at DAS WEISSE HAUS in Vienna on November 11–12, 2024, to explore the intersection of art, memory, and politics, deepening their understanding of the cultural legacies of the Cold War.

Led by experienced art critics Kate Sutton and Kathrin Heinrich, the training combined theoretical discussions, hands-on writing exercises, and site visits. Participants explored Cold War-related landmarks in Vienna, including the Red Army Soldier monument at Schwarzenbergplatz, and attended the Forms of the Shadow exhibition at Secession. The program also featured a guest presentation by artist, researcher, and curator Ekaterina Shapiro-Obermair, who introduced her recently published book Performing History: Public Commemoration of World War II in the Context of the Russo-Ukrainian War. Through discussion and analysis of her video work, participants reflected on artistic interventions that challenge historical narratives.

A key outcome of the workshop was the production of critical texts by each participant, refined with mentorship and editorial support. These writings you can find in digital publication attached here.

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The publication features the critical writings produced during the Training in Art Criticism held on November 11-12, 2024, as part of the Creative Europe project (In)Visible Traces. Artistic Memories of the Cold War. The project is realized by BLOCKFREI and hosted by DAS WEISSE HAUS.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.