Kumu Documentary: Premiere. Art and the Cold War
Dir Sandra Jõgeva
Estonia 2024, 80 min
Production: Maagiline Masin
In Estonian, English and Russian, with Estonian and English subtitles
Introduction by artist and director of the film Sandra Jõgeva
Art and the Cold War is a story about the relationship between independent Soviet art and the West. It recalls a time when art was larger and more important than life itself, and a time the like of which Estonian art has never seen and most likely will never see again. On one side, there are independent Soviet artists who lack not only the opportunities but also the finances to complete their works. On the other side, there is the tempting West, whose ambassadors (sometimes literally) take an active interest in the Soviet underground art market. Selling one’s works to the West is a tricky business since the almighty KGB stands between the two mutually attracted parties.
Nevertheless, an incredible amount of mainly Estonian and Muscovite visual art is sold and taken across the border. This is facilitated mainly by Western diplomats, behind whose coordinated actions stands none other than the CIA.
