Yael Bartana’s Two Minutes to Midnight (2021) is a thought-provoking single-channel video and sound installation that serves as a response to the tumultuous first Trump presidency. The 47-minute film follows five actors portraying officials in an all-women government as they collaborate with real-life experts from various fields to tackle an existential crisis. A major world power, known for its platform of de-escalation and disarmament, is faced with a critical decision after “Twittler” orders nuclear warheads to be aimed at a key ally. With only two minutes left on the “Doomsday Clock,” the group must decide whether to reject the dangerous strategy of provocation.
Displayed as part of the group exhibition Poetics of Power at Kunsthaus Graz, Anna Zvyagintseva’s sculpture “The Cage” (2010) offers a powerful commentary on the oppressive nature of autocratic regimes. The piece recreates the courtroom cages commonly found in such countries, where defendants are dehumanized and put on display during trials. Made of textile with a hidden metal armature, the cage symbolizes the inherent fragility and instability of oppressive systems.
Another striking work in the exhibition is Ala Savashevich’s “Sew on Your Own” (2022), a life-sized apron crafted from chainmail. Traditionally associated with female domestic labor, the apron is reimagined here as a symbol of autonomy and liberation. By transforming a symbol of household chores into a piece of armor reminiscent of medieval warfare, Savashevich challenges societal norms and gender roles.
Erkan Ăzgen’s video “Wonderland” (2016) further explores the theme of storytelling and trauma. Through the wordless performance of a Deaf boy named Muhammed, who reenacts the horrors he witnessed during his family’s escape from Syria, the piece raises questions about representation and the power of nonverbal communication. Muhammed’s poignant gestures invite viewers to empathize with his experiences and reflect on the limitations of spoken language in conveying emotional truths.
The works featured in Poetics of Power collectively challenge the narrative of militarized masculinity and offer alternative perspectives on power and agency. By imagining a society that values collaboration, problem-solving, and peacebuilding over exploitation and domination, the exhibition encourages viewers to reconsider their understanding of power dynamics and collective responsibility.
To experience Poetics of Power firsthand, visit Kunsthaus Graz in Austria before the exhibition closes on May 25. Curated by Andreja Hribernik and Nini Palavandishvili, the show promises a thought-provoking exploration of resistance, resilience, and the transformative potential of art.
