Deeply rooted in the visual culture of Soviet society and yet speaking equally to universal themes, this major exhibition explores the theme of failed utopia. Combining the artists’ characteristic use of melancholia, fictional characterisation and humour, the exhibition traces a line from Ilya Kabakov’s early paintings, drawings, albums and installations made in Moscow before his emigration to the West in 1987, to the collaborative projects made with Emilia in America since 1988, including immersive installations and architectural models. 

The exhibition is organised by Tate Modern in collaboration with the State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg and the State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow.