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This book complements a national traveling exhibition of Komar and Melamid's interpretation of the "most wanted' and "most unwanted" paintings of fourteen countries titled: The People's Choice, organized and circulated by ICI - Independant Curators International, touring to museums from September 1998 to December 2000.

For the uninitiated, the Komar-MelaƯmid paintings (their work is a collaboraƯtive effort) no doubt will be a surprise and a delight: it is at once sprightly, intricate, and mystical. Called “Sots” art (for Socialist art), it is a kind of Pop that parodies the propaganda posters and street banners designed for public conƯsumption by Russian officialdom. The Sots subjects from the first show include the stern head of a worker holding his finger to his lips and entitled “Don#x19;t Babble,” several banners with such slogans as “Glory to Labor” and “Our Goal Communism,” and a painting of a “Laika” cigarette pack using as its emƯblem the Soviet dog sent into orbit with “Sputnik II” in 1957.

Paintings of: 50 Cent, Common, Don "Magic" Juan, Duke, Easy Mo Bee, Lil Jon, Marc Ecko, Reverend Run, Russell Simmons, Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, Whoo Kid

Artwork by Komar & Melamid. Contributions by Dore Ashton, Remo Guidieri, Andrei Bitov.

The River of Life, and Other Stories by Aleksandr Kuprin is a riveting collection that showcases the rich diversity of Russian life and culture. Kuprin's captivating storytelling brings to life a variety of characters, each navigating the ebb and flow of life's river. Whether it's the struggle for survival, the pursuit of love, or the simple joys of everyday life, The River of Life, and Other Stories brings you on an unforgettable journey through the human condition.