Lecture-performance by Slavs and Tatars

The lecture-performance 79.89.09 looks at two key modern moments – the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and Poland’s Solidarnosc movement in the 1980s – as bookends to the two major geopolitical narratives of the 20th and 21st century, respectively – Communism and political Islam. Originally a contribution to Berlin-based biannual 032c, 79.89.09 looks at issues as disparate as the monobrow, modernity, and the Beach Boys in understanding the importance of these two moments for the greater Middle East today.

The lecture acted as the opening salvo to Slavs and Tatars’ Friendship of Nations: Polish Shi’ite Showbiz cycle, an investigation of the unlikely points of convergence in the economic, cultural, and political histories of Poland and Iran, respectively. From 17th century’s Sarmatism to the 21st century reform movement in Iran, the advent of the 24 hour news cycle to the role of crafts as citizen diplomacy, 79.89.09 presents a lateral look at the two countries in their quest for self determination.

The lecture-performance will take place in the museum’s reading room on the ground floor. The activity is free of charge and no reservation is needed.