PhD | Sublime Imperfections: Post-Soviet Trash Aesthetics

PhD-Candidate: Fabienne Rachmadiev | University of Amsterdam | Sublime Imperfections: Post-Soviet Trash Aesthetics | Supervisors: Ellen Rutten, Joost de Bloois

The purpose of this research is twofold: to provide an analysis of influential cultural objects in post- Soviet Russia through a theory of ‘imperfection’, from the perspective of the maker, i.e. why choose imperfection as an aesthetic strategy?, and by studying the cultural, social, economic and political effects of employing such a strategy. At the same time this particular case-study of a geographical region (Russia and other post-Soviet states) and timeframe (post-1989- now) aims to contribute to a larger theory of imperfection as a tool for a better understanding of social, cultural and economic processes in times of uncertainty, upheaval and change.