Calvert 22 presents Soviet Space Archive: Configuration II

From 10 – 31 October Calvert 22 will host Soviet Space Archive: Configuration II, an archive of photographs and ephemera that illustrates the key moments surrounding Soviet space exploration from 1957 – 1988.

Co-curated by artists Rory McCartney and Ella McCartney, the collection includes both staged, state-issued publicity portraits of cosmonauts, and photographs taken by the crew themselves. The exhibition takes the production of narrative as an additional theme, exploring how varying images of significant moments can reflect different perspectives: constructed, replicated and mass-produced. The exhibition in turn celebrates the many ways an archive can be assembled, and is edited and configured in order to focus on a different narrative each time it is presented.

The launch party for the exhibition will take place on Friday 9 October from 6.30pm – 8.30 pm. The event will feature a Soviet Space Disco, with music recorded in the Soviet Union during the Cold War, featuring DJs Mr Pedro (NTS Radio) and Johnny Dett (Dusty Fingers). The evening is free of charge but guests should register online.

On Saturday 31 October from 3pm – 4pm Calvert 22 will also host a special hour-long family workshop, giving participants the opportunity to create their own Halloween spacesuit. This workshop will be led by the curators of the exhibition. Adults must accompany children at all times and booking is essential.

Soviet Space Archive: Configuration II will be open to view from 10 – 31 October at Calvert 22. The gallery will be open from 12pm – 6pm Wednesday to Friday, and 12pm – 5pm on Saturdays.