Introduction

The painting The Long Journey depicts a bizarre scene in which impossible combinations of geographical sites and people are collaged together in one devastating landscape, enjoying what seems to be the opening of an art exhibition. After the full-scale war started in Ukraine, the global art world was criticised for keeping a business-as-usual attitude and continuing to open and celebrate exhibitions and art festivals with drinks and parties. As a reaction to the recent and ongoing wars around the Eurasian continent, as well as the discussion about the behaviour of the art world, Alexei Gordin’s commentary includes a bit of hopeful sunshine breaking through the dramatic skies. The soldiers of different nations and political regimes – who should be enemies – have travelled a long way and now have the promise of good company and cultural entertainment. Even in the most shattered cities, people still open art shows and find moments for celebration. What seems nonsensical suddenly becomes almost therapeutic. Life must go on.