Survival Kit 16: House of See-More Explores Geopolitical Upheaval Through Myth and Horizontal Networks in Riga

The contemporary art festival Survival Kit, now in its sixteenth iteration and titled 'House of See-More,' is being held in a former knitting factory in Riga until 28 September. Curated by Slavs and Tatars alongside Michał Grzegorzek, the exhibition draws on the mythical Simurgh from Eurasian folklore to weave connections between Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Eastern Europe. In light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the focus is on themes of decolonization. Featured works include a video installation by Roman Khimei and Yarema Malashchuk about Ukrainian children, Enad Marouf's performance inspired by Walter Benjamin, and Malina Suliman's fabric panels reflecting Afghan women's dreams. Additional artists participating are Askhat Akhmedyarov, Oksana Shachko, Shadi Habib Allah, and Ali Cherri, with the curatorial statement emphasizing vibrancy and diversity amid geopolitical tensions.