Dangerous Words and Dangerous Silences: Positioning Europe at the Edge of War

Wars never happen ‘just like that’ or ‘out of the blue’. They are the culmination of complex processes that span years and sometimes even decades. In his art, Maxim Kantor has addressed the threat embodied by the apparently seamless transition from Soviet Union to the Russian Federation and guided democracy, and his position has always been unmistakeable: Vladimir Putin and the system that produced him are, and always were, dangerous. Now more than ever, choosing the right words matters, and speaking them in situations where we would rather be silent endows the statements we make with a renewed and uncomfortable sense of moral and political weight. Understanding the circumstances that led to the Russian invasion of Ukraine requires a thoughtful engagement with historical narratives and the perspectives they present. Words are central to this process. As we choose what to say and what not to say, we contribute to the discourses that will shape the political order of tomorrow. The discussion will be centred around a selection of paintings by Maxim Kantor, each illustrating or addressing themes or aspects of the current war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine and its impacts on human rights in Eastern Europe and beyond. Students will prepare and present discussion questions