An artistic and theoretical research project led by Marko Kolomytskyi, focusing on the so-called ‘Russian’ philosophy of cosmism, and more specifically on the central concept of the ‘common task’ developed by Nikolai Fedorov. Emerging towards the end of the Russian Empire across its various territories, this constellation of utopian ideas envisaged a humanity united by collective action aimed at transforming the world, transcending differences and overcoming death.

The ‘Common Task’ project draws inspiration from these philosophical currents whilst critically examining their contradictions and limitations, as well as their possible reinterpretation in a contemporary context marked by political divisions, neo-imperialist tendencies and a redefinition of cultural identities.

‘Common Task’ takes two complementary forms: (1) a long-duration public performance and (2) a video and sound installation, created from the recording of this action.

The performance is based on the shared responsibility of several participants – referred to as ‘Citizens’ – tasked with carrying out a continuous action: throughout the performance, participants take turns rubbing two stones together, a repetitive gesture involving the abrasion of the stone’s surface with water and sand. Each participant continues the task begun by the previous person and passes it on to the next, thus creating an uninterrupted sequence of actions.

The performance concluded with an experimental composition for piano, violin and noise by Lucille Moussalli and Tom Charlot.

Text by Sasha Baydal