Alena Ledeneva
Art
Collection 1
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Collection 2
Join our PiraMMMida scheme!
Launched on 1 July 2020, PiraMMMida.life, an experimental exhibition platform curated by UCL SSEES Lecturer in Critical Area Studies and FRINGE Centre Co-Head Michał Murawski, in collaboration with David Roberts (Bartlett School of Architecture), Masha Mileeva (Courtauld Institute) and Denis Maksimov (Avenir Institute).
PiraMMMida features the work of over 20 contributors: scholars, artists, architects, practitioners and others. SSEES contributors include Lecturer in Eurasian History Philippa Hetherington, Associated Professor in Czech with Slovak Literature Peter Zusi and Professor of Sociology Alena Ledeneva.
Straw man
Just like the Scarecrow, in the Wizard of Oz, my Straw man lacks a brain. A believer in miracles, each Straw man knows one’s own limitations and hands over the management of his finances to a Patron, who eventually uses them to serve his own purposes. Tetrahedron, the structure behind this work, is the most stable mechanical form, but its stability in the context of financial pyramids is fragile. One day the straw men, lacking substance and integrity, will wish for a ‘death to the patron!’
Double-edged
Insiders exploit outsiders, yet they are the hostages themselves. Outsiders seek competitive advantage and super-profits, yet lose more than they gain. The deep structure of the pyramid is a double-edged sword. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Incriminating evidence
The black box of financial pyramids is complex, yet has a kick-ass effect.
2022 Royal Academy Summer Exhibition submission
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