The artwork "CCCP dream" delves into various themes, such as memory, global politics,
and the human desire to escape the constraints of reality through daydreaming. The
context of COVID-19 in 2020 played a significant role, as it restricted travel access for
many countries, including Russia, in an effort to contain the spread of the illness. The
members of the AFFF Collective, born in the 1990s, experienced a time when traveling
abroad was challenging or impossible. Despite these limitations, they shared dreams of
exploring the sea, visiting Disneyland, or simply having a Happy Meal when they grew up.
The communal living conditions, with families sharing apartments and often children living
with their parents in the same room, shaped their lives, fostering a desire for more
opportunities and a better life. The "Bounty" advertisement featuring a picture of a
paradise island became iconic and represented a heavenly escape from their humble and
limited circumstances. The commonality of having Chinese shower curtains in many
families also serves as a link between different decades, highlighting shared experiences
and struggles.
The installation uses barbed wire as a metaphorical representation of the restrictions,
borders, and separations that exist in society. It speaks to the barriers that prevent people
from realizing their dreams and aspirations, either due to political circumstances or
personal limitations.
Through "CCCP dream," the AFFF Collective creates a visual and thought-provoking
exploration of shared dreams, societal limitations, and the universal desire to break free
from constraints.