2022
Gothenburg, Sweden
Multiple edition in collaboration with Brad Downey

Brad Downey (American) and Igor Ponosov (Russian) are artists from two hostile powers. Despite this fact, Downey and Ponosov have tried to construct their own alternative scenario of collaboration and friendship. With their unauthorized actions, they have been mocking established clichés, combining and remixing cultural and national symbols, creating an illusion of friendship and strong relations between their countries. Today, during the escalation of political tensions, with a world on the verge of a global war, this model seems utopian. However, the two friends remain true to themselves.

Since 2013 Igor Ponosov and Brad Downey are carrying out their experiments, synthesizing American land art and graffiti traditions with homages to Sots Art, and Moscow conceptualism. Their artworks whimsically blend flags and coats of arms, and wittily interpret their cultures and everyday lives.

These coins (as a prototype) were originally created and presented in 2016 for an exhibition titled The Thaw in Moscow at CCI Fabrika. The coins, like many other art-objects from the exhibition, simultaneously symbolize an illusory bonding between USA and Russia and the growing tension between the two countries.

This collaborative artwork literally embodies the “two-faced-ness” of state relations and the duplicity that have been accompanying the artists throughout their friendship. The edition emphasizes the contradictory nature of politics, which Downey and Ponosov have been highlighting for many years through a range of in equal measures ironic and absurde gestures.

Two Laser Engraved coins, one Russian 5 ruble, one American quarter dollar in a foil embossed wallet.
Multiple edition published by ll’Editions, it is available to purchase here: lleditions.se/product/two-faced-by-brad-downey-and-igor-ponosov