Artwork
Internal Enemy No. 1
Internal Enemy No. 1 is a print by Olga Florenskaya. It dates from 2002 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Internal Enemy No.
About this work
” It’s part of a set that imagines a strange military museum filled with flags, sculptures, and odd machines.
This print by Olga Florenskaya belongs to her 2002 project “Russian Trophy.” It’s part of a set that imagines a strange military museum filled with flags, sculptures, and odd machines. The whole thing pokes fun at old Russian and Soviet fears of outside forces.
Her work uses flags to stand in for unnamed rivals—like a flag for “North-Western Enemy” or “Eastern Enemy.” It’s satire, not a real war museum display.
Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
Internal Enemy No. 1 is a print from Olga Florenskaya's 2002 project 'Russian Trophy', a multidisciplinary work comprising various objects and media.
Subject & Meaning
The project satirizes the Russian Empire and Soviet Union's fortress mentality and xenophobia, using flags and other objects to allude to historical rivals without naming them explicitly.
Technique & Style
The work is characterized by its use of found objects and materials, and a playful, tongue-in-cheek approach to representation, as seen in flags labeled 'Subaquatic Swimming Troops' or 'Military Therapy Troops'.
Context
The project is presented in a wooden box resembling a crate of military supplies, with the title stenciled on the lid, adding to the satirical tone.
Artist & collection
Artist
Olga Florenskaya’s prints from 2002 turn Cold War fears into bold, graphic shapes.
