Tightrope

In the midst of a meaningless and increasingly futureless world, between the devil of the state and the deep blue sea of the market, they invite us to continue stoically and modestly performing our duty—to preserve and cherish the cultural heritage that makes us who we are and keep it away from the abyss. Maybe that is why Tightrope and On the Benefits of Pyramids are ultimately uplifting and cathartic for both participants and audience. Is this not the true power of art? —Madina Tlostanova Published to document a project by the Dagestani artist Taus Makhacheva that consists of the film Tightrope and the series of performances On the Benefits of Pyramids in Cultural Education, Strengthening of National Consciousness, and the Formation of Moral and Ethical Guideposts, this book is built around a dialogue between Makhacheva and the protagonist of her film, the tightrope walker Rasul Abakarov. The publication offers insight into the artist’s practice and elaborates on the topics she tackles in her works.