Lenin as Cultural Icon

• Examining the numerous meanings and symbolic incarnations of VladimirIlich Lenin after his death in 1924, this chapter examines how icons maybe used to articulate political positions, and how in processes of contest-ing and re-negotiating history, icons function in relation to collectiveremembrance. It will do so by examining artistic representations of Leninin film and art, as well as how the fall and destruction of icons does notstop them from re-emerging as spectral, haunting presences. It is arguedthat in order to study the icon as a material site of both projection andcollective fantasy, the complex functioning of the icon within a specifichistorical and political context needs to be considered, as well as the wayits manifestation transcends the spatial and the psychical.

Nyckelord

Vladimir Ilich Lenin

post-socialism

collective memory

memorials

materiality

decommunization

haunting

Ukraine

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