Peace. Signature: Aram Remiazin
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“Truth has never been a political virtue and lying has always been considered a perfectly justified means in political affairs.”
–Hannah Arendt, Le système totalitaire
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A deeply fascinating tale for both the history books and possibly the film screen… the mysterious 21st member of the elite TsPK-1, a Soviet cosmonaut (the first true cosmonaut) named Aram Remiazin vanishes into a communist black hole on April 12th, 1961—the monumental day that Yuri Gagarin ‘officially’ enters history as the first man in space. Criminally, Remiazin is sent into space that day never to return and in an elaborate and secretive propaganda campaign Remiazin’s memory is then wiped clean from all records by government authorities or so they think.
Is this truth or fiction? Authentic history or an elaborate hoax?
PNK Edition in France has recently published its flagship PDF book, Aram Remiazin: A Soviet Sacrifice, a compelling biography (available in both French and English) by Antoine Koesten of this unknown space hero. Evidence of cosmonaut Remiazin’s existence and his significance in space history is supported by multiple photos and posters and the firsthand account of Soviet poster artist Piotr Tcherkapov (1927–2010), a member of the NGW (New Graphic Workshop).
In a chance encounter between Tcherkapov and Koesten in 1991 Moscow, Koesten learns of cosmonaut Remiazin and the secret propaganda project Tcherkapov worked on to remove Remiazin from history.
This book is dedicated to Piotr Tcherkapov. Not wishing to cope again with the authorities, he demanded, as a sole condition, that this book would be published after his death. Through his eyes, the reality of the Soviet power can be discovered, able of the best, send a man into the Cosmos, as well as the worst, play without pity with the lives of men for ideological purposes and for reasons of the State.
Keep reading…
12 April 1961
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PNK Edition is proud to launch its publications with this biography of a hero who remained unknown. This surprising inquiry in the centre of the Soviet space conquest, supported by many posters and photos which have never been published.
On 12 April 1961, Gagarin became officially the first man ever in space. But, was he alone in the cosmos on that day? Who is Aram Remiazin? Why were all traces of that man removed by the authorities? How was one of the most secret propaganda campaigns of the XXth century organised?
Through the testimonies of several cosmonauts and graphic artists, you will discover the surprising truth about the first cosmonaut in the history of humankind; but also the building and manipulation of a hero.
This story will question all your certitudes about the beginning of the space conquest.
Aram Remiazin, November 12, 1932–April 12, 1961
Aram Remiazin: A Soviet Sacrifice
The best kept secret of the Soviet space exploration by Antoine Koesten
PNK edition / PDF publication / 146 pages, 93 original posters, a dozen pictures
English & French versions available
>> purchase here
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Amazing… never knew this
ps: Great Soviet era artworks to :-)
Hi Tom!
Thanks for the comment. Very intriguing story, yes indeed. And I agree too, the graphic posters are remarkable.
Avantagrde in 1961? In the USSR?
Hi Sebastian-
Curious, isn’t it? If you follow the link to read the excerpt from the book, there is an interesting description (page 8) about this group of five Soviet poster artists called the NGW (New Graphic Workshop). It provides some back story on the NGW and how they were able to create fresh work within a Stalinized conservative environment. Business was slow at first. ;-) The book also goes on to explain what precipitated them getting hired to create these ‘novel’ works for this sinister propaganda campaign.
Thanks for the comment!
a.