Axel Straschnoy: We Believe and Accept That These Beings Exist

The publication expands on Axel Straschnoy’s solo exhibition at EMMA, We believe and accept that these beings exist, which explores unexpected connections between politics, utopian thought, and space exploration. Known for his research-driven practice, Straschnoy examines Posadism, a Trotskyist movement that emerged in the 1950s and engaged in speculation about advanced communist civilizations in outer space.

The authors consider what kinds of perspectives might emerge when seemingly impossible ideas are taken seriously. Curator Nella Aarne examines Straschnoy’s way of bringing together art, science, and politics; social critic A.M. Gittlitz traces the history of Posadism from its origins to the present; and cultural theorist Nikos Papastergiadis reflects on the significance of utopian thinking in the contemporary moment. 

Axel Straschnoy: We Believe and Accept That These Beings Exist – Exhibition at EMMA, 15 April 2026 to 9 August 2026.

EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art publication 75/2026. Published with the support of The Fine Arts Academy of Finland.

Soft Covers
Pages: 105
Languages: Finnish, English & Spanish
Editor: Nella Aarne
Writers: Nella Aarne, M.A. Gittlitz, Krist Gruijthuijsen, Nikos Papastergiadis, Johanna Pihlajamaa
Production: Nella Aarne, Tiina Penttilä (EMMA), Veera Moilanen (Kuudes)
Translations: Laura Pascual Antón (English-Spanish),
Simo Vassinen (Finnish-English)
Photographs: Ari Karttunen / EMMA, Archive Museo Nacional del Prado p.75
Graphic design: Piëtke Visser (Kuudes)
Printing: Jelgavas Tipogrāfija, Latvia 2026

ISSN 1796-735X
ISBN 978-952-5509-75-5