I did not survive to be polite

Over a decade after the Russian artist Nadja Tolokonikovaco -founder Pussy riotlanded in prison for punk prayer at the Moscow Cathedral of Christ the Savior, returning to the cell, this time voluntarily, as a performer. Her cell is at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, where she set up a ten -day installation entitled The shelves of the State (Police State), which will revive her narrative through art. It will be on display until 14 June.

The central element of the installation, which offers insight into life under control and repression, is a replica of the Russian prison cell. In it, Nadja Tolokonikova spends time, much like she is in real life when she was closed because of her political activity.

The Russian feminist punk group Pussy Riot, known for its unwavering fight against authoritarian regimes, was created in 2011 and organized in public places concerts, where it warned of the current political situation. Nadja Tolokonikova, Mary Aljohina and Yekaterina Samucevicthe most famous members of the group, they agreed in court and later in prison because of the punk prayer at the Moscow Cathedral of Christ, just before the 2012 presidential election. In their prayer, they asked Mary to save Russia from Putin. As a result, they were sentenced to two years of prison for « hooliganism motivated by religious hatred. »

People of authoritarianism do not take seriously

Nadja Tolokonik’s cell is equipped with a metal bed, a small toilet bowl and a sewing machine that resembles its long days in prison, where it produced military uniforms. She also placed a pink piano, synthesizer and laptop in it, creating a sound scenery that imitates sounds from real prisons. Visitors can observe it through grilles or on security camera footage, reports the French news agency AFP.

While spending time in the virtual prison cell, he uses toilet, sewing clothes and creating sound landscapes. Photo: Robyn Beck/AFP

Thirty -five -year -old activist also has books and works of art of Russian, American and Belarusian prisoners and drawing his brother of the late Russian dissident Alexei of the Naval. « People do not take authoritarianism seriously, » she stressed for AFP And warnings that the concept of the police state is spreading in several countries.

« Like someone who has lived under authoritarian power for over 25 years, I know how real it is and how step by step begins with the arrest of one person, » she said, adding: « Then the whole country happens under military boots. » Donald Trump According to her, she sparked « erosion of the brake and equilibrium system » into the White House, which is very dangerous. The artistic community and society, she said, should do more to counteract government abuse.

The endangered freedoms

Her messages also express the walls of the cell – not only by drawings of Russian prisoners, but also with graffiti that reflect the spirit of resistance, including the inscription « I have not survived to be polite. »

She equipped the cell with drawings of Russian prisoners and other messages. Photo: Robyn Beck/AFP

Some individuals who have already viewed the performance, after writing AFP It agrees with Tolokonik that the company is becoming too passive. As the graphic designer said Jimmie AkinAmericans do not want to believe the threat of losing their freedoms, and is also concerned about politics changes during the Trump presidency. According to the curator Alexa Sloan The performance shows how increased control and excessive power are spreading, and freedoms are increasingly at risk.