SUPERPUTIN

Sergei Kalenik, the writer of the comic strip “SuperPutin, A Man Like Any Other” in English, has introduced a satirical way to provide even more coverage of the Russian president. His first strip, published in 2011, depicts Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev performing various duties to characterize themselves as heroes.

After blowing up the headquarters of al-Qaeda, Putin rushes to save a bus headed for Moscow containing a bomb. The terrorists had recently watched the movie, “Speed,” and so Putin is tasked with commandeering the bus so the bomb does not blow. Medvedev appears costumed as a bear, and uses his skills with technology to locate and destroy the bomb. 

As they enter Moscow, a traffic jam forces them to use the “nano-flasher,” a blue light that allows them to enter a twilight zone and dodge the jam. However, they can only make it through if they survive the blue-bucket wearing zombies that wish to eat their brains. A clear reference to the Blue Bucket Brigade, these zombies threaten the lives of our heroes and innocent civilians on the bus, yelling “Give us back NTV” and “Let us elect our own governors!” 

The tandem heroes, of course, manage to fight their way through the zombies only to be faced with a giant troll that wants to kill the civilians. Putin, however, challenges the troll to a duel and the comic ends with the two in a face-off.

One can come to his or her own conclusions about the politics of the comic strip, but we can all agree that it is fantastic. Kalenik has made three more strips following the same story of the first, but the worlds have transformed. Unfortunately, it seems that the domain for the site has recently expired, and one can only hope that it will be resurrected in the future.

The site, which once featured both English and Russian translations, was found at www.superputin.ru

The Monument to the Soviet Army in Sofia, Bulgaria has been vandalized several times over the last few years.

The monument was built in 1954 for the 10 year anniversary of the Red Army's "liberalization" of Bulgaria in 1954. It features statues of soldiers in various war scenes as well as scenes with Bulgarian peasants. 

It all began in 2011 when the first major act of vandalism occurred when the soldiers were painted as American superheroes. The meaning of this graffiti is not necessarily politically oriented, but many interpretations have been offered.

This pink graffiti was in 2013 in apology for Bulgaria's involvement in the Prague spring.

In 2014 one soldier was painted in Ukraine's colors to support Ukraine during Maidan. An inscription read, "Glory to Ukraine."

An acknowledgement and solidarity toward Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea painted in 2014. 

Although there has been lots of pressure from Russia to stop the vandalism and introduce more security to the monument, obviously the graffiti continues. This could be because Bulgarians are split in their feelings toward the monument but there has not been enough action on either side to have a permanent effect. 

PHOTO CREDIT: RUETERS

Veselchaki

The film "Veselchaki," produced in 2009 and directed by Feliks Mikhailov, was one of the first to focus specifically on sexual minorities in Russia. Following five men who perform in drag across the country, the film depicts their journey and backgrounds in terms that expose the struggle that drag artists and the LGBT community face. The film is comedic, and through humor it can successfully reach a broader audience while maintaining the delivery of the message it intends.

SPOILER ALERT:
Although it is a comedy, a tragic ending is what really drills the struggle of the LGBT population into our heads. The men are faced with the violence of homophobic thugs, and ultimately perish by their hands. The destructive homophobic tendencies of society were exposed through this film by eliminating characters that we grew attached to, and subsequently raised awareness of the situation.

Since it was produced before the 2013 law on LGBT propaganda, the film was able to enjoy some popularity. Although its release was delayed somewhat due to fears that it would be received poorly, it was eventually praised and taken seriously by the press. We can only imagine the suppression it would have received had it been released after the law was passed, but luckily this was not the case.

Russia and Eurovision

Beginning in 1956, Eurovision is the longest running international TV song competition. In this competition, each country submits an original song preformed on live television and then each country casts votes for other countries songs. This contest is even now broadcasted in the United States.

Eurovision Participation Map

Russia debuted in 1994 along with Estonia, Lithuania, and several other countries. They have participated since then with the exception of 1998 and 1999. They won in 2008 and earned the opportunity to host in 2009. In 2009, Georgia entered song, “We Don’t Wanna Put In,” but this song was banned by Eurovision because it was deemed a criticism of Vladimir Putin. Russia has finished in second place four times. in 2015 Eurovision Poina Gagarina participated for Russia and earned second place. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2gbKglCL5s)

Eurovision 2016 is set for May 10- May 14 in Stockholm.

Vladimir Dubossarsky and Alexander Vinogradov

Born a year apart in Moscow, Vladimir Dubossarsky (43) and Alexander Vinogradov (44) have been an artistic collaboration since 1994. The pair have known each other since they were teenagers and  both studied at the the Surikov Academy. Dubossarsky didn't graduate but after he left the institute and Vinogradov graduated, they decided to paint their first picture together.

Their style began as a parody of socialist realism with their first series informally called, "People Who Never Came to Moscow", which included paintings of Picasso, Andy Warhol and Jesus.

 

Picasso in Moscow, 1994

Dubossarsky commented on when they began painting in 1994,  “You have to understand, when we started working together, there was an opinion here that painting had died. In some way, our first project was alternative at that point in time. We didn’t understand what we were doing, but we understood it was against the trend. Aggressive performance art was very popular here. Art was either depressive or aggressive. We decided to create paradise.” 

Big Paradise, 1994

Their use of bright color, concept of artistic collaboration and their synthesis of nature and pop culture creates a unique style that caught my attention and many others, as shown by their recent successes. Their painting Night Fitness (2004) sold for $250,000 at an auction in London in 2008 and their painting Snow (2005) sold for $225,000 that same year.

Night Fitness, 2004

They were also successful in the Tretyakov Gallery for their picture installation the Four Seasons of Russian Painting which gained them further recognition in Russia. Ken Johnson , New York Times critic, described their style as "a goofy, distinctively Russian satire of consumerist euphoria". I couldn't have put it better myself but New York Times critic or someone who knows nothing about art, their paintings are just interesting to look at.

My Dad's Superman, 2012

Works Cited:
http://www.artnews.com/2008/01/01/sex-money-glamour-tractors/
http://www.dubossarskyvinogradov.ru/add/biography/

The Serbsky Center and Protest Art

The Serbsky State Scientific Center for Social and Forensic Psychiatry, which was founded in 1921 in Moscow for purposes of diagnosing convicts and studying specific psychiatric disorders and remains operational to this day, has had a long and rocky past. It become a sinister symbol of authoritarianism during the Soviet period, when the state used it as a means to control opposition: for example, many dissidents were declared mentally ill, sent to the Serbsky Center for diagnosis, and then involuntary sent to hospitals for treatment. The most common diagnosis was of "sluggish schizophrenia", so-named by Center director Andrei Snezhnevsky. Supposedly, victims would suffer schizophrenia but only such that it affected their social ability. Thus, radical ideas about truth and justice were explained as a consequence of disorder-related paranoia, and dissidents were neatly wiped from the government's plate.

In the modern era, there has been no acknowledgement nor apology for the way these cases were handled. Even worse, it is still used as an instrument of power by the state, although more covertly. Throughout the 2000s, many people "inconvenient" for the Russian state were diagnosed at the Serbsky Center and then sent to psychiatric hospitals. In 2006, the Serbsky Center made an evaluation of the then-recent alleged mass-poisoning of Chechen school children, and declared that the disease was caused by "psycho-emotional tension."

The Serbsky Center's continued relevance in Russia is evident based on the creative endeavors of Petr Pavlensky, well-known protest artist. He made a deliberate reference to political abuse of psychiatry in a performance titled Segregation, in which he cut off his earlobe while sitting naked on the roof of the Serbsky Center. Following a recent performance in which he set the doors of the FSB HQ on fire, he was sent to the Serbsky Center himself for a 21-day examination during the pretrial period. Though he was declared sane, the continued presence of the Serbsky Center in Russia's political horizon represents a haunting vestige of authoritarian control, and it should be paid due attention.

Here is some more information on Petr Pavlensky and the Serbsky Center:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serbsky_Center
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petr_Pavlensky
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/29/world/europe/pyotr-pavlensky-is-said-to-be-sent-for-psychiatric-evaluation.html
http://observer.com/2016/01/soviet-throwback-dissident-russian-artist-sent-for-psychiatric-treatment/
https://www.hrw.org/tet/node/286840

Protest Music in Putin's Russia

Music has long provided artists with the means to criticize aspects of society they find to be oppressive or obsolete. This is particularly true in Russia due to some long-standing aspects of protest culture that existed even in the Soviet Union. More recently in Russia there has been a new increase in the prevalence of this music.

One particular group is called the Ensemble of Christ the Savior and Moist Mother Earth. They formed in Tver, Russia in 2007. The group specializes in anti-government and anti-religious sentiment. In particular, the group's lyrics and imagery attack the recent connection between Putin and the Russian Orthodox Church, which has grown stronger over the past several years. They released a song entitled "Kill the President" that features a music video in which animations of Vladimir Putin are shot to death.

Putin's Masculinity

Vladimir Putin has long utilized imagery of himself as a hyper-masculine figure in his attempts to muster support from the Russian people. While this is not entirely uncommon in world politics, Putin's attempts to appear 'macho' are not so successful in terms of international politics. Putin's shirtless endeavors, televised workouts, and involvement in stereo-typically masculine events has led to Putin becoming more of a joke to citizens of other countries.

While it is true that some of his antics could be seen as comical, the fact remains that he is a very powerful leader. Images of Putin detract from the serious nature of the man himself, but it is important to remember the power and control this man possesses.

Music in the 1970s

In the 1970s there was an influx of Western cultural products that emerged in the Soviet Union due to the state easing the restrictions on Western cultural imports detente. This was essential to the growth of a youth counterculture that emerged, rejecting state endorsed media for Western alternatives. Music groups such as the Beatles and US and British Rock bands were gaining intense popularity among the Soviet youth and the state feared that this was a threat to the Soviet message and ideology. As a means of trying to control this they produced a number of Soviet versions of Western songs. An example of this is a cover of the Beatle's classic "Let it be" produced by Kremlin approved artists. The original version was released in the Soviet Union in 1972, the first of any Beatles songs. The tune remained but the lyrics were changed, the state altering any potential message the original emitted. 

The Kremlin's policy soon changed with how unsuccessful this method was, Western music still increasing in popularity. The state produced a comprehensive list of the banned music with the associated justification. 'Foreign Musical Groups and Artists Whose Repertoires Contain Ideologically Harmful Compositions':

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LrUTzijqz8

Masha Drokova After Putin's Kiss

Masha Drokova was 23 at the release of Putin's Kiss, a documentary about her time at the forefront of the Russian youth nationalist movement. She had broken away from the organization four years before, and used the film as an opportunity to reflect upon her split from the group and what it meant for her professionally and ideologically. Since then, she has moved to New York City, where she does public relations for tech firms, particularly European companies looking to break into a large global market - LinguaLeo, for example, a Russian app for learning English. According to her LinkedIn, she is one of many professionals from Russia and the satellite states who have recently moved to the U.S. and are forming their own companies there.

In terms of recreational online presence, she is active on Twitter and Instagram. She does not appear to be involved in politics -- the only reference to it on her Twitter account is a Tweet from Halloween of 2015: "2 mln people are going to be Halloween parade tonight.. Debating. Don't like crowds/demonstrations since I left politics." At least based on her online life, she appears to be focusing on a professional future in America rather than her political past in Russia.

Here are a few sources on Masha:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mashadrokova/?hl=en
Interview: http://mashable.com/2016/01/06/putin-drokova-russia-new-york/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mashadrokova
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mashadrokova

Black Star Mafia

Black Star Mafia is an independent Russian music label that consists of many artists with different musical styles ranging from hip hop to rap to r&b to pop.  The group was founded in 2007 by Timur Yunusov, a music producer and performer who goes by the stage name Timati.  There are over 15 artists on this label, and they frequently collaborate with each other.  Black Star Mafia has attempted to "westernize" music in Russia.

Similar to western music label collectives, such as YMCMB (Young Money Cash Money Billionaires), the content of the music focuses on promoting the image of the music label and of their monetary gains.  Frequently boasting about their expensive cars, jewelry, clothes, and gorgeous girlfriends through titles such as, "это понты" by Timati, the artists of Black Star Mafia are shameless when boasting about their self-worth.  Black Star Mafia is more than just a music label.  In a time when money is the key to success in Russia, Black Star Mafia is an incarnate version of the idea that having money is everything.   

In another attempt to copy western music, Black Star Mafia has signed Russian artists that have an uncanny resemblance to famous western artists.  For example, Egor Krid, who was recently signed in 2012, is a 21 year old handsome blond with many tattoos-- who bears a shocking resemblance to Justin Bieber. 

As Russian music evolves, it is evident that it is heading in the same direction as western music.  However, boasting about Moscow and Russia as a whole still separates Black Star Mafia from the western music label collectives.  Perhaps Black Star Mafia is branding and selling their image in an attempt to appeal to Russian young adults who could be swayed by western music. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYnI6VKwYmM
 

'Wrinkled' Women

In May 2015, a new Instagram hashtag paired with pictures of scrunched face women was trending in Russia. The hashtag:  #сморщеннаяженщина translates to "wrinkled women" or "withered women" and was started by Bella Rapoport as a statement of protest that started with a marriage. Earlier that month Nazhud Guchigov, a 47 year old police chief in Chechnya had married a 17 year old girl, the marriage caused an uproar over her age and that she had become his second wife, when polygamy is illegal in Russia. Amidst the protests, children's rights ombudsman Pavel Astakhov, in defense of the marriage, said  "Let's not be prudish. Emancipation and sexual maturity happen earlier in the Caucasus. There are places where women have wrinkles at age 27 and they look 50 by our standards" (Nettikkara).

Women were outraged by his comment and took to the internet in protest of the objectification of women. An online petition to remove Astakhov reached over 35,000 signatures and the "wrinkled women" hashtag had nearly 500 posts in the first week and has 1057 posts today.  Bella Rapoport created the hashtag to be about the oppression of women and violation of women's rights, she captioned the image, I'm not yet 27, but already very close. By Astakhov's criteria, could be considered to be 49... And by the way I'm becoming wrinkled from the thought of Astakhov and people like him."

The Kremlin refused to comment besides, "we do not do weddings".

This media trend highlights the continued gender inequality in Russia, as well as the Kremlin’s disconcern with the issue. However, it does show the power of media, although nothing was changed, the combined media force was strong enough that Astakhov did post an apology on his Instagram. It’s a very small victory but Instagram was critical in creating visibility for a wedding that highlighted the bigger issue of women’s rights.

http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-32822662
instagram.com

Gender Politics

Gender politics in Russia is a very disputable and debated topic. Gender politics across the entire world are, for that matter, debated as well. Is there gender equality in the Post-Soviet space? Perhaps not, but perhaps it is also on the rise.

St. Petersburg is a basin of conservative politics. With anti-gay legislation, stereotyping, and general disregard for differences being manifested in the European city, it doesn't seem plausible that gender equality is plausible. However, a significant step forward has been taken in the form of the roller derby.

Being reinvigorated in Texas in the early 2000's, roller derby has become prominent in many European countries, especially for women. In St. Petersburg, the White Furies are a team consisting predominantly of homosexual women. They say that they have found relative peace in their sexual identities within the derby. It developed prominence in 2013, and has been met with little to no resistance from the police. It seems that this is a legitimate flourishing of a positive outcome for both gender politics, and the acceptance of differences in sexual identities. Granted, the city is far from being entirely accepting. None the less it is gaining popularity as a sport, and the results are simply undeniable, even in Russia.

https://www.facebook.com/rollerderbyRussia/?fref=ts   << FaceBook page

Tandem Weightlifting

The idea of tandem leadership has been extensively discussed throughout the duration of our course. I believe the video of Vladimir Putin and Dimitry Medvedev exercising, and subsequently enjoying a nice steak dinner, contributes to this idea.

In 2000 Vladimir Putin was elected to his first term as the president of Russia, and was then reelected for a second term shortly after. Seeing as he would not be allowed to run for a third time, Medvedev promptly stepped up to fill the position. Ironically (or perhaps not so ironically) Putin was immediately named Prime Minister, and this almost double leadership style ensued. It was always believed that Putin maintained the majority of the power in the Russian political scene, and given Medvedev's immediate endorsement for Putin to be reelected in 2012, this certainly did appear to be the case. This media is whimsical and entertaining, however it does in fact constitute this type of rule that we have discussed in class, and it shows the close relationship that the two share. Laugh if you'd like, but Putin himself, and the entire Russian political leadership for that matter, are nothing to laugh at.

Nadiya Savshenko

My presentation was on the protests in Kiev, Lvov, and Odessa on March 6^th surrounding Nadiya Savchenko’s imprisonment in Russia.

Nadiya was born on May 11, 1981 in Kiev. She petitioned the Defense Ministry in order to attend the Air Force University in Kharkiv. In 2014, she volunteered to fight against Pro-Russian conflict. She was captured in 2014 in Metalist by the Donbass People’s Militia. On July 9, 2014 Vladimir Markin (Russia’s Investigative Committee) confirmed she was detained for killing two Russian Journalists in a mortar attack outside Luhansk. Her lawyer, who was also Pussy Riots lawyer, has ample evidence proving she was carried over the Russian boarder by the Militia and could not have been responsible for the mortar attack that killed the journalists.

During Savchenko’s incarceration, she was elected into the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) and she was awarded as the “Hero of Ukraine.” Her election has increased the tension surrounding her incarceration because Russia is technically detaining another country’s political figure.

On March 2^nd, Savchenko began a hunger strike but no Ukrainian doctors were allowed to see her or examine her.

On March 22^nd, she was sentenced to 22 years in prison.