"I use art to wage war": Pussy Riot faces criminal charges for anti-Putin artwork

Activist collective Pussy Riot are facing criminal charges from Russian authorities for their 'Putin's Ashes' art piece which debuted in LA last month. 

The art piece in question was a short film that showed 12 women torching a ten-foot portrait of Vladimir Putin out in the desert.

Last week, Russian media organisation RBC reported that an investigation had been launched against Tolokonnikova under part one of article 148 of the Criminal Code (“violation of the right to freedom of conscience and religion”). 

This particular law - often referred to as the 'Pussy Riot law' - was originally brought into effect in 2012 in connection with the group’s infamous Punk Prayer. Founding member Nadya Tolokonnikova could be sentenced to a year in prison for her involvement in the anti-Putin performance while another member has already been detained. 

Talking to Dazed in a recent interview, Tolokonnikova said: “I do not fear Putin...I have been imprisoned for years, my family and friends threatened, arrested, poisoned, and murdered, but I will not stop speaking the truth – that this man, and everyone who supports him and this unlawful war in Ukraine must be actively resisted.”

“I am an artist,” she added. “I think we should all use whatever skills we have to fight Putin and support Ukraine. If I had combat experience, it would be a different story; I use art to wage war.” 

Tolokonnikova also commended the artists and allies who are not afraid to support her art and oppose Putin’s regime, adding: “I continue to look for allies: museums and institutions who are not afraid and who will stand with us to resist this fascist genocidal man.”

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