Pussy Riot

Official Exam Information

  • Discussion of the assignment schedule and links provided.

  • Mention of no changes expected regarding the exam schedule assigned by the university.

Overview of the Lecture Topics

  • Focus on activism through music and how it's portrayed in the news.

  • Exploration of artists' contributions to global conflict discourse.

Guiding Questions

  • How does culturally specific musical knowledge enhance understanding of conflict?

  • What role do artists and musicians play in political conflict?

  • Examination of power dynamics in the context of the U.S. and its influence.

Historical Context

  • Current conflict in Ukraine has roots that trace back to the Soviet Union's history.

  • The long history affects current events and artistic expression in relation to conflict.

  • Musicians have historically been integral in discussing national culture and identity issues.

Cases of National Identity

  • Events such as the Eurovision Song Contest, where Ukrainian identity is expressed despite political censorship.

  • Understanding these cultural elements is important for grasping the geopolitical landscape.

Case Study: Pussy Riot

  • Definition: An activist punk group founded in 2011 in response to Putin’s reelection, characterized by flexible membership and grassroots strategies.

  • The group gained international attention following a performance in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in 2012.

    • Purpose: They intended to protest against Putin’s regime through a performance of their song, Virgin Mary.

Performance Details

  • Elements of the performance included challenging Russian policies regarding LGBTQIA rights and calls for feminism.

  • Protest was met with immediate removal by police despite limited execution.

  • Resulted in a two-year prison sentence for members, termed as criminal hooliganism.

Public and Media Reaction

  • The protest led to significant international support and discussion about freedom of expression in Russia.

  • Addressed criticism about the selective outrage over individual performances compared to broader issues, discussed by journalists.

    • Quote: "Isn't their silence more eloquent than some prompts drafting the charts outside of Taiwan?"

Aesthetics of Protest

  • The aesthetics of the performance played a critical role in shaping public perception; punk styles and direct political messages contributed to its impact.

  • Reflections on how performance art and aesthetics communicate messages differently in various contexts, especially between local Russian views and international understandings.

Situationism and Actionism

  • Group influenced by situationism: A form of art focusing on creating situations to produce political discourse.

  • Incorporating elements of punk aesthetics and spontaneous performances in politically charged spaces draws from actionism principles.

  • Examples of previous performances where they challenged societal norms and politics, often through unexpected action in public spaces.

Historical Context of Actionism

  • Pre-existing smaller groups (e.g., Goya) transitioned to Pussy Riot, illustrating an evolution towards more organized activism utilizing music and art as political commentary.

Artistic Movements Influencing Pussy Riot

  • Influence of Riot Grrrl Movement: Creation of safe spaces for women in punk music, use of zines for sharing experiences, and DIY ethos.

    • Aesthetic juxtaposition: Feminine and aggressive elements intermingled to express feminist ideals.

Notable Performances and Their Impact

  • Performance methods included marrying art and commentary in an unexpected way leading to discussions about gender and power relations.

  • Response to performances: Various celebrities and artists expressed solidarity, including Madonna and Paul McCartney.

Current Evolution of Pussy Riot's Activism

  • Transition to newer forms of activism, including the use of NFTs to show solidarity with Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.

    • Reference to Nadia Tolkunikova advocating for crypto as a form of secure protest funding amidst war.

Changes in Aesthetics and Methods

  • Comparison between early DIY elements with later polished performances that feature higher production values and more coherent political messaging.

  • Discussion on the evolution towards direct confrontation with political figures and regimes.

Legal Implications and Consequences

  • Introduction of blasphemy laws in Russia post-performance highlighted the state's attempt to curb free expression by conflating it with political dissent.

  • Notable that some legal repercussions faced by members stem from their artistic expressions both in the past and present.

Conclusion and Reflection

  • Importance of understanding how artists contribute to political discourse and the intersection of culture and politics in shaping responses to conflict.

  • Acknowledgement of cultural specifics that enhance comprehension of global issues, exemplifying the delicate balance between art, activism, and resistance against oppression.