Yav Art Group
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Saint Petersburg
| Founded | 2014 |
|---|---|
| Focus | Street art, political art, cyberpunk |
| Location |
|
| Leader | Anastasia Vladychkina |
Yav Art Group is a Russian street art collective known for its works on the topics of politics, censorship, and social injustice. The group has been active in Saint Petersburg since 2014.[1] The group's members are known for their actions in the genre of street art and installations. The frontwoman of the group is the artist and activist Anastasia Vladychkina.[2]
The Yav art group gained notoriety for its provocative street works, which often touch on sensitive political and social issues.[3] The members of the group strive to express their protest against censorship and human rights violations in Russia through art. In their works, "Yav" actively uses elements of cyberpunk and acute social themes. Since February 24, 2024, the main theme of the works has been the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[4]
Notable Works and Actions
- "Russian cyberpunk" — an installation where prostheses painted to look like Gzhel were attached to the silhouettes of people. The project was quickly dismantled by the authorities after installation.[5]
- "Vomit" — an action implemented on the streets of Moscow. The group's participants placed images of people "spewing" streams of propaganda, thus criticizing the state's information policy and drawing attention to the problems of freedom of speech in Russia.[6]
- "Gulag" — a work dedicated to political repression (graffiti "Goolag. How to get out?" in the style of the main page of Google), partially executed on the street in St. Petersburg. During the creation of the work, the artists were detained by police, but after a short arrest, all were released.[7]
- "Patience" — a street art object depicting the symbol of a dying smartphone battery, which has become a metaphor for the emotional and psychological state of society in Russia. The work was painted over a few hours after its appearance.[1]
Persecution and Arrests
Members of the Yav art group are often detained and fined for their work. In August 2022, all members of the group were detained for creating the work "Gulag," but were later released with a fine for petty hooliganism. Despite the pressure, the artists continue to be actively involved in street art and express their views through art.[7]
