CORY REYNOLDS | DATE 3/20/2024

Sublime punk protest in 'Velvet Terrorism: Pussy Riot's Russia'

“Pussy Riot is punk as a way of life—direct action, activism and peaceful protests that are desperate, sudden and joyous. Pussy Riot were the first artist-activists jailed by Putin for protesting against his regime. The corruption, inhumane laws, censorship, fabricated criminal cases and torture that are prevalent in the repressive police state that is modern Russia are reflected here through the system’s various responses to Pussy Riot and other activists. It shows how this system has paved the way for the brutal war that Russia is waging against Ukraine, crimes against humanity, fascism, and terrorism. … Pussy Riot calls on everyone to engage in any form of activism as a basis for civic responsibility. Fight for yourself and your freedom, take action! Anyone can be Pussy Riot.” So begins the galvanizing new release Velvet Terrorism: Pussy Riot's Russia, published to accompany the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art exhibition currently on view in Munich and Vancouver. Featured photo is from the 2012 action, “Putin Peed his Pants,’ performed at Lobnoye Mesto, Red Square, Moscow.