In late February, hundreds of Russian animators joined their Ukrainian counterparts in condemning the war in a collective statement. Just a few days later, "Animators Against War" appeared in Russia – a collective of more than a hundred artists who created a series of short videos whose main message was "No to war."
In late February, hundreds of Russian animators joined their Ukrainian counterparts in condemning the war in a collective statement. Just a few days later, "Animators Against War" appeared in Russia – a collective of more than a hundred artists who created a series of short videos whose main message was "No to war." Due to country's repressive regime and the new law on the dissemination of "false information about the Russian armed forces," which threatens protesters with up to fifteen years in prison, they prefer to remain anonymous and answered our questions collectively.
Anonymous author from Animators Against War
Where is your team at the moment and do you feel threatened by the Russian authorities?
We are not a team in the full sense of the word. Animators Against War is more of a movement. It was started by several artists in Russia who were trying to express their position by doing what they did best – drawing animations. At a certain point, it turned into a chain reaction, people were telling friends, and as a result of that we ended up with over a hundred participants, most of whom are in Russia or at least were there when we created the videos. And yes, everyone who dares speak their mind now probably feels threatened. That is why we no longer publish the full names of the artists on social media.
Are culture and art still capable of explaining what is happening in the world today? What kinds of resistance can they offer in situations like the present moment?
Art has great potential, but it should not be thought of as a tool that explains the world. It is the best we can do as artists. Through it, we can express our disapproval, loathing and disgust at what the Russian government is doing. We cannot be certain that our art can provide a solid foundation against the war, but we hope that it will resonate with people. We know that many people hate this war like we do, but are not able to put it into words. Our work could help them discover another form for their sense of hopelessness – and perhaps then they would not feel as isolated. Nothing can connect us like art does.
Anonymous author from Animators Against War
Who do you think are the strongest voices on the Russian cultural and artistic scene who oppose the Putin regime?
Great question. I believe that anyone who expresses his disagreement contributes to this, no matter how famous or established they are in the art world. It is true that great artists have a larger audience, so their voices have greater impact.
We all appreciate those who take a public stand and sign petitions – animators, actors, directors, etc. Personally, I – the person answering this question – felt really inspired by the series of charity concerts abroad organized by Russian rapper Oxxxymiron, who is no longer welcome in Russia. All proceeds go to Ukrainian refugees. The initiative is called RAW, Russians Against War.
What would you say to those who prefer to remain silent?
Don't! You do not need to speak out loudly, but there are safe and legal ways to express your opinion (they are rapidly declining in number, but some still remain). You can talk to your older relatives, who are more vulnerable to government propaganda, and show them alternative media sources.
Anonymous author from Animators Against War
Are there any leading figures in Russian art who have not taken a position?
There are, but we will not name them – public shaming is not an effective strategy for solidarity. We are not here to point fingers at someone for not doing enough or not expressing their opinion openly. Russian prisons are not a place where you would like to spend the next fifteen years (this is the maximum sentence you can receive for spreading "fake news about the Russian army").
Without a doubt, the war has divided the geopolitical map in the region into a "before and after." Will a new generation of artists be born and marked by this war?
"Marked by the war" – this is very accurate wording. On February 24, 2022, every Russian received this birthmark. What to do with it, what it means, how to wear it and how to get rid of it –artists, like everyone else, will have to find an answer to these questions. We can seek answers when we can only hear the echo of this war.
Changing individual, economic and political circumstances will require a certain kind of artistic interpretation. All this will most likely take place in a context of strong suppression of free expression, which, unfortunately, is not something new in our country.
Anonymous author from Animators Against War
Has your definition of creative freedom and civic values changed over the last few turbulent years?
The definition, of course, has not changed. But over the last few years, the price we pay for concepts like "creative freedom," "civic values" and others in that vein has been measured in real human lives.
Do you find certain topics, or ways of thinking and working as more or less specific to Russian artists?
The first thing we can note, of course, would be any differences in the context of folk art. But if we look at more modern examples, we can see an inherited anti-conformism among most artists.
Anonymous author from Animators Against War
We live in a time of severe economic sanctions against Russia, but it seems that there are also unofficial ones in the field of art and culture. What is it like to be a Russian artist nowadays?
It is extremely difficult to be a Russian who does not agree with what is happening right now. Many artists are speaking out against the war. In addition to becoming targets for their government, they get excluded from international platforms. This deprives them of opportunities, which are already scarce. That's why we are very happy with the response we got with Animators Against War. This proves that we can be heard and understood as individuals with our own opinions.
Is there anything you would like to say to the people of Ukraine?
This is a difficult question for two reasons. First, we cannot and would not want to speak on behalf of our entire movement. Not because there is significant disagreements among us – our main idea is expressed in our manifesto – but because each participant has their own feelings and internal dialogue on this topic. Secondly, we lack a proper vocabulary: all words are meaningless in the face of this humanitarian disaster. All we want is for this madness to end.
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