An act of vandalism occurred at an Austrian contemporary art museum targeting a feminist art installation by Nadya Tolokonnikova, the founder of Pussy Riot. The installation, titled “Pussy Riot Sex Dolls,” features balaclava-clad red mannequins in punk platform black boots and is part of Tolokonnikova’s exhibition “RAGE” at the OK Center for Contemporary Art in Linz, Austria.
The incident involved a shattered glass door at the entrance of a former Marienkapelle, a chapel used as an exhibition space by the museum. OK Linz described the act as “an act of violence” on Instagram, stating that a stone was used to destroy both the door and glass floor of the exhibition. Despite no surveillance footage or witnesses, Tolokonnikova believes the incident was a deliberate attack against feminist symbols.
The artist, who is on a Russian wanted list and lives in geographic anonymity, expressed her belief that the vandalism was not a random act but a fundamentalist act against feminist ideals. The mannequins, which are second-hand sex dolls dressed to resemble Pussy Riot members, were placed in the chapel of the Holy Virgin as a statement of feminist sacredness.
Tolokonnikova’s exhibition features a Damocles sword hanging over visitors’ heads, symbolizing the danger activists face, and an installation dedicated to the performance “Putin’s Ashes” that landed her on a Russian wanted list. The exhibition also includes the new “Icon” series, portraits of women in balaclavas adorned with 13th-century Slavic church calligraphy.
The incident at OK Liz occurred on the eve of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Mary, a holy day celebrated on December 8. Tolokonnikova believes that such reactionary incidents are aimed at stifling artistic expression that questions traditional gender roles and cultural norms.
Despite the vandalism, Tolokonnikova has chosen to leave the shattered glass as a message for the remainder of the exhibition, which has been extended due to its popularity. She attributes the incident to a rise in right-wing movements globally and the increasing restrictions on artistic freedom.
Tolokonnikova’s experience highlights the real-life consequences of creating provocative art in a politically charged climate. As she navigates the challenges of being on Russia’s wanted list, she remains committed to using her art as a form of protest and resistance against oppressive forces.
