Nadya Tolokonnikova, the activist, artist, and founder of Pussy Riot, has brought her powerful performance piece “Police State” to the Geffen Contemporary at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. The 10-day durational performance immerses visitors in a simulated Russian prison cell, drawing attention to issues of carceral confinement and government surveillance.
Tolokonnikova, who spent nearly two years in a Russian prison for her activism, has recreated a stark prison cell at MOCA, complete with a bed, toilet, and sewing machine. The walls are adorned with artwork by political prisoners, adding a personal touch to the installation. Through small peepholes, visitors can watch as she creates soundscapes using recordings from actual prisons, a live LA Police scanner feed, and her own heartbeat.
The performance is a poignant reflection of Tolokonnikova’s own experiences in prison and her ongoing activism against oppressive regimes. Her bold and unapologetic approach to challenging corruption and injustice is evident in every aspect of the exhibit. The cell is surrounded by a replica guard tower and video monitors displaying footage from Russian prisons and security cameras inside the cell.
As visitors enter the space, they are greeted by a glowing Russian Orthodox Cross and church pews, creating a juxtaposition of confinement and liberation. The soundscapes range from aggressive noise to ambient dirges, reflecting the complex emotions of incarceration and resistance. Tolokonnikova plays these soundscapes live on a toy piano, adding an eerie and haunting atmosphere to the exhibit.
Despite the global perspective of her work, Tolokonnikova remains focused on the escalating repressions in the United States and other countries. Recent events, such as the arrival of the National Guard in LA, have only reinforced the urgency of her message. Even in the face of adversity, she continues to push boundaries and challenge oppressive power structures through her art.
Tolokonnikova’s “Police State” is a powerful and thought-provoking exhibition that forces visitors to confront uncomfortable truths about the state of the world. Through her fearless activism and unyielding determination, she calls on us to resist injustice and fight for freedom and equality.
