When Russian invasion into Ukraine started over again in February 2022, I participated in several protest actions against it. There I faced the brutality of the Russian riot police which I’ve never seen before – I didn’t have much experience opposing the government. Alien-looking troopers fully equipped in modern black shiny uniforms seemed to be utterly invincible. Their body parts were protected with knee pads, opaque spherical helmets, big shields, electric shockers and batons – all of which they used against defenceless protesters. I absorbed strong images of how human will and freedom can be effectively oppressed with force. After those protests a new wave of political repressions started. To leave these images behind I painted them soon after my arrival to the calmness of Björkö Konstnod residency. I presented “OMON” as a part of my impromptu anti-war installation there. This work also was a part of my solo exhibition ‘1½:10’ in Gothenburg, Sweden, October 2022.
‘Special Purpose Mobile Unit’ (OMON), is a system of special police units in Russia. It serves as a riot police group which is used to disperse riots, including anti-war protests. By October 15th 2022 there have been at least 19355 detention due to anti-war stances, according to OVD-Info, an independent human rights organisation.
1½:10 SAW — Utställningsrum & Ateljé; Gothenburg, Sweden; 6–15 oktober 2022
Birch room, 2022 installation, BJÖRKÖ KONSTNOD
