Welcome to Russia
digital print and oil on canvas, oil on wood
- Kyra Kalageorgi
Artist’s Statement
What comes to mind when you think of Russia?
…Bears? …Communism? …Violent people?
This work represents the common stereotypes and misconceptions of Russia, its culture and its citizens. It is meant to demonstrate and overemphasize the absurdity and assumed belief that bears roam freely everywhere, that communist ideals are widespread, and that all citizens of the country are raised to be uncivil and violent.
Welcome to Russia is also meant to bring awareness to the rise of Putin’s autocratic rule in Russia and his condemnation of individualism and free speech.