This event will include a dialogue conversation between Tolokonnikova and Dr. Ani Kokobobo, Chair of Slavic, German, and Eurasian Studies, and conclude with a short audience Q & A session. They will speak about democracy, authoritarianism, freedom of press, and gender in contemporary Russia, America, and beyond. They will also touch on art and how it’s become a source of resistance in Russia.

This event is free, but ticketed, for KU students, staff, and faculty. Please reserve tickets through the KU Events Calendar. The talk will be simultaneously livestreamed, but not recorded. Please register for the live broadcast through Zoom. 

About the Artist:

Conceptual artist and activist Nadya Tolokonnikova is the creator of Pussy Riot, a global feminist protest-art movement.

In 2012, Pussy Riot gained a global following after Nadya was sentenced to 2 years' imprisonment following an anti-Putin performance. While in prison, Nadya continued to protest. She went on a hunger strike raising awareness for the inhumane prison conditions and, consequently, was sent to a remote Siberian penal colony where she would continue to gain notoriety for her activism despite being forced to hard labor.

In addition to her activism, Nadya is also an award-winning artist. She's performed at major music festivals and events worldwide, "Punk Prayer" was named by The Guardian among the best art pieces of the 21st century, and she's released music with the likes of Big Freedia, Tom Morello, MARINA, Boys Noize, Tove Lo, etc.

Tolokonnikova has curated an immersive experience at Saatchi and an auction at Sotheby's. Her installation “Putin's Ashes” at the Deitch Gallery in January 2023 propelled her into a new criminal case which landed her on Russia's most wanted list.

About the Interviewer:

Dr. Ani Kokobobo is chair and professor of Slavic, German, and Eurasian Studies at the University of Kansas.

This event is sponsored by:

Department of Slavic, German, and Eurasian Studies
Max Kade Center for German-American Studies
U.S. Russia Foundation
Office of Graduate Studies
Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging
Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department of Art History
International Affairs
Center for Global and International Studies
Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies