Guerrilla Art and Protest in Modern Russia

Abstract

This paper looks at the connection between guerrilla art and protest in modern Russia, specifically in the major cities of St. Petersburg and Moscow. A historical context is provided to show the long tradition of guerrilla art in Russia. Collective action frames, framing processes, and narrative are used to explain how guerrilla art has been used in protest movements. While the author includes some of her original documentation of street art found in both major city centers, she also draws upon the relationship between two of the more famous Russian guerrilla art collectives, Voina and Pussy Riot, and Russian authority.