Photo by Chad Brady.
Nadya Tolokonnikova is a conceptual artist and political activist from Russia. A founding member of the feminist group Pussy Riot, she is also the co-creator of the independent news service Mediazona. Before joining the Zócalo/The Music Center program “How Is Art A Weapon in War?,” Tolokonnikova chatted with us about potatoes, Vladimir Sorokin, and what the word “riot” means to her.
Who is your dream dinner guest (dead or alive)? And what would you serve them?
Vladimir Sorokin. Norm, of course. [“Norm” is a fictitious food that appears in Sorokin’s novel Norma.]
What is some good advice you’ve received?
Never forget the ideals of your youth. I spoke to a friend, Yuri, who is an advisor to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. We spoke about how to continue to support Ukraine. When I was young, I saw evil, saw corruption, and spoke out to call it what it is—this was a very simple calculation. While many things in life may get more complex, I think this simplicity is often forgotten, and many people will over-complicate clear issues. This is why I stood against Putin 10 years ago, why I stand against him and all those who support him now. I can only urge people to look for this simplicity with their own conscience and to recognize evil unjust acts and to stand against them.
What does the word “riot” mean to you?
Freedom.
What is one of your favorite Russian words?
Potato. Картошка.
A friend of mine said they were making love with someone who didn’t speak Russian. They were asked to say some sexy things in Russian, and she didn’t know what to say, so she said “Картошка.” Her lover didn’t know what it meant, but said it sounded really hot. Potato.
What do you find beautiful about the world?
My favorite thing is the moment authoritarian forces are overrun by the will of people. I was so inspired by the events during Maidan in Ukraine, watching people demand their power and refusing to be intimidated into submission.