Beats the Shite with the Rad Vag.
2019
One hundred years have passed since El Lissitzky composed Beats the Whites with the Red Wedge, 1919 calling for change within Soviet government both politically and socially. The ability to use art and design to rally people and as a call to action is a fundamental function of creativity - all makers where possible have the ability and creative responsibility to use their power to change hearts and minds for the benefit of all.
Beats the Shite with the Rad Vag, 2019 ruminates on this sentiment and is a means to awhi Pussy Riot to support and reflect the performance that took place in Whakatū. Whilst also simultaneously acknowledging the messages that Pussy Riot and other activists use to promote change both now and in the future. Beats the Shite with the Rad Vag allows the platform of opposition and dissent to be explored as a continued creative juncture to discuss artistic freedom and practice - and more importantly the role of state control in art and design.
Beats the Shite with the Rad Vag, 2019 poster for Pussy Riot’s Riot Days Whakatū event, was made to promote and support the notions of activism, resistance and disorder. And is concerned particularly with the legislative changes in Russia since 2014 restricting creativity and freedom of expression - particularly the restricted use of words such as pizda (cunt) and blyad (whore).
Pussy Riot's Maria "Masha" Alyokhina with Beats the Shite with the Rad Vag, 2019.
Nastya signing limited edition Beats the Shite with the Rad Vag prints.
MEDIA COVERAGE
STUFF ENTERTAINMENT
Feminism protest band Pussy Riot shake up Nelson - Sally Kidson
'Feminism is for everyone', says the team bringing Pussy Riot to Nelson - Sally Kidson
Pussy Riot in Nelson sells out - Amy Ridout
STUFF INTERACTIVE
Herding Pussies - Amanda Saxton