Prior to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, artist DazBastaDraw, also known as Andrey Muravyev, focused on creating sketches and comics for personal enjoyment, with no intention of sharing them publicly. However, following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s orders, he now showcases patriotic artworks in support of Moscow’s “special military operation” to over 16,000 Telegram subscribers.
The influence of war on art and culture dates back to ancient times, with examples like Vasily Vereshchagin’s The Apotheosis of War sparking debates. In recent years, the Kremlin has promoted a militaristic perspective, including through platforms like Gosuslugi, which shared patriotic Z-poetry with millions of users.
DazBastaDraw acknowledges aligning with official interests and has received orders from media and near-governmental organizations. While some projects promoting patriotism and pro-war narratives have received government funding, not all have been well-received by the public, as seen with the film The Witness.
Cultural consumption in Russia has seen a shift towards war-related themes, reflecting Putin’s ideology and propaganda. While some artists, like rock band Leningrad, have released songs with pro-war themes, others, like DDT and Yury Shevchuk, have been outspoken against the invasion.
Critics point out the increasing censorship and restrictions on topics like LGBTQ rights, feminism, and history in Russia, which have led some artists to seek refuge abroad. Straight Forward publishing house was established to provide a platform for exiled Russian authors whose work faces censorship at home.
Despite calls for boycotts from politicians, Russian cultural exports like the series The Boy’s Word continue to find success in countries like Ukraine. The discussion around freedom of speech and the portrayal of true stories remains essential in the face of increasing censorship and limitations on artistic expression in Russia.