New York, NY – (April 11, 2024) – The American Folk Art Museum proudly announces an electrifying benefit event headlined by Nadya Tolokonnikova, the iconic artist and activist behind the renowned feminist protest art collective Pussy Riot. The event, slated for May 16, 2024, which will now take place at The Canvas 3.0 at The Westfield World Trade Center {185 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007), will not only showcase Tolokonnikova’s recent artworks in a pop-up exhibition, but will also feature a captivating Q&A session about her practice followed by a Noise music performance.
David Byrne will make a special guest appearance at the event and present Tolokonnikova with the Dynamic Achievement in the Arts Award. Byrne commented: “I’m a fan of what is often referred to as “outsider art.” Definitions and categories are tricky…This year’s benefit event will feature an amazing and surprising combination of artwork, music, and performance by Nadya Tolokonnikova, the creator of Pussy Riot. Much like the artists in the Museum’s collection, Nadya identifies as a self-taught artist and is not restricted by creative, social and cultural boundaries. She is also politically brave – an all-too-rare quality for many of us. Nadya is something to aspire to, and I hope you will join me at the event to celebrate her and the American Folk Art Museum on May 16.”
Tolokonnikova’s journey has been marked by fearless activism and artistic brilliance. Known globally for her role in creating Pussy Riot, she has become a symbol of resistance against oppressive regimes and an advocate for social justice. Her activism has resonated with hundreds of thousands worldwide, earning her a place among the most influential figures of contemporary protest art. During the event, Tolokonnikova will be debuting a new performance project, code named PUSSY RIOT – SIBERIA, which was recently previewed on X.
Despite facing persecution, Tolokonnikova remains unwavering in her commitment to art as a tool for societal change. Her thought-provoking installations have challenged conventions and sparked crucial conversations on political dissent, artistic freedom, and human rights.
Tolokonnikova’s first solo museum show will take place this June at OK Linz in Linz, Austria. The show, titled RAGE, opens on June 21 and will include the newest art series, “DARK MATTER” (laser engraving on birch), as well as Tolokonnikova’s prison archive, a replica of the artist’s prison cell, and Pussy Riot’s actions and videos from 2011-2023.
Jason T. Busch, Becky and Bob Alexander Director & CEO of the American Folk Art Museum, said, “Nadya Tolokonnikova’s pursuit of justice through art embodies the spirit of resilience and creativity that we champion at the American Folk Art Museum. We are honored to host this benefit event, which not only celebrates Tolokonnikova’s extraordinary contributions to contemporary art and activism but also supports the Museum’s mission of fostering dialogue and understanding.”
The benefit event promises an evening of inspiration and empowerment. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Tolokonnikova’s visionary artistry, delve into the motivations behind her work during the Q&A session, and experience the raw energy of Pussy Riot’s performance firsthand.
“For me, Pussy Riot has always been an expression of primal rage that is also informed by my beginnings in the Moscow Conceptual Underground. I will be channeling that rage into a metaphysical system of punishing sound waves, pure and transcendent. We aim to produce a tower of sound as black and brutal as Norilsk, the Siberian city where I grew up, a tower of sound to reach up into the sky and annihilate the ills of the world. It’s an honor for the first public performance of this to be with David Byrne’s introduction, as he has always challenged what it means to be an artist, musician, performer,” commented Tolokonnikova.
Tickets for the benefit concert are available now. For ticket information please click here.
The event is produced by Erich Bergen and 6W Entertainment in partnership with the American Folk Art Museum.
For the American Folk Art Museum, contact Chris Gorman: publicrelations@folkartmuseum.org
For Pussy Riot contact Inge Colsen: inge@goldatl.as.
About Nadya Tolokonnikova
Nadya Tolokonnikova is an artist, activist and the creator of Pussy Riot, a global feminist protest art movement. Today, hundreds of people identify as a part of the Pussy Riot community. She was sentenced in 2012 to 2 years’ imprisonment following an anti-Putin performance. Pussy Riot’s Punk-Prayer was named by The Guardian among the best art pieces of the 21st century: “feminist, explicitly anti-Putin, protesting the banning of gay pride and the Orthodox church’s support of the president”. Her work has been exhibited at MoMA PS1, Palais de Tokyo, Saatchi Gallery, Louisiana Museum in Denmark, Dallas Contemporary among other places. Her first solo museum show RAGE is coming up this June at OK Linz in Linz, Austria.
About The American Folk Art Museum
Founded in 1961, the American Folk Art Museum engages people of all backgrounds through its collections, exhibitions, publications, and programs as the leading forum shaping the understanding and appreciation of folk and self-taught artists across time and place.
