August 31, 2021

Russia Tire-d of Folk Art


Russia Tire-d of Folk Art
Tire Art in Comrat, Moldova. Photograph by Haley Bader

Fans of the former Soviet Union may recognize something iconic in the tire swan: a tradition in many a small town, the art form of turning tires into animals has long roots. However, at the beginning of July, the Russian government banned the decorations in the attempt to beautify residential areas. While such measures have been enacted in various Russian regions, this move formalizes the policy.

The Russian online publication Meduza reported a fantastic piece with images of many a lawn swan and his brethren. “Cult objects that have long become one of the symbols of Russian urban everyday life,” the rubber art is appreciated in some circles as a form of “folk art.” Practitioners have explained that they view it as means to beautify their communities and make children happy.

You won’t just see bevies of swan - the sculptures come in elephant, heron, cat, swan, motorcycle, and other forms. They are popular across the country, and some pieces have even reached Internet fame. In cities like Kalyazin, a person must pay 100 rubles to the owners of an art garden several hundred square meters in size in order to take a photo.

While some lack appreciation for art made from trash, there is something to be said about creatively disposing of rubbish. Tires are huge and release dangerous chemicals into the soil and air when decomposing. Why not tackle rot with art?

 

 

You Might Also Like

Russian Lacquer Miniatures: A Mythic Art
  • November 01, 2001

Russian Lacquer Miniatures: A Mythic Art

Russian lacquered miniatures came to fruition in the Soviet era--skilled icon painters' adaptation of a centuries-old art to new, secular reality. Collector and expert Cherry Gilchrist offers a fascinating look at the history of this art form, plus offers useful tips on how to buy top-quality miniatures.
Their Lives for Their Art
  • November 01, 2007

Their Lives for Their Art

In several small craft villages surrounding the capital, artisans struggle against the pressures of capitalism and the legacy of gigantism to preserve both their art and their way of life.
Malevich's Ukrainian Square
  • September 01, 2016

Malevich's Ukrainian Square

A century-old work of art by an avant-garde artist has become a symbol for the growing rift between Russia and Ukraine, just as more is being learned about its famous artist.
Mysterious Folk Art
  • March 01, 2014

Mysterious Folk Art

These strange, paddle-shaped boards, painted with lively folk motifs, had both practical and symbolic significance in village life.
Golden Khokhloma
  • June 03, 2000

Golden Khokhloma

Unique and enchanting folk art from the region of Transvolga.
Olga's Amazing Work of Art
  • November 14, 2018

Olga's Amazing Work of Art

Olga Ezova-Denisova explains in words and pictures the complex process behind making her special bear linocut prints for our New Russian Life project.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

Stargorod: A Novel in Many Voices
May 01, 2013

Stargorod: A Novel in Many Voices

Stargorod is a mid-sized provincial city that exists only in Russian metaphorical space. It has its roots in Gogol, and Ilf and Petrov, and is a place far from Moscow, but close to Russian hearts. It is a place of mystery and normality, of provincial innocence and Black Earth wisdom. Strange, inexplicable things happen in Stargorod. So do good things. And bad things. A lot like life everywhere, one might say. Only with a heavy dose of vodka, longing and mystery.

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

Life Stories
September 01, 2009

Life Stories

The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka
November 01, 2012

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Marooned in Moscow
May 01, 2011

Marooned in Moscow

This gripping autobiography plays out against the backdrop of Russia's bloody Civil War, and was one of the first Western eyewitness accounts of life in post-revolutionary Russia. Marooned in Moscow provides a fascinating account of one woman's entry into war-torn Russia in early 1920, first-person impressions of many in the top Soviet leadership, and accounts of the author's increasingly dangerous work as a journalist and spy, to say nothing of her work on behalf of prisoners, her two arrests, and her eventual ten-month-long imprisonment, including in the infamous Lubyanka prison. It is a veritable encyclopedia of life in Russia in the early 1920s.

Driving Down Russia's Spine
June 01, 2016

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

About Us

Russian Life is the 31-year-old publication of an award-winning publishing house that also creates books, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955