April 25, 2022

Signed, a Foreign Agent


Signed, a Foreign Agent
More than just ink on the paper. Facebook, Darya Apakhonchich

According to artist Daria Apakhonchich, her status as a "foreign agent" requires her to detail her whereabouts and activities to the Ministry of Justice quarterly. Following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, she has shocked many in what is considered a not-so-standard letter sent to the Ministry of Justice. 

On the letter she sent in, she added illustrations featuring things such as a crying woman, burning buildings, a heart, and a coffin to represent the current events in Ukraine. Large, bold text is also handwritten, telling her opinions about the war in Ukraine. Apakhonchich hopes that her letter will reach the hearts of many, especially someone in the Ministry of Justice. 

Apakhonchich was previously an artist, political activist, and teacher living in St. Petersburg. Following her participation in a protest opposing the arrest of Alexei Navalny, she was arrested on January 31, 2021. As a result, Apakhonchich was labeled a foreign agent. 

The letter and illustrations, as well as English translations, can be seen here

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