Veiled Prophecies
2024
130 x 150 cm
Materials: Acrylic, pigment, canvas, lacquer
Photo by Alexander Jermilov
These paintings depict Baba Vanga, a popular mystic who has been co-opted by Russian propaganda. Many of the claims attributed to her are likely fabricated, but the cryptic nature of these clairvoyants' messages aligns perfectly with the confusing and fragmented rhetoric of Russian propaganda, where nothing seems traceable, and everything appears convoluted.
"Since my childhood, mystics, fortune tellers, and astrologers have seen a surge in popularity in Russia. While they have always held a place in the collective imagination, they were typically relegated to the realms of trashy magazines or late-night TV spectacles. However, in recent times, these mystics have been mobilized as tools in the dissemination of propaganda and misinformation. State-sponsored TV channels and various online media platforms are now promoting predictions from these mystics as legitimate sources of information, particularly in tightly controlled political debate shows.
The reality of these political debate shows is already bizarre, characterized by primitive and pseudo-intellectual discussions that often stray from reality and facts. However, the inclusion of psychics in these forums adds another layer of absurdity, as their predictions are used to forecast war outcomes or inform decisions made on the battlefield."
2024
130 x 150 cm
Materials: Acrylic, pigment, canvas, lacquer
Photo by Alexander Jermilov
These paintings depict Baba Vanga, a popular mystic who has been co-opted by Russian propaganda. Many of the claims attributed to her are likely fabricated, but the cryptic nature of these clairvoyants' messages aligns perfectly with the confusing and fragmented rhetoric of Russian propaganda, where nothing seems traceable, and everything appears convoluted.
"Since my childhood, mystics, fortune tellers, and astrologers have seen a surge in popularity in Russia. While they have always held a place in the collective imagination, they were typically relegated to the realms of trashy magazines or late-night TV spectacles. However, in recent times, these mystics have been mobilized as tools in the dissemination of propaganda and misinformation. State-sponsored TV channels and various online media platforms are now promoting predictions from these mystics as legitimate sources of information, particularly in tightly controlled political debate shows.
The reality of these political debate shows is already bizarre, characterized by primitive and pseudo-intellectual discussions that often stray from reality and facts. However, the inclusion of psychics in these forums adds another layer of absurdity, as their predictions are used to forecast war outcomes or inform decisions made on the battlefield."
