Feminist-punk and human rights activist Nadya Tolokonnikova, one of the most outspoken members of Pussy Riot, recently did a unironic photoshoot with noted misogynist and skeevy fashion photographer Terry Richardson. First reported by Death & Taxes, Tolokonnikova posted photos of herself on Facebook engaging in various Richardson-esque poses, like jamming her fist in her mouth and biting her arm, to the shock of anyone who has followed her career.
It’s hard to believe that the same person who stood up to the Kremlin, went to jail for her beliefs, and continues to engage in political demonstrations against capitalism and injustice, could seriously justify collaborating with someone like Richardson. It goes against the very grain of virtually everything Tolokonnikova has been railing against. Then again, post-prison Pussy Riot is a shell of its former self. Since their release, they duo have appeared on House of Cards, were on stage with Madonna and held court with Bill Clinton.
Earlier this year in an interview with Pitchfork, Tolokonnikova and fellow Pussy Rioter Masha Alyokhina said the following:
A punk is someone who knows how to ask the world uncomfortable questions and does everything possible to make sure the world can’t cop out of answering those questions. A punk is a person who lives and breathes astonishment. Astonishing other people and astonishing yourself — that’s what art is for us, and without art, life can’t exist. It would be too boring.
Tolokonnikova used to astonish us with her selfless hard-edged activism, now she’s astonishing us by her narcissistic posing for a predatory fashion photographer. Maybe that’s not boring, but it’s definitely not punk. RIP Pussy Riot!
(Photos: Terry Richardson via Nadya Tolokonnikova’s FB)
