In 2012, the Russian performance artist Petr Pavlensky attracted international attention when he sewed his mouth shut with a coarse thread to demonstrate his solidarity with the convicted members of Pussy Riot. According to Pavlensky, political artists in Putin's Russia are being robbed of their voice and condemned to silence.
A film project of Irene Langemann – 90 and 52 minutes, HD
As a result of Pavlensky's Freedom performance, of all things, the artist could be robbed his own freedom. But Pavlensky isn't yet ready to throw in the towel, and he remains combative. What is important to him, above all, is to show the world how power makes people into objects. And he makes a step further. In November 2015 he sets ablaze the door of the Russian Secret Service in Moscow which he sees as a symbol of repression of the human individual. Since then Pavlensky is imprisoned.
We have video and photographic materials on all Pavlensky's performances and public actions. We want to observe the artist in his confrontation with the judiciary of Russia and the ever-increasing intolerance and violence of his country. Thereby Pavlenskys wife will play an important role as supporter.