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Maren 2023

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Polina Schneider

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Magazine © Dek Unu Arts, 2023

Eleven

This is Dek Unu Magazine. In Esperanto, dek unu means "eleven." Eleven images from a single artist. Eleven artists in eleven solo issues in each publication year. Dek Unu publishes the work of a new artist-photographer in each issue. The artist's work and words are featured in individual focus as the sole purpose for each issue of the magazine. Unlike other arts and letters magazines which might look for work from a variety of artists to support an editorial staff's theme, at Dek Unu, theme and imagery are always each artist's own.

This Month

In occupied Paris during World War II, Picasso was asked by a Nazi officer, pointing to the painter's masterpiece, Guernica, “Did you do this?” The artist responded, “No. You did.”

A strong thread of anti-war protest art runs through centuries of history and there is a long tradition of opposition to authority, particularly abusive, entitled, anti- intellectual authority, among visual artists. Born in Russia, and now living in Germany, this month’s featured artist-photographer, Polina Schneider, gives us J, Superhero, an artist’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine since February 24, 2022. Life has changed abruptly there since that date and, with this series, Schneider, like so many other contemporary artists, is trying, in her unique and poetic way, to make sense of it.

While a large fraction of dissident and subversive art is strident, very sharply- pointed, and focused on starkly illustrating the physical horrors of war for both combatants and innocents, J, Superhero is a much more subtle look at the very wide emotional landscape of the conflict, and the ways in which non-combatants, like Polina herself, try to manage their feelings of helplessness, outrage, confusion, and guilt as life goes on. To oppose Putinism and its devastating effect on Russian culture, she nominates Grumpy Cat, a very unusual, somewhat quixotic “superhero” who can, in the artist’s words, “...show how people really feel, how horrified they are about what is happening, and how difficult it is to remain silent.”

These are superbly conceived and beautifully realized photographs, darkly surreal but also almost light-hearted, clearly works of fantasy but, somehow, extra real. No one knows what’s next, the present was once an almost unimaginable future; but, just in case and, perhaps, just in time, Polina Schneider and Grumpy Cat are here to show the feeling of discovering the superhero in each of us. >

This photo speaks to everyone who has a Russian background, who feels insecure, alone, and overwhelmed by the political propaganda becoming reality. The image is for everyone who is afraid of what their actions or even thoughts, once spoken out loud, can cause: political consequences, but also fights and cuts in the parental home, and alienation from friends and family.

In quiet, ordinary moments, when we can't grasp what's happening in the world, it is important to remember that there is a superhero in each of us — how ever this may look.

8 September 2022 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

The Feeling of Gloominess and the Thirst for Justice

The chess game shown is a tribute to the Russian chess grandmaster, film actress, and model Alexandra Kostenyuk. Particular criticism (especially from the established male- dominated chess circles) aroused her tendency to repeatedly advertise herself and the sport of chess in the glamorous dress and appearance of a fashion model. Her motto is, "Beauty and intelligence can go together."

20 September 2022 (Langkawi, Malaysia)

The Feeling of the Bitter Realization: Logic Is Not Required and Will Not Solve Any Conflicts

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Baba Yaga is a female character of Slavic mythology and folklore. She lives in a wooden hut that stands on chicken feet. Baba [old woman] Yaga is supposed to be an ugly old woman who possesses items that are endowed with magical powers. Most often she is a rather negative character, but sometimes she acts as an assistant to the hero. Baba Yaga can either help or hinder those who encounter her. Furthermore, she can play a maternal role.

5 November 2022 (Hanover, Germany)

The Feeling of Being a Little Bit Baba Yaga

The beige bag in the picture was given to me in the ‘90s, when | was still living in

Russia. It was a gift from an old couple from north Germany my family befriended. The couple sent one help-package to the newly-opened Russia via the Red Cross organization. Inside were sweets, instant soups, and different kinds of canned foods. In the distribution hall was a huge pile of boxes from Germany. | was five years old and | chose what appeared to me as the most delicate, little box. My family sent a thank-you note. The family from Germany answered. Again, we replied. What developed was a deep, intergenerational friendship that lasted for decades. They are the reason my family was brave enough to move to Germany.

12 October 2022 (Tel Aviv, Israel)

The Feeling of Being Arty

According to Putin, the “West” is moving towards pure Satanism by fighting for LGBTQIA+ rights, allowing same sex marriage, and sex-change operations.

17 November 2022 (Hanover, Germany)

The Feeling of Promoting Nontraditional Sexual Values

The green stuffed toy covered by tape goes by the name Crocodile Gena [Krokodil Gena]. He is one of the protagonists of the famous Soviet children’s books and cartoon series. Krodokil Gena’‘s nostalgic birthday song is even more popular in Russia than the standard “Happy Birthday.” It starts with the following lyrics:

Let them run awkwardly,

Step in puddles clumsily,

Let the water from the asphalts flow away. And it’s not clear to the strangers

On this day with the failures

Why today | am cheering “hooray.”

Alexander Timofeevskiy, the writer and composer of the song died in January 2022, just a few weeks before the beginning of the war.

15 November 2022 (Hanover, Germany)

The Feeling of Being in the Wrong Movie

In 2022, Russia faced three major emigration waves:

The first wave happened directly after the invasion in February. By migrating, many people hoped to avoid criminal prosecution. Publishing “fake news” about politics and military operations could lead to a prison sentence of up to 15 years. Among the refugees was Bolshoi Ballet's prima ballerina Olga Smirnova.

The second wave happened in summer because many people with children waited for the school year to end in order not to hinder their children’s education.

The third wave began with the announcement of partial mobilization on 21st September, with mostly men fleeing the country.

Among others, Istanbul and Tbilisi are popular cities where Russian citizens found a temporary home. The urban art there has changed since then. Graffiti and anonymous art statements appeared in the streets — statements such as: “Poo-tin” (Tbilisi, 13 December 2022) and “I can’t get home,” or “Sometimes, | feel like | am dead,” and “Me too,” added in another person's handwriting. (Tbilisi, 23 January 2023). “Russia is not Putin” (4 January 2023) in Istanbul.

27 November 2022 (Anneux, France)

The Feeling of Being the Only One Left

In the beginning of December 2022, Time magazine published a column by Alexei Navalny's daughter, Daria Navalnaya, in which she talked about her father’s conditions in prison. One week before | made this portait, Navalny was suing the authorities at the penal colony to which he had been sentenced who had not given him winter boots.

Daria writes on her Instagram account: "Can you imagine?! In the 21st century, a prisoner in Russia has to sue to receive winter shoes!"

14 December 2022 (Hanover, Germany)

The Feeling of Being So Last Season

In January 2021, Navalny, together with his team, published an investigative, pop culture style documentary. Their hilarious presentation of a palace located on the Black Sea coast near Gelendzhik that allegedly belongs to Putin caught the attention of the public. Navalny and his team described the rooms of the palace in detail, listing the estimated prices of the exact furniture, revealing the total value of the estate — $1.3 billion.

One especially mysterious room in the palace, “The Aqua Discotheque,” was immediately picked up by young musicians and creatives. Several popular Russian artists, including TMNV, Andrei Gudkov, and Pussy Riot, have produced protest anthems and music videos about “Akvadiskoteka,” the war, Russian politics, and satirizing President Putin. Peremen, [“Change” in Russian], by ‘90s rock star Viktor Tzoi has been revived and has been played by demonstrators, recently in Petersburg on Nevsky Prospekt by people that were driving by with their cars in order to support the people who actually went out demonstrating.

In keeping with the current definition of “free speech” in Russia, the tracks above are listed as unsafe to listen to.

26 November 2022 (Paris, France)

The Feeling of Playing the Same Old Songs Over and Over Again

According to Russian law, couples usually have to wait for four weeks after the initial registration to be allowed to marry. Under special circumstances, however, this waiting period is waived. The military mobilization counts as such. Recruits can thus get married on the same day. The procedure takes up 20 to 30 minutes only. Many drafted Russians are said to have taken advantage of this rule, because only the legal spouse is allowed to see her husband or receive a compensation if he was wounded or killed during war. Even if a couple has lived together for many years, the partner has no comparable rights without an according marriage certificate. Since the partial mobilization, the number of marriages has risen rapidly.

29 October 2022 (Hanover, Germany)

The Feeling of Getting Married for the Wrong Reasons

These travel bags were THE travel companions for a whole community that migrated from Russia in the ‘90s. Called "Ba-ul," plural "Ba-ul-y" (and they always come in plural), they transported whole households and the dearest memories of many people who were on the move from Russia to other countries — mostly to Germany, USA, and Israel. In the time period from 1990-2005, around 113,000 people of Jewish heritage and 2 million people of so called “Russia-German” descent migrated to Germany. As of August 2022, Germany has taken in 70,000 immigrants from Ukraine. Statements by politicians that Germany is willing to take in Russians who are hostile to the war or unwilling to fight and to grant them asylum have no effect, as there are currently no direct flight connections to Germany.

13 October 2022 (Tel Aviv, Israel)

The Feeling of Saying Goodbye

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Artist Interview - Polina Schneider

Wow, what a series, Polina, so much to see and think about! First thing, though, what's the story with the cats?

The project is not about me as a person, but rather about the feeling of how the war in Ukraine, and everything that revolves around it, affects people. It is also about being a superhero, and not being afraid to state one’s opinion. That’s why people should not be distracted by seeing my face but should rather identify with the protagonist I am representing - the superhero that wants to change the world.

Polina Schneider

As per definition, superheroes have to wear masks. These masks not only disguise their identity but give them superpowers as well. So, when the idea of the project was born, I browsed the Internet in order to find something suitable. Heroes from D.C. and Marvel obviously did not fit - mostly too male, too American. Female protagonists that popped up in my mind were not suitable either. I had to go for something that is applicable and relatable to Russians. And then, the algorithm presented me with the Grumpy Cat mask and it was perfect! Russians claim to be THE cat-loving nation? Good! Superhero’s not happy about the current political situation? Make her grumpy! Nice contrasts of black and white with green-yellowish eyes that stand out in every picture? Even better! That’s how the cat mask found its hero.

Who are the actors? Is that you?

It is always me in the picture. I am the one wearing the fancy dresses, it is my head hidden under the superhero mask. The feelings I embody in the portrait series are very personal, so choosing a second character was difficult. I knew, it had to be somebody who is close to me, with whom I can share my fears and ideas. It is the exact combination of the feelings presented together that makes my perception unique; while others might share most of the feelings, they can only imagine how overwhelming the guilt, sadness, and grief are. When another character is necessary it is my husband or a very close friend.

Its site is essential to each image. How do you find such perfect backgrounds? Do you have help with staging, lights, logistics?

The portraits that turned out best were actually taken at spots where I spontaneously decided that the location just feels right. Most of the time I already know the topic that I would like to represent with a photo, sometimes however it is simply based on my gut feeling. My team is usually just me and my husband. If the dress is too much to be put on alone, he will keep me covered and zip me up. I use the staging / lights, etc., that are right there on the potential photo spot. I get my dresses from eBay. I wouldn't want to wear new dresses or something that I would potentially destroy just for the sake of the photos. I’d rather use old, second-hand dresses that are already not perfect anymore and that people are having trouble getting rid of. (Plus, eBay's prices are low!)

What motivated the project? Where did the idea come from?

The project started as an outlet of my own feelings about the war, merged with fears my family and friends shared with me and the numbness, powerlessness, and guilt we all had in common. I felt (and feel!) paralyzed, helpless while trying to digest all the news and messages that reach me daily. About the war, about the political - I was about to say "change" - but it is not a change, merely a manifestation of autocratical power, its speed, and its continued acceleration. Therefore, the feelings depicted have more dimensions than simply the invasion. It is not even about the war alone but focuses on the current situation in Russia.

This is not typical, social-realist, protest art. It is indirect and quite subtle. How do you define your genre?

If I had to categorize the I, Superhero project, I would go for the genre of photodocumentary. At first, it might seem bizarre, since it is a staged, surreal world I am showing with each photo. However, the topics depicted are based on real political events underpinned by facts and figures and the social and psychological turmoil people are experiencing. The feelings shown are supposed to make the viewers reflect on their own thoughts — while the perception of these can actually differ - depending on who is looking at the photos — people with or without a Russian background. The project does not have the ambition to meticulously cover all possible emotional and political layers, it is rather a fragment captured through my lens.

Some might say that your approach is soft, that the message is too indirect, and seems to try to excuse the Russian people.

For Russian artists, the situation is quite complex. Talking about the war, naming the war "war," stating the facts, or sharing news is punishable under the new law that Putin introduced. As a Russian artist abroad, and after a long time of not being sure who I am (am I German? Russian? Jewish? Something in-between?), and also not being clear about what I want other people to know about me in the first moments of interaction, I've come to the bitter and scary realization that it is complicated to make use of Russian symbols, even those that are non-political (e.g. matryoshka dolls). It has seemed sometimes that I was not only forbidden to say I'm against Putin and the war, but also that I was not allowed to say that I am Russian.

A short time ago, for a class assignment to design a business card, I did a minimalistic painting of two matryoshka dolls. The biggest doll holds the second doll inside her while the second one, instead of containing a third doll, holds a camera in her hands. It stands for the female part of the Slavic (not even Russian per se) culture that says that women can (but do not necessarily have to) have children but can also decide to proceed with a career instead. In this case, it is exactly what happened to the smaller doll who chose to be a photographer over having kids.

In the follow-up group discussion of our designs, the conversation suddenly took a big turnaround and became hugely political. One side of the argument said that Russia, especially Putin, is an oppressor, that artists should oppose not collaborate, and in no way should Russian symbols be used. My argument is that in the end, I am Russian, I speak the language, I eat the food, I had piano

Happy Birthday (Mylar balloon, Death Valley, California)

classes since I was little, and it should be possible for me to be Russian, using Russian symbols, and be against Putin, against the war, and against oppression, all at the same time.

I hope that the superhero-grumpy-cat-figure reminds people of their own feelings, and that the cat protagonist can empower those who are scared to take action (whatever this may be, however small or big). It is important not just to sit around and commiserate over the situation and silently disagree, but rather to do something about it. That applies to Russian citizens in Russia, to those who recently migrated, and to the Russian diaspora who have roots in Russia and a connection to the country. Even those who don’t have a special connection to Russia are, of course, an important help, but it is essential to understand and assess before fighting for or against something. This is also part of my intention. To make people see more deeply and to understand the situation in Russia / for Russians worldwide.

As is the case for most of us, photography wasn't your first career choice. Your path was unusual. How did you get here?

After high school, I was —- like many other students - somehow not sure of what I should do next; basically, anything and nothing made sense. The university in Hanover had a strong focus on science and economics. Even though I loved languages, I first chose to go with one of the best options the university had to offer - Economics sounded broad enough to me. After a friend took me to a dreadfully boring Economics lecture, I changed to Computer Science — very few females and a 50% dropout rate. One semester followed another and I earned a bachelor's degree.

Your next bachelor's was dual — Applied Computer Science (which follows) and in Chinese as a Foreign Language. What!?

Although the logical path was to a Ph.D. in theoretical informatics, I felt stuck. Something was missing. Therefore, after graduating in IT, I spontaneously dropped my plans to pursue further education in computer technology and applied for Chinese As a Foreign Language in Gottingen, a student town an hour and a half away from Hanover.

The choice was not really illogical. When I was 13 or 14 years old, I spent a lot of time with a friend, whose parents had a Malaysian / Vietnamese / Chinese background. At some point, we were alone after school, doing English karaoke songs and, to keep from doing "Over the Rainbow" for a fifth time, my friend introduced me to popular Chinese songs. We sang Teresa Teng’s BURA (‘The Moon Represents My Heart').” I didn't have any clue what the song was about, but I immediately liked it and tried to copy my friend's words. My friend's mother, perhaps not completely truthfully, said that my Chinese pronunciation was very, very good. She was quiet about my singing skills though!

Still in high school, I studied Chinese language, history, and literature with my friend's teacher. Since there was no class just for kids, I joined a funny group with an 80-year-old German grandmother, two middle-aged Japanese women, and a German businessman in his 30s.

During my studies in GOéttingen, I was lucky enough to spend a semester abroad, in Nanjing, China, a place and time that had a significant impact on me. After graduation, I reconnected with my teacher, a great, kind, and wise person whom I respect a lot, and, since then, I have a class every week.

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Polina and Marcus Schneider

And then, a third degree — a bachelor's in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography. How did Photography enter the picture?

Although I had been successful, I still felt something was missing. It was again a friend of mine who took me to a show of photojournalism at a local gallery. I devoured the works! Having listened to all my talk about making a change, she insisted, uncharacteristically harshly, that I apply to study photojournalism to see where it would get me. Luckily, COVID-19 had switched the program from the time-consuming, expensive, in-person process to an online format where work could be shown, discussed, revised, and evaluated via Zoom! For me, that meant that it was possible to work a forty-hour week as an IT professional while pursuing another bachelor's at the same time.

A perfect time for your start in photojournalism, right?

My application for studying photojournalism coincided with my political (in reference to Russian politics) wake-up moment. Alexei Navalny’s return to Russia. Paralyzed, I watched TV news of his trial.

Finally, this moment has happened: the political fire that spread across the country! So many people my age went out on the streets, protesting together. I also went outside, of course. I couldn’t go to Russia but I chose the second-best option: I went to the demonstrations in Hanover, equipped with my camera gear that somehow protected me. I photographed a girl, part of Navalny's team in Moscow, who was speaking fiercely and eloquently about Navalny and the importance of fighting for his (and for all of our) freedom. I shot her portrait. I was impressed. I was scared.

After her speech, she approached me and asked if I was a journalist. I was intimidated and stammered that I maybe am about to become one, in near future, possibly — that my application for university was in progress. She seemed disappointed, yet she asked me if she could have the photos I shot. She agreed to let me include her portrait in my application to the photojournalism program, we exchanged numbers and became friends.

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Svetlana returned to Hanover in November 2022. She stayed at my place for a couple of days and, one evening, I showed her the first draft of J Superhero. Suddenly, she went very quiet (she never is!) and said slowly that this is exactly how she feels about the current situation. That I shouldn’t be scared and should share it with people. Her reaction had a great impact on me and on the legitimacy of the whole project.

Next day, we went out and shot the “The Feeling of Promoting Nontraditional Sexual Values” at the University of Hanover. She is the one you can see in the picture here as well. We felt strong, powerful, and enthusiastic after the shooting. For me, it was like we did make a difference by only clicking the picture, by discussing the idea, and by dressing as brides that are about to get married.

As of today, Svetlana will not be able to — at least easily — return to Russia since she most probably is on the list for terrorists in there. It can happen quickly. In her case, it is her being part of Navalny’s organization and participating in political events critical towards the Kremlin.

Who sees your new work first? Do you have anyone whose editorial advice is trustworthy, confirming...worth hearing?

Right from the beginning, my husband had to watch and listen to every single idea I had and take a look at every good or bad photo that my SD card had to offer. Our best friend B., who regularly hangs around with us and our three cats in our apartment is also one of my favorite people to talk to about photography. Another shoutout goes to my favorite couple based in Hamburg (TJ & HG!!) Every time we meet, we end up in such deep and creative discussions about the world, about different perspectives, creative ideas and of course, photography in general and about my projects in particular. And, of course, my friend, A. who pushed me to study photography in the first place.

Iam a huge fan of Hanover’s Photojournalism class. The professors and the students are amazing. It is so different from my previous academic experience. You call your professors by their names, you say “du” instead of the polite “Sie,” and everyone is trying to make things work out if you have a request. It is really about students' being able to actually learn stuff. The teachers are very enthusiastic and empowering. From the start, I found my co- students were also very enthusiastic, understanding, and emphatic people. It is something I am very grateful for.

Talk about your "method." Organized? Random? Meticulous? Headstrong? How do your "good ideas" become finished art?

It is always the same procedure. I get an impulse, an idea that can be pretty vague. Sometimes, it might take me a lot of time to process this impulse and to form it into something "solid." During this time, I hardly speak the thoughts out loud. When I have settled on something, however, I can't let it go. I return to this specific idea until I get the chance to make the photo / project happen. I don’t have a structural process that helps me accomplishing them. The only thing I definitely do, is taking notes. They are rather scribbles and most of the time don’t stick to one language or the use of proper grammar but rather reflect how my mind is processing the ideas while they are being formed.

Media? Resources? Editors, planners, or organizers that help?

I am in love with my bulky and way too heavy Canon EOS 5D Mark IV which always makes my neck hurt after carrying it around for a while. Other than fixing the lights, contrast, and trimming, I hardly use postproduction. I have used my good old Canon 9000F scanner for 10 years. It was one of my first expensive acquisitions for photography. I keep every image I make on a harddrive — I simply can't delete stuff. To organize, I use Lightroom and way too funny names for folders: readyVersion01, ultimateready01, lastversion0102, reallylastversion.

Is there anything you use to boost creativity? Coffee, tequila, something stronger?

Fun fact: I love the smell of the grumpy cat mask! Whenever I find a spot that will work as a location for the grumpy superhero protagonist, I am very much aware that there might be people around who find the scene of a woman being photographed in a fancy dress and a cat mask rather weird. It wasn't easy for me in the beginning, of course, the first photos really took a lot of courage. But: the superhero transformation happens when I put on the mask! The smell of rubber is so much connected to the euphoria-part of my brain that whenever I smell it, I really don’t care if people watch and stop or judge or whatever.

Some find strength in numbers, some prefer to go it alone. Are you part of a photo community?

Environmental Women Collective!! While we don’t have an official name yet (work in progress) this is how we are describing ourselves (also work in progress, but it sounds solid enough for me to share). Our mission: "We are a collective of women-identifying and nonbinary photographers whose individual voices are shaped by our diverse backgrounds in photojournalism, documentary, and commercial photography. We report locally on a_ unified environmental theme from our four respective continents, which creates a unique blend of voices and contextualizes our local stories within a global narrative." All of us met while participating an international, six-month online mentoring program organized by the photo-educator and promoter Native Agency. The photographic topic was environmental photography and each of the participants created their own project while being tutored.

Pussy Riot's Masha with Grumpy / Polina

What role does social media play in your practice? Helpful? A necessary evil?

Social media is a great way to stay in touch with people who might be normally hard to reach out to. I am able to follow certain movements and political trends that happen in (pop) culture. It makes it easier for me to stay up to date, to actually understand references made in media, and to identify with people my age who live in Russia or are doing activist work.

Although I did not think J, Superhero was ready to publish online before, the editorial process with Dek Unu, and the close consideration of the reasons and background of the project, add another dimension and make the project seem real, feasible. I have come to see a nonreversible connection between my private appearance and my public appearance in the J, Superhero project and this connection will, of course include social media.

Have you seen other changes in your work or approach over time?

I no longer have to try so hard to be “real” (meaning that everything has to be super correct and “non-staged”) any more. I have realized that, apart from environmental photography, my most favorite projects are the ones where I engage with my surroundings in a more interpretive, intuitive way. Which ultimately, makes my work even more “real.” I've also realized that, while presenting my more deeply-felt work to strangers increases the chances for dispute / debate, I can face that challenge, knowing that, ultimately, the "right" people will be the ones who get the leitmotifs in my photography and understand the layered meanings in the images.

What's in your immediate future? A new direction for Grumpy Cat? Another project? A show, a book, travel?

I don’t know when J, Superhero will be finished. I can only guess that the urge for processing and depicting the feelings I (and many others) go through might get another turn when concrete, big events will happen - such as the end of the war, the end of Putin’s presidency, etc. The project may either enter a new phase, or might even be finished and leave space for some other issues depending on the events that will happen. Although there are no immediate plans, I would love someday to make an exhibition on the J, Superhero theme. I have an exact idea of how it would look but, right now, it's the fantasy that comes before the reality.

Travel. I terribly miss China, particularly Nanjing and Shanghai, where I have important personal connections. I miss my hometown, Saint- Petersburg as well. But my husband and I have recently traveled to the United States and there are new images of Grumpy Cat's adventures in California.

Danke sehr and spasibo, Poli! Where can we find you online? The easiest way to reach out to me would be through insta:

@polisnaps

As the war has passed its first birthday, I had the idea of creating a superhero-only insta account that posts Grumpy Cat's adventures and maybe short clips, outtakes, etc. Please visit:

@grumpysuperhero

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