Pussy Riot’s Nadya Tolokonnikova Honored at American Folk Art Museum Showcase: See Photos

On Thursday (May 16), the art, music and activism of Pussy Riot founder Nadya Tolokonnikova was honored at a benefit pop-up in New York City, presented by the American Folk Art Museum.

Held at Canvas 3.0 at The Oculus, An Evening with Nadya Tolokonnikova, Creator of Pussy Riot featured a showcase of the Russian-born punk rocker’s recent artwork as well as a Q&A. Tolokonnikova also treated attendants to a volume-cranked musical performance, taking the venue’s makeshift stage in a white ski mask with black X’s painted over the eyes. 

Special guest David Byrne of the Talking Heads was on hand to present Tolokonnikova with an award for Dynamic Achievements in the Arts on behalf of the museum. “I haven’t figured [out] what does dynamic achievements mean just yet, but it sounds very substantial!” the feminist musical collective founder later joked on Instagram of the honors, sharing photos with the “Psycho Killer” singer.

The pop-up comes about a month ahead of Tolokonnikova’s first solo museum show RAGE, which is slated to open June 21 at OK Linz in Linz, Austria. It’ll display pieces from the multi-medium artist’s newest series “DARK MATTER,” along with works from her prison archive, including a replica of the Russian cell she spent over a year in during her 2012-13 incarceration and mementos from Pussy Riot’s advocacy 2011-23.

“Nadya Tolokonnikova’s pursuit of justice through art embodies the spirit of resilience and creativity that we champion at the American Folk Art Museum,” said CEO Jason T. Busch in a statement. “We are honored to host this benefit event, which not only celebrates Tolokonnikova’s extraordinary contributions to contemporary art and activism but also supports the Museum’s mission of fostering dialogue and understanding.” 

See photos from the museum’s pop-up event with Tolokonnikova below.