Art

Sexual Violence in Russia and in War: Offering Healing Through Therapy and Art

Published

1 year ago

August 22, 2023

In a series of photographs, a man in a military uniform rapes a young woman. She becomes pregnant. The man takes the child and stomps on the breasts of the woman, her eyes closed in death and covered with coins.

These are photographs of a work of performance art called “Dvoinya” (Twins), created by Russian artist Vladimir Kuznetsov to draw attention to the problem of reproductive violence.

“My girlfriend Nadezhda told me that she wanted to do something on the subject of reproductive violence,” Kuznetsov told The Moscow Times. “For me, as a pro-feminist, it’s natural to speak out on the topic of violence. We spent several months looking for a way to express our ideas artistically. I didn’t want just to take photos.”

Kuznetsov said the photographs also reference the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where there are hundreds of reports of sexual violence by Russian soldiers against Ukrainian women.

This issue of sexual violence is not being discussed in the Russian press, but before the war several non-governmental organizations were formed to help women who had been abused or assaulted. And as soldiers return from Ukraine, the issue is becoming more urgent.

A Ukrainian woman, Kristina (name changed for protection), told The Moscow Times what she went through in a small town not far from Kyiv.

“My husband went to fight as soon as the war began,” she said. “When Russian soldiers burst into my house, I was with my child. One of the soldiers took me to the next room, ordered me to take off my clothes and said if I didn’t, they would shoot my son. Then he began to rape me,” she said, weeping. “Then there were other soldiers… I think there were four or five. I don’t remember exactly. I tried not to cry. I heard my four-year-old son crying.”

She considers herself lucky: The soldiers didn’t kill her son. She fled with her child to neighbors for help. Later she learned that her husband had been killed in battle. She and her son now live in Germany.

Another woman in Ukraine, Anna (name changed for protection), told The Moscow Times that she was also raped by a Russian soldier.

“I am 44. He was about 20, the age of my son. He did it again and again. When I asked why he was doing this, he said he wanted me to have his child. He got very angry when I told him my age — I thought he would kill me, but he didn’t. Later I found out that he had gotten a young woman neighbor pregnant.”

Exporting violence against women

In 2022, the Russian Interior Ministry registered 3,311 cases of sexual violence, but the unofficial number is probably much higher. An analytical study by the independent polling and research organization Levada Center revealed that 91% of Russian married women have experienced domestic violence, which often includes sexual violence.

In Russia, rape is a crime that carries a penalty of three to six years in most cases, but it is difficult to pursue and get a conviction. According to statistics from the Crisis Center for Women in St. Petersburg, up to 70% of women who have been raped go to the police, but only 10% of the accusations result in charges. As a result, it is estimated that only 1% of men who commit these acts receive criminal punishment.

In Russia there is also no law against reproductive violence — when men either force women to have sex without contraception or keep them from acquiring and using contraception — since there are no statistics on cases. Reproductive violence is closely linked to the romanticization of childbearing in Russia. Women are commonly considered to be mothers first of all, not as humans with their own desires and rights.

There are, however, several non-governmental organizations that provide aid to women. The Sisters group helps survivors of sexual assault and their relatives. The center Nasiliu.net (“No To Violence”) tries to break the silence about domestic violence in Russia. It has been declared a “foreign agent” in Russia.

“Survivors receive help from psychologists and lawyers,” specialists at Nasiliu.net told The Moscow Times. “The main thing in the work of a psychologist with a survivor is to ‘return’ responsibility for violence to the man who committed it, to support women and teach them self-support techniques so that they can gradually return a sense of self-confidence. With regard to legal support, all our assistance is advisory. We tell the survivors where to go, what documents to collect or submit. The standard recommendation is to visit a doctor as soon as possible and to document all injuries,” a Nasiliu.net spokeswoman said.

War crimes come home

Recently the media has been filled with stories about violence against women, not only in Ukraine but in Russia, too, as men who have returned from the war commit acts of violence against their wives and girlfriends.

But specialists at Nasiliu.net said, “So far, we haven’t seen a huge rise in complaints from victims.”

They have, however, noticed that the number of calls about stalking has greatly increased: men who have returned from the war pursue their ex-wives and girlfriends.

“Stalking is another difficult topic legally, because it’s not against the law in Russia, so the police usually don’t do anything to help in case of this kind of persecution,” a Nasiliu.net spokeswoman said.

Experts say that the reason there is no huge uptick in reported cases of sexual and other violent crimes against women makes sense.

“Until recently, we worked in Moscow, and the war effort has had the least impact on the capital, at least for the moment [since there are few conscripts from Moscow]. Second, the majority of the men mobilized have not yet returned home. We will see the consequences in the growth of violence, including domestic violence, later,” they said.

In the meantime, Vladimir Kuznetsov is trying to draw attention to the problem in ways that he can with his performance art and photographs. He said the vasectomy he underwent was “the most important” part of these efforts. “I think this is a way men can support women who want to protect their rights to their own bodies.”

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Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork

Published

6 days ago

September 13, 2024

Harry Miller

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Vancouver Island art community, a local art dealer has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. Calvin Lucyshyn, the former operator of the now-closed Winchester Galleries in Oak Bay, faces the charge after police seized hundreds of artworks, valued in the tens of millions of dollars, from various storage sites in the Greater Victoria area.

Alleged Fraud Scheme

Police allege that Lucyshyn had been taking valuable art from members of the public under the guise of appraising or consigning the pieces for sale, only to cut off all communication with the owners. This investigation began in April 2022, when police received a complaint from an individual who had provided four paintings to Lucyshyn, including three works by renowned British Columbia artist Emily Carr, and had not received any updates on their sale.

Further investigation by the Saanich Police Department revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Detectives found other alleged victims who had similar experiences with Winchester Galleries, leading police to execute search warrants at three separate storage locations across Greater Victoria.

Massive Seizure of Artworks

In what has become one of the largest art fraud investigations in recent Canadian history, authorities seized approximately 1,100 pieces of art, including more than 600 pieces from a storage site in Saanich, over 300 in Langford, and more than 100 in Oak Bay. Some of the more valuable pieces, according to police, were estimated to be worth $85,000 each.

Lucyshyn was arrested on April 21, 2022, but was later released from custody. In May 2024, a fraud charge was formally laid against him.

Artwork Returned, but Some Remain Unclaimed

In a statement released on Monday, the Saanich Police Department confirmed that 1,050 of the seized artworks have been returned to their rightful owners. However, several pieces remain unclaimed, and police continue their efforts to track down the owners of these works.

Court Proceedings Ongoing

The criminal charge against Lucyshyn has not yet been tested in court, and he has publicly stated his intention to defend himself against any pending allegations. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 10, 2024.

Impact on the Local Art Community

The news of Lucyshyn’s alleged fraud has deeply affected Vancouver Island’s art community, particularly collectors, galleries, and artists who may have been impacted by the gallery’s operations. With high-value pieces from artists like Emily Carr involved, the case underscores the vulnerabilities that can exist in art transactions.

For many art collectors, the investigation has raised concerns about the potential for fraud in the art world, particularly when it comes to dealing with private galleries and dealers. The seizure of such a vast collection of artworks has also led to questions about the management and oversight of valuable art pieces, as well as the importance of transparency and trust in the industry.

As the case continues to unfold in court, it will likely serve as a cautionary tale for collectors and galleries alike, highlighting the need for due diligence in the sale and appraisal of high-value artworks.

While much of the seized artwork has been returned, the full scale of the alleged fraud is still being unraveled. Lucyshyn’s upcoming court appearances will be closely watched, not only by the legal community but also by the wider art world, as it navigates the fallout from one of Canada’s most significant art fraud cases in recent memory.

Art collectors and individuals who believe they may have been affected by this case are encouraged to contact the Saanich Police Department to inquire about any unclaimed pieces. Additionally, the case serves as a reminder for anyone involved in high-value art transactions to work with reputable dealers and to keep thorough documentation of all transactions.

As with any investment, whether in art or other ventures, it is crucial to be cautious and informed. Art fraud can devastate personal collections and finances, but by taking steps to verify authenticity, provenance, and the reputation of dealers, collectors can help safeguard their valuable pieces.

Art

Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

Published

2 weeks ago

September 2, 2024

Harry Miller

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com

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Art

Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

Published

1 month ago

August 18, 2024

Harry Miller

The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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