The position of “The Nine” deals with political grievances. Nine shiny black combat policemen, cast in earthenware and reduced to the shape of the traditional Nevaliashka doll, combined with the iconic protective visor of the special forces form a perfect unit. The Nevaliashka Doll is a stand-up manikin that always swings back to its original position. It functions as a metaphor for the almost untouchable Russian police officers. They have no consequences to fear for their actions, no matter if they are right or wrong. This is also decisively reflected in the materiality of the figures. The flawless surface suggests a decent guardian of the law, but behind the façade violence, corruption and abuse of power prevail.

 

Jan Gustav Fiedler

Vienna, November 2020