Artists, Feminists, and Refugees: A Look at the Diverse Lives of Gennady Shikariov and Tatyana Mamonova
=====================================================================
In the heart of New York City, Gennady Shikariov, a native of Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), and his wife Tatyana Mamonova continue to make waves in the art world. Their activism against the patriarchy and the mistreatment of artists in Russia, coupled with their unwavering dedication to feminism, pacifism, and respect for all artists, has marked them as trailblazers in the fight for artistic freedom.
Born in 1949, Shikariov's passion for music was evident from an early age. He studied music at the Tchaikovsky School and honed his skills on the accordion. However, during his childhood in the Soviet Union, his artistic expression faced severe restrictions and censorship.
Mamonova, the first feminist dissident of the Soviet Union and founder of the first non-governmental organization promoting women's rights, also encountered obstacles in her artistic journey. She gained international recognition for her magazine and her involvement with the feminist movement, leading to offers from universities in the United States.
Together, Shikariov and Mamonova published the samizdat journal Woman and Russia Almanac (now called the Woman and Earth Almanac). This clandestine publication, distributed secretly to bypass official censorship, allowed their dissident voices and feminist themes to survive despite government repression and KGB surveillance.
Their activism did not go unnoticed by the Soviet government. Shikariov and Mamonova faced threats, intimidation, and eventual exile for their outspokenness and artistic expression that deviated from the state line. They found support in unexpected places, such as from Gloria Steinem and Delphine Seyrig, who provided legal aid and advocacy during their exile.
Upon settling in New York City, Shikariov and Mamonova have lived and worked for several decades. They have opened over twenty exhibitions in numerous states with Ms. Magazine in the United States and continue to exhibit frequently both in the United States and in Europe.
Despite their success in the United States, they have expressed frustration with the treatment of artists in the country. They continue to advocate for the rights of artists and promote their art and culture worldwide.
Tatyana Mamonova is recognised as a pioneer in the fight for women's rights, and her work with the Beacon Press, an acclaimed American book publisher, further cemented her status as a significant figure in the feminist movement. Gennady Shikariov, meanwhile, can often be found playing the accordion in the 81st Street Museum of Natural History train station in New York, a testament to his enduring passion for music and art.
Their story serves as a reminder of the power of artistic expression and activism in the face of oppression, and their continued work continues to inspire artists and activists around the world.
- The history of Shikariov and Mamonova's activism is not limited to the fight for artistic freedom in Russia, as they also shed light on social issues such as feminism and pacifism, becoming significant figures in general-news and culture.
- The impact of their activism during the Soviet era is still felt today, with their clandestine publicationWoman and Russia Almanac (now called the Woman and Earth Almanac) being a key part of history, especially in the context of news related to culture and politics.
- Their work continues to be relevant in the modern era, with their advocacy for artists' rights and their unwavering dedication to feminist causes being a spotlight in current news and discussions about culture, politics, and social issues.
