Radical Resistance Through Art: Leda Garinas Fight Against Imperialism and Militarism

From St. Petersburg to Tbilisi, Leda Garina is a feminist artist and activist whose escape from Russia has transformed into a bold stance against oppression. As the founder of the feminist cultural initiative Eve’s Ribs, she employs body, language, and irony to confront authoritarianism, patriarchy, and conflict.

In this interview, Garina, who relocated to Georgia in 2022, elaborates on her dedication to resisting Russian militarism, critiques of imperialism, the role of provocation in art, and how communication serves as a vital political act.

«I refuse to be a silent survivor,» she asserts. «I prefer to be a voice that demands to be heard, even if it means facing dangers.»

“Indeed. We have battled numerous issues for years — from environmental concerns to women’s rights and free speech — but now all of that has been eclipsed by the machinery of war. If we genuinely want to engage with Russian society, we must dismantle its most troubling elements: militarism and imperialism. The myth of ‘Great Russia’ as a military power is a toxic narrative that only rationalizes internal oppression and external hostility.”

Leda notes that this ideological framework isn’t a new phenomenon; it is deeply rooted in Russia’s colonial past. “Through our artistic expressions and communication methods, we encourage people to reflect on how the concept of empire has justified the destruction, subjugation, and erasure of other nations’ independence. We are not a mighty nation; we have constructed our identity by diminishing others.”

Her words are clear yet laden with pain: “Those who deny the existence of Russian imperialism choose to remain blind to it. But it is evident — in every conflict, every oppressive law, every act of conquest masked as national pride.” For her, deconstructing cultural narratives is essential to any political resistance. “We cannot champion civil rights without dismantling the power structures that systematically deny them, both at home and abroad. War is merely a symptom, not the root cause.”

“It’s fundamental. Feminist activism has shaped me — it has been my saving grace.”

In St. Petersburg, Leda established the region’s sole independent feminist space, where she spent eight years orchestrating festivals, workshops, lectures, and educational initiatives.

“[Eve’s Ribs] was accessible to all, free and built with love. However, following the invasion of Ukraine, I recognized the need to broaden our focus: fighting solely against cultural patriarchy was no longer adequate. We also needed to confront armed patriarchy, which today manifests as war.”

Leda intertwines art with activism, believing that every artistic act carries political weight. “The issue is that many activists now limit themselves to expressing anger, lacking direction. While we observe symbolic gestures, there is often no genuine strategy. To effect change, we must be prepared to sacrifice something.”

“This principle applies to other societal struggles like climate change. Everyone speaks about protecting the planet, yet few are willing to relinquish their cars, flights, or comforts. For genuine transformation, we must rethink our daily habits, including our most personal ones. However, the system we navigate has conditioned us to be complacent. We prefer the illusion of control over the realities of uncertainty and difficult decisions.”

Leda remarks that “political art” often lacks depth. “Many actions may appear provocative but leave no impact. I aspire for my art to truly unsettle. When I receive insults or wrathful responses, I know I’ve hit a nerve. If no one is upset, then what you’ve said lacks substance. Art serves as an act of war against indifference.”

“That question haunts me. Many inside Russia claim to oppose the war, yet very few are genuinely prepared to take risks. Most opt for social media posts or hashtags. There’s a pervasive belief that taking a moral stance suffices for feeling virtuous. But if you’re not prepared to sacrifice something — your job, safety, or freedom — then you’re not genuinely resisting.”

Leda recounts a defining moment following a television interview: “An older woman approached me, whispering, ‘You were impolite — you interrupted a man.’ She was unconcerned with my message, only that I violated societal norms. That’s the tragedy: form matters more than substance.”

Even within radical circles, she has witnessed fear stifle action. “Once, in Moscow, I proposed a concrete plan to free a detained activist, but they insisted we needed at least 100 participants. Only four were willing to take the risk. The rest preferred posters and performances. It’s as if we’ve convinced ourselves that looking good equates to doing good.”

To her, even numerous protests in Europe feel superficial. “A march in a European capital holding a ‘No to War’ sign doesn’t constitute dissent. It’s more an exercise in moral cleanliness. I respect those efforts, but they aren’t sufficient. They focus more on alleviating personal guilt than on effecting real change. They don’t disrupt anything.” She adds that among the youth, “inertia often outweighs anger. Perhaps because no one has genuinely taught us the meaning of disobedience.”

“There’s no truly safe haven in this world,” she reflects. “In Georgia, I feel relatively freer, but I recognize it’s a conditional, fragile freedom. It’s an illusion. I carry the prison I escaped within me. Repression lingers wherever I go.” She mentions rumors of Russian agents surveilling exiled activists. “I am aware that I am being watched. I know that if I returned to Russia, I would be arrested immediately. Even here, every action bears a risk.”

Still, she persists. “For me, freedom is a daily endeavor, not a permanent state. It’s something you defend consistently, even when no one is observing.” She no longer anticipates protection from institutions. “Governments — even those that are democratic — are often slow and ambiguous. Yet communities can still effect change. When you discover a space where you can express yourself, create, and assist others — that becomes your frontline. That’s where the battle happens.”

She emphasizes her desire not to be a silent survivor. Instead, she is committed to speaking out, even with a delicate voice — if it has the potential to shatter the silence that upholds power.

“In times of war and censorship, communication becomes a form of resistance,” she states. This recurring theme emphasizes her belief that words, gestures, and images must be deliberate, precise, and designed to provoke. “Russian public discourse is built on a façade: the state convinces you that you bear no responsibility, that the enemy lies outside, and that your suffering is justified. Many choose to believe this — it’s the easier path.” However, for Leda, dissent should not be comfortable. “You must choose: do you wish to communicate for appearances, or to instigate change? I have chosen the latter, which entails losing support, frightening others, and fostering division.”

Guided by these principles, Leda has not only orchestrated political performances and protests, but she has also maintained an active online presence, employing platforms like YouTube to rigorously critique imperialist narratives. “We may not always know who’s listening, but we understand our purpose. Inside Russia, people need to know that someone is still speaking.” Even ironic actions, such as dressing as a squirrel to advocate for a public park, can spark attention and dialogue, she asserts. “Sometimes it is through paradox that the foundation of consensus begins to fracture. It’s a gradual process, but one I have faith in.”

For her, effective communication isn’t about providing comfort; it’s about provoking thought. “If even one person begins to question the propaganda they have absorbed, that marks a significant start.”