Feb 8 • 07:05 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia ERR

Kristina Norman: Unprocessed Soviet Violence Thrives Now in Ukraine

Artist Kristina Norman explores the lingering effects of unprocessed Soviet violence as she reflects on her father's experiences in the Soviet military, connecting these historical narratives to the current war in Ukraine.

In her recent documentary performance 'Kastepunkt', artist Kristina Norman shares insights from her father's memories of serving in the Soviet army, highlighting how these experiences have profoundly influenced her perspective on current events. She points to a disturbing continuity of Soviet-era violence, which she argues remains unresolved and has resurfaced dramatically in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Norman claims that the chaos of war has compelled her to delve deeper into these historical accounts, seeing parallels between past experiences and contemporary situations.

During an interview, she emphasizes the palpable connection between her familial heritage and the unfolding reality of war, particularly as she and her father began renovating their family summer house amid the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This setting provided a rich context for reflection, allowing her to explore the weight of historical narratives that continue to resonate today. The shared activity of rebuilding became intertwined with the stories her father has carried about his service, revealing how these memories shape their current understanding of conflict.

Norman's work serves not only as an artistic endeavor but also as a call to reckon with the past. By bringing her father's stories to the forefront, she hopes to shed light on the psychological impacts of Soviet violence, which she believes are crucial to understanding the motivations behind present-day aggression. Her reflections underscore the importance of addressing historical trauma in order to prevent its resurgence in modern conflicts, particularly in light of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

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