The interview with Iwan Wyrypajew reflects on his experiences living in Poland and his reflections on his hometown of Irkutsk amidst the current Russian political climate.
In a recent interview with 'Rzeczpospolita', Iwan Wyrypajew, a prominent Russian artist from Irkutsk, shares his reflections on the contrast between Poland's winter and his own memories of his native Siberia. Although he describes this year's harsh winter in Poland with an element of surprise, he still expresses a lack of nostalgia for Irkutsk, noting that his memories are marred by the crime and chaos of the 1990s. He fondly recalls his favorite places across the globe, which he does not attribute to his homeland.
Wyrypajew discusses the psychological effects of living in a country under authoritarian rule, suggesting that there are only two options for Russians: live in a repressive regime or actively resist. He acknowledges the fear that permeates Russian society but contrasts it with the freedom he enjoys in Poland. He emphasizes the impact of this freedom on his ability to create art openly, in stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere he left behind in Russia.
The artist's connection to Poland is further evidenced through his fondness for Suwałki, a city he visits regularly. This fondness reveals his search for a personal sanctuary away from the memories of Irkutsk. His reflections highlight the broader narrative of Russian artists and intellectuals seeking refuge in Poland amid the ongoing political tumult in Russia, reinforcing the divide created by the current regime under Putin.
