Antik Danov, a Ukrainian artist working under this pseudonym since 2021, conducted a series of interventions in public spacein Crimea in 2023, series titled "I pretend." This works capture the current state of Russian society, where the majority, unlike the aggressive war supporters and those who oppose it and the Putin regime, prefer to ignore what is happening.
The action took place on an alley in Feodosia with a series of posters saying:
"I pretend that there's no war" / делаю вид, что нет войны
"I pretend that I can't change anything" / делаю вид, что не могу ничего изменить
"I pretend that everything is fine" / делаю вид, что все в порядке
"I pretend that I live in a free country" / делаю вид, что живу в свободной стране
"I pretend that this doesn't concern me" / делаю вид, что меня это все не касается
"I pretend that I'm apolitical" / делаю вид, что я вне политики
Antik Danov comments on his work: "The idea came naturally, a combination of feelings, stories I've heard, and things I've seen from Russians at different times. It was carried out on an alley in Feodosia. I planned and prepared everything: found a poorly guarded location, chose a safe time, hung up the posters, and photographed them."
Regarding the reactions, Antik says: "I'm only familiar with the reactions on the internet, which are, as always, mixed. Those under Russian propaganda write about their 'truth,' often in a negative and aggressive tone. On the other hand, those who oppose the war and repression in Russia leave positive and supportive comments. Most people just like the posts without commenting, which is understandable—expressing such a position and free thinking in Russia today is not safe."