Artist Sasha Skochilenko from St. Petersburg has been imprisoned for more than two years. She was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison for replacing price tags in a shop with five stickers containing information about the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The article of the Criminal Code under which Sasha was convicted contradicts both the Russian Constitution and the international obligations of the Russian Federation, not to mention basic principles of law. The Memorial Human Rights Centre insists that this article is anti-legal in nature and was created solely for the purpose of political repression. Therefore, they classify Sasha Skochilenko as a political prisoner.

Sasha identifies herself as a pacifist for whom peace and human life are paramount.

 "... I believe that life is sacred... it is stubborn, persistent, incredible, touching, amazing, strong... it can break through asphalt, destroy stones, it can grow from a small sprout into a gigantic baobab, from a microscopic cell into a giant whale" (from Sasha's final statement at her trial).

Her works included in the exhibition are based on her personal history, the events and experiences she has lived through since her arrest.

*As a result of an exchange organized through international diplomatic efforts on August 1st, Sasha Skochilenko, along with 15 other political prisoners and foreign nationals convicted on fabricated espionage charges, has been released and is now safe.

‍

‍