I began creating the piece "Russia Will Be Free" on February 16, 2024—the day of Alexei Navalny's death. With tears and trembling hands, the lines from Maxim Gorky's "Song of the Falcon" echoed in my mind:

"...O brave Falcon! You bled in battle with your enemies... But there will come a time when drops of your hot blood will flare up in the darkness of life like sparks and ignite many brave hearts with a mad thirst for freedom and light! Let you die!... But in the song of the brave and strong in spirit, you will always be a living example, a proud call to freedom, to light!"

It is needless to say that Alexei became that Falcon. In a moment of despair and weakness, feeling his death as a personal loss, I felt an urgent need to give tangible form to our shared dream of a beautiful and free future Russia, to embed these words into space, to give them weight and power, to make them an incantation. During the creation process, I inadvertently soaked the canvas with my tears, pain, and blood—an offering, of sorts, for the fulfillment of this dream.

Usually, symbolism is not typical in my works, but this time I assembled "Russia" from very straightforward and understandable images:

- Thorns growing out of blood-red embroidery in the shape of a crown—those very drops of blood—the song of all those who have died and suffered from political repression in Russia, and all those who continue to fight.

- Red silk ribbons, reminiscent of a traditional Slavic wreath—symbolizing the hope for the renewal of friendship between the kindred peoples of Russia and Ukraine (though this now seems impossible).

- Clouds in a blue sky—representing the Spring that will inevitably follow the long winter, and Peace.

1. The clouds in the background appeared at the last moment. The vibe of hope in the bleak darkness was inspired by singer Liza Monetochka—specifically, her album "Prayers. Jokes. Toasts," which I listened to while finishing the work.

2. The list of materials used can confidently include "the author's blood"—embroidering acacia thorns with beads is a task hazardous to the integrity of your fingers.