After watching the Pussy Riot music videos, I found myself intrigued by the differing visual tactics they utilized for their political message(s). In the Gessen reading, we saw how visibility was of key concern to the members of Pussy Riot. Although I wasn’t entirely sure how Gessen got their information on the members (whether it be interviews, recordings, correspondence etc.), it was clear that the members thought diligently on how they would portray their message, specifically in visual forms. Because this, I think it’s important to look at the relationship between the music/lyrics and the visual format.
Specifically I am thinking of the portrayal of physical force present in most of the videos. In Punk Prayer, we see guards actively trying to force the members out of the church. We see this again occurring in Putin Will Teach Us How to Love. I think these depictions of opposition to Pussy Riot are incredibly important to viewers, as opposition contextualizes their music. I think it also enhances the sense of urgency they have towards change (e.g. praying to Mary to become a feminist in order to depose Putin). Also (to once again bring up visibility) in a globalized music economy, by including the cultural context like this, it ensures that non-Russian viewers are aware of the force against Pussy Riot and LGBTQ Russians.
