„I, Superhero“ is my personal response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine since February 24, 2022. The sequence of portraits speaks to everyone who has a Russian background, who feels insecure, alone, and overwhelmed by the political propaganda becoming reality.
To oppose Putinism and its devastating effects on Russian culture and society, I nominate „Grumpy Superhero“, a quixotic, feminist protagonist for whom life has changed abruptly since that date and who tries to make sense of it. The heroine allows a subtle look at the very wide emotional landscape of the conflict, and the ways in which non-combatants like myself try to manage their feelings of helplessness, outrage, confusion, and guilt as life goes on.
Today's Russia is a dystopian fantasy of one narrow-minded person. He's the winner - and no one can stand against him.
Except for the Superheroines inside of us.
The chess game shown is a tribute to the Russian chess grandmaster, film actress, and model Alexandra Kostenyuk. Particular criticism (especially from the established male-dominated chess circles) aroused her tendency to repeatedly advertise herself and the sport of chess in the glamorous dress and appearance of a fashion model. Her motto is, "Beauty and intelligence can go together.“