‘Animalistic horror’: Russia puts war art on display
An art exhibition titled 'The Russian Imperative' has opened in Saint Petersburg, showcasing war-themed paintings that reflect Russia's military history and current conflicts. The exhibition aims to evoke a sense of military sacrifice and resilience among visitors, despite the discomfort some feel regarding recent events. It features works by renowned artists alongside contemporary pieces related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
- ▪The exhibition includes giant paintings depicting Russian battles throughout history, including World War II and the current conflict in Ukraine.
- ▪It aims to boost a sense of patriotism and military sacrifice among the Russian public.
- ▪Visitors have expressed mixed feelings about viewing recent war imagery, with some finding it unsettling yet necessary.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
‘Animalistic horror’: Russia puts war art on displaySign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxA visitor tours "The Russian Imperative" art exhibition at the Manezh Central Exhibition Hall in Saint Petersburg.PHOTO: AFPPublished Jun 03, 2026, 02:33 PMUpdated Jun 03, 2026, 02:35 PMListenSAINT PETERSBURG - In a dark exhibition space in Saint Petersburg, visitors stare at giant paintings of Russian battles down the centuries, including World War II, Afghanistan – and Z-marked fighters in Ukraine.In four years of Moscow’s full-scale offensive against Ukraine, war has become omnipresent in Russia – even if the battlefield seems distant.Hundreds of thousands of men have been at the front and Kyiv’s retaliatory strikes regularly hit Russian cities.Scenes of national suffering are…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.