Artist unveils ‘Russian Rainbow’ painting on the ‘LGBT movement’ ban in Russia

Russian street artist Philippenzo, full name Filipp Kozlov, has unveiled a new artwork — Russian Rainbow. The canvas consists of six horizontal stripes, similar to the LGBT flag, only in the colours of the Russian tricolour.

Philippenzo, who is now living abroad to avoid charges of vandalism, told Novaya Europe that, as with his other paintings, the idea came to him out of the blue. “I don’t set out to paint a specific topic. I just convey the images that appear in my head. … As for the ban itself, the regime has exposed its phenomenal weakness by picking on its own most defenceless internal enemy,” he said.

The painting is on sale at an online auction held on 5 December.

Philippenzo is known for his anti-war graffiti. One such piece — Izrossilovanie, a play on the words for Russian and rape — appeared in Moscow on 12 June, Russia Day. He was promptly visited by the police.

In July and August, a court twice sentenced him to 15 days’ administrative arrest for insubordination to a police officer. He was also due to be charged with “discrediting the army”. In September, his home was searched as part of the ongoing “vandalism” case. In early October, Philippenzo left Russia for Lithuania. The Interior Ministry put him on its wanted list.

Last week, the Supreme Court ruled the “International LGBT Movement” “extremist”, effectively outlawing it.