Abstract:

Worldwide, social transformations of the post 1960s and short-lived “thaw” period in the Soviets gave birth to Russian avant-garde, nonconformism. Leningrad (today Saint Petersburg) and Moscow were the venues where the resistance of the artists with illegal exhibitions took place as reactionary demonstrations against the increasing interventions and persecutions following the end of “thaw” period. In the second half of the 20th century, non-conformist artists of the second generation, Russian avantgardism who constantly sought new forms of expressions and pursued the ways of comportment with contemporary art formed a commonality regarding their work theme which can be outlined as the existential misery of human being. Resistance of the groups of the non-conformist artists who were closely watched by the Soviet administration and significant works of some key names among them made a big impact in this period. Here, non-political artistic activities (focused on art itself rather than anything else) of the nonconformist artists of the Leningrad will be the main concern of the study. Additionally, artists who got deported or forced and threatened to leave their country will be mentioned in detail.

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