On March 28, 2025, residents of Yekaterinburg were met with a shocking sight when they discovered a damaged art installation dedicated to the popular Russian singer SHAMAN, whose real name is Yaroslav Dronov, and Ekaterina Mizulina, the head of the Safe Internet League. The installation, which had only been unveiled on March 13, had already fallen victim to vandalism.
The art piece featured cardboard figures of the couple, designed to come together with the help of a special mechanism that would illuminate an artificial heart above them. The installation also bore the inscription: "Love. Create families." However, the spirit of this romantic message was marred when unknown individuals vandalized the figures. Ekaterina Mizulina's arms and nose were removed, while SHAMAN's figure lost part of its head and extremities. In a particularly destructive act, SHAMAN's figure was even torn from its metal frame.
Local authorities had hoped that the installation would serve as a positive symbol for the community, encouraging love and family creation among the residents of Yekaterinburg. However, the public's reaction to the installation was mixed. Many residents expressed their disdain for the piece, suggesting that it did not resonate with them as intended.
Just days before the vandalism, Mizulina had shared a heartfelt video on her Telegram channel, showcasing a young man proposing against the backdrop of the art installation. This moment was intended to capture the essence of love that the installation sought to promote. Moreover, on March 9, during a concert in Moscow, SHAMAN and Mizulina publicly announced their romantic relationship, adding to the significance of the installation.
SHAMAN, born on November 22, 1991, in Novomoskovsk, Tula region, is a celebrated singer, composer, and songwriter. He was named Honored Artist of the Russian Federation in 2024, reflecting his rising prominence in the music industry. Ekaterina Mizulina, born on September 1, 1984, in Yaroslavl, is a notable public figure in Russia. She serves as a member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, is the director of the Safe Internet League, and is also known as a blogger.
The vandalism of the installation has sparked conversations about public art in Yekaterinburg and its reception among the local community. Some locals have questioned the relevance of such installations, suggesting that they may not align with the interests or values of the city's residents.
While the installation was intended to be a celebration of love and commitment, the unfortunate incident of vandalism has overshadowed its message. The broken figures serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by public art, particularly when it does not resonate with its intended audience.
As the community reflects on the incident, it raises broader questions about the role of art in public spaces and how it can effectively communicate messages of love and unity. The reaction to the installation highlights the importance of engaging with local sentiments when creating public art.
In the wake of the vandalism, local officials have expressed their disappointment and are considering ways to address the community's concerns regarding public art. They hope to foster a dialogue with residents to better understand their perspectives and preferences when it comes to installations that represent their values.
The story of SHAMAN and Ekaterina Mizulina's installation serves as a poignant example of the intersection between art, public sentiment, and community values. It underscores the need for artists and officials to be attuned to the cultural context in which they create and display their work.
As Yekaterinburg moves forward, the hope remains that future public art projects will be more successful in capturing the hearts and minds of its residents, fostering a sense of pride and connection within the community.
