Описание

Kultrab x 9cyka
Россия 228 (Russia 228), 2019

print on dibond
60 × 40 cm

Kultrab Quote:

The Russia 228 lookbook is a spring 2018 fashion collection created by Kultrab to support the Andrey Rylkov Foundation, which fought for humane, health-focused drug policy in Russia until it was forced to close in 2024. The collection’s name refers to Article 228 of the Russian Criminal Code, often used to repress drug users.In the photo is a fleece jacket from the clothing drop, created in collaboration with artist Roma Durov (9cyka).

At that time, over 70% of people jailed on drug charges were ordinary users, marginalized, unsupported, and criminalized. The Rylkov Foundation provided legal and social help, harm reduction services, and stood up for human rights. When the foundation was unfairly fined 800,000 rubles in 2018, this clothing drop was launched to raise funds, with a 20% discount for those who signed up for monthly donations.

We tried to organize an event to support the foundation, inviting lawyers, activists, and musicians. But for two months, clubs kept refusing to host it, fearing police attention and risks to people’s safety. Then, after Ivan Golunov’s arrest sparked protests in early June, we joined the movement and finally held the “Russia Day 228” festival on June 12, with about 1,500 people attending. It became an open space for dialogue, solidarity, and visibility, especially for younger generations who rarely encounter such conversations elsewhere.

Who would have thought that by 2025, we’d be raising money not for campaigns, but simply for bread. Yet here we are. Sometimes, a single loaf is what saves the day.