Brainwashing Machine

Londoners, Prepare to Be Brainwashed

9 – 22 September
Open daily:
10.30-13.00
14.00-17.00
22nd Sep 10.00-13.00

The “Brainwashing Machine” is coming to London. The highly anticipated Madrid exhibition, which explores propaganda techniques using contemporary Russia as a case study, will open on September 8 at The Crypt Gallery.

Renowned artists from around the world will engage in the ‘brainwashing’ of visitors through a variety of mediums, including painting, graphics, embroidery, ceramics, installation, animation, and digital art. Visitors will enter a giant ‘washing machine’ with settings analogous to a real laundry: pre-wash, main wash, rinse, spin and dry. The exhibition space is divided into several interconnected zones, each demonstrating how human beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors can be manipulated against their will. The exhibition is organized by the creative group Anónimo, some of whose members prefer to remain anonymous but do not conceal their Russian origins.

“We’ve been preparing for this exhibition for a long time,” says one of its creators, Tamara. The idea emerged after repeated unsuccessful attempts to discuss current events in Russia with friends and family. “When I talk to my cousin, no matter what facts or information I provide, he always repeats the same thing, like a broken record. It’s like talking to a wall.” Another participant from Anónimo, who once worked as a journalist in Russia, knows firsthand how the propaganda machine operates. “Propaganda creates its own worldview, convincing citizens that the West is the enemy and dissenters are traitors. It’s painful knowing that former colleagues are now part of this machine.”

Maria, the London exhibition organizer, aims to show her English relatives and friends the harsh realities of modern Russia and pose difficult questions: Would you risk your freedom and income to speak the truth? The exhibition artists will transport participants to contemporary Russia, challenging them to make their own choices. The exhibition creators do not see themselves as activists. “We are simply people who care about our country’s future and our relatives and friends’ well-being.”

For over two years, the West has been inundated with news about Russia’s war with Ukraine. Foreign media and politicians often criticize Russians for not protesting en masse. But imagine living in a country with draconian laws against dissent. Artists who have dared to speak out against the war and authoritarian regime often pay a heavy price. This exhibition addresses this important theme. “We want visitors to ask themselves important questions and find answers through art,” the organizers explain. Would you support or oppose the war? Sacrifice your art or go to prison? Denounce a colleague or lose your job? Stand up for the truth at the cost of your own life? How do you fight propaganda while preserving your sanity and integrity?

“Our responsibility is to signal to people in Russia and beyond that we exist and we disagree with what is happening,” says Anastasia Vladychkina, a participant and co-founder of the art group Yav. Despite detentions and searches, the other Yav co-founder continues to live and work in Russia. Some Russian artists featured in the exhibition face criminal prosecution for their protest art. Street artist Philipp Kozlov, known as Philippenzo, was put on the federal wanted list in 2023 for his provocative anti-war works. Another exhibitor, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova (a member of the feminist punk band Pussy Riot), is also on the federal wanted list despite having served almost two years in prison for a performance. The exhibition also features notable artists like Vasan Sitthiket, Pavel Otdelnov, Marina Núñez, and others.

In the London exhibition, new “washing programs” and artists, such as Irene Pérez and Kungfuct, will be introduced to the ‘Resetting ‘ zone. The Madrid edition of the “Brainwashing Machine” attracted famous art figures and received extensive media coverage from outlets like El País, RTVE, the Insider and others. In London, the King’s College London Russian-Speaking Society, composed of Russian-speaking young expats, will help organize the event. The opening ceremony will be on September 8 at 15:00 in The Crypt Gallery, a historic space with a crypt containing the remains of the city’s nobles.

Visitors can expect bold experiments, performance shows, artist interactions, and more. The exhibition runs until September 23, open from 10:30 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:00. Admission is free, with donations welcomed to support volunteers and future projects for Russian artists starting anew in different countries.

Stay updated on the exhibition and its detailed program at our Instagram account