Sasha Ikona

Painting

Russian pop duo t.A.T.u. depicted in the costuming of holy figures. They stand on a map of the Russian Federation, surrounded by barbed wire. Within the wire is the text of the Russian “anti-propaganda” law declaring distribution of LGBT propaganda to minors to be punishable by a fine. A rainbow cloth is tied to the wire. The text within the heavenly half-sphere at the top reads “love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). Emanating from the divine hand blessing the duo is symbolic holy light which shines onto their clasped hands. The text at the top translates in English to “[musical] group t.a.t.u.” The names of the group members are written beside each figure.
The purpose of this icon is to show the irony of the Russian anti-propaganda measure. Their most famous modern cultural export was a group whose career was built on youth-targeted LGBT “propaganda.” So famous is this contribution, Russia showcased the group at the Sochi Olympics opening ceremony.
Why show the group as a religious icon? Because they are martyrs? No, the choice of presentation comes from the fact that the Russian Orthodox Church has been at best silent on the issue of the oppression of gays, and at worst, supportive of it. It’s also a play on words - pop music icons are now religious icons.

Painting

This icon shows the persecution of 4 LGBT Russians in Saint Petersburg. A pride march was held and the police brutalized the peaceful demonstrators. The four people embracing are taken directly from a photograph from the event. They stand in the midst of tear gas used to break up the demonstration. Barbed wire surrounds them with the text of the Russian Anti-LGBT “propaganda” law at the bottom in red.
To the left stand 3 figures representing the police (полиция) and Maxim Martsinkevich a.k.a. “Restrukt/Реструкт” from the group Occupy Pedophilia, skinhead vigilantes who film themselves torturing unsuspecting gay men.
To the right stands American anti-gay activist Scott Lively, holding his book The Pink Swastika, which claims to prove that militant homosexuals caused the Holocaust and the Nazi regime. Lively seeks to publish it in Russian for an eager public. His scroll holds his direct quotes: “The battle to protect Russia from homosexualization [sic] has only just begun… Stand against this scourge.” He wears the garb of a priest - he is a Christian Pastor at home. His robes allude to the American Flag.