Published
Tue, May 17, 2022, 21:55
- In a new statement, the Russian artist says she is "deeply moved by what's happening in the world."
Nina Kraviz has published a statement on social media clarifying her response to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Posted earlier today, May 17th, the Russian artist says she is "deeply moved by what's happening in the world" and believes "it's appalling what my country's relations with Ukraine have become." She adds: "I am against all forms of violence. I am praying for peace. It pains me to see innocent people die."
Kraviz has recently come under fire from certain corners of the electronic music scene for her perceived silence on the war. Until now, her only social media post addressing the fighting was a video of a handwritten note with the word "peace" in Russian.
"I am a musician and was never involved in supporting the politicians or political parties," the statement continues, "and I am not planning to do it in the future. I don't understand politics or the social processes it creates. So I don't think it's right to talk about what's happening on social media."
She adds: "In recent months, I have faced hatred and lies against me and I'm not sure if that's because my statement didn't appear on Instagram. It saddens me, but it hasn't made me bitter."
The statement arrives the day after Clone Distribution publicly announced it had cut ties with Kraviz and her popular label трип after five years of collaboration. Clone founder Serge said the decision was motivated by Kraviz's "pro-Putin" views and "CCCP/USSR sentiments," as well as her decision "to stay silent" on the war.
According to Kraviz's press officer, the relationship with Clone broke down last month regarding the label's latest compilation, all his decisions. After the outbreak of war, Clone wanted to know the meaning behind certain track titles, which the press officer said the label provided in the form of quotes from the artists. But after "worrying and disrespectful discussions" between the two parties, Clone halted the vinyl production.
"I intend to continue to follow the principles of unity despite attempts to censor the work of artists on my label," Kraviz's statement reads. "Making, releasing and playing music is what I love most. Peace, NK."
Read the statement in full.
Correction, May 17th: A previous version of this article said Nina Kraviz lives in Berlin. That's incorrect.