Oleg Vorotnikov Leader of the art group "War" Country: Russia

Biography of Oleg Vorotnikov

Oleg Vorotnikov, also known as Vor and Peregoni, was born in 1978 in Novomoskovsk, Tula Oblast. He grew up in a large family, some of whom were victims of the Chernobyl disaster. Vorotnikov's father worked as a miner and had to drive a minibus to support the family. He attended Novomoskovsk Lyceum, where he was known for his talent in writing poetry. After that, he enrolled in the Philosophy Department at Moscow State University (MSU), although he later spoke unfavorably about his experience there.

Vorotnikov worked as the head of information or press secretary at the Moscow Museum of Cinema for some time. In 2005, he and Natalia Sokol (Koza, Kozlenok) founded the art group "Sokoleg," which focused on natural photography and performances. Sokol, a candidate of physical and mathematical sciences and a specialist in biochemical and medical physics, was mentioned in the press as Vorotnikov's wife. They had a child together named Kasper Nenaglyadny Sokol in 2009.

In early 2007, Vorotnikov and Sokol organized the art group "Voina" (War). Vorotnikov played a key role in the group and was referred to as the "father-founder." The group gained fame for their provocative actions, often organized by Vorotnikov. In 2008, they held a group orgy in the Biological Museum in Moscow with the slogan "F**k for Medvezhonok's heir," and in 2010, they created a giant phallus on the Liteyny Bridge in St. Petersburg.

Vorotnikov faced legal troubles due to the group's actions. In 2010, he was charged with hooliganism for overturning police cars during the "Palace Revolution" action in St. Petersburg. He spent over three months in detention before being released on bail in 2011. During his time in custody, he wrote notes and expressed doubts about publishing them after his release.

In July 2011, Vorotnikov was internationally wanted for his involvement in the art group's activities. He faced additional criminal charges for assaulting and insulting a representative of the authorities during the "March of Dissent" in St. Petersburg. In October 2011, the initial criminal prosecution against Vorotnikov and his co-activist was dropped, but it was resumed in February 2012.

Throughout his career, Vorotnikov's actions received both praise and criticism. Some admired his intelligence and artistic vision, while others were disgusted by his theft of food and his use of his child in dangerous situations. Despite the legal troubles and controversies surrounding him, Vorotnikov viewed the international arrest warrant as a recognition of his work as a political artist.