Renowned Russian Poet and Critic Lev Rubinstein Passes Away

Russian poet Lev Rubinstein, a prominent figure in the Soviet underground literary scene and an outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin, has tragically passed away at the age of 76. The distinguished poet succumbed to injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle in Moscow on January 8th, just six days prior to his untimely demise. Lev Rubinstein’s daughter, Maria, shared the heartbreaking news of her father’s death on her blog.

Lev Rubinstein was well-known for his vital role in co-founding the conceptualist movement, which emerged as a significant artistic force during the 1970s and 1980s. This movement employed various art forms to challenge the conventional norms of the Soviet era and provided a platform for critical evaluations of the official doctrine of socialist realism—an ideology that heavily influenced Soviet Union politics through art.

Reacting to the news of Lev Rubinstein’s passing, the Memorial human rights organisation, one of the oldest civil rights groups in Russia, described him as a “shakily poetic, astute, and ironic” individual. Sadly, Memorial had to shut down in December 2021 due to intensified political repression in Russia amid opposition to the war in Ukraine. Despite such challenges, Lev Rubinstein boldly expressed his concerns regarding Russia’s military offensive in Ukraine and the government’s stance on LGBT rights.

Memorial, which considered Lev Rubinstein a close friend, acknowledged his unwavering dedication by highlighting his decision to remain in Moscow in the past two years “despite everything.” Not only did he endure for his own reasons, but he also stood as a source of inspiration for others searching for ways to reclaim their voices and, perhaps, even resistance through artistic expression.