Dead Man’s Switch & Date of Freedom by Andrei Molodkin
Andrei Molodkin, the provocative Russian artist renowned for his use of crude oil and blood in his politically charged works, has taken his defiance to a new level. In a dramatic and unorthodox act of protest, Molodkin announced that his latest creation, Date of Freedom (2024), would serve as a poignant reminder to Julian Assange’s ordeal and eventual release.
“He changed the history of journalism and information. He changed the world. Personally for me, it was a world before him and a world after,” Andrei Molodkin said.
Date of Freedom (2024)
Molodkin’s latest work, Date of Freedom (2024), has taken on a deeply personal dimension. Julian Assange himself visited Molodkin in Maubourguet, southern France earlier this year and contributed directly to the piece.
The artwork, a 2.2m x 1.7m portrait of Assange meticulously drawn with a ballpoint pen, includes a blank space where Molodkin had hoped Assange would one day add the date of his release.
That hope became reality when Assange inscribed “24 June 2024” — the day of his release from Belmarsh Prison in London.
The drawing, which Molodkin calls “an artistic gesture” to highlight Assange’s ordeal, is now being exhibited publicly for the first time at the National Gallery in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Begun in February, after the death in custody of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, the large-scale drawing was finally finished last month when Assange visited and added the date into the box that was left blank.
‘Date of Freedom’ was completed in October 2024 with Assange’s personal contribution, marking a poignant conclusion to his four years in custody in Belmarsh Prison, and the seven years he spent in self-imposed exile at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London.
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Dead Man’s Switch
“In our time, to destroy art is much more taboo than destroying the life of people”, said Molodkin.
This installation, also inspired by Julian Assange, featured a 32-ton Swiss safe room holding 16 master artworks valued at $45 million. The safe was connected to a device containing caustic acid and a catalyst, forming the titular “Dead Man’s Switch.”
The safe apparently held works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Rembrandt, and Warhol, as well as pieces donated by Jake Chapman, Sarah Lucas, Robert Rauschenberg, and Jasper Johns. If Julian Assange died in custody, the switch would activate, mixing the acid and destroying the priceless works.
A 24-hour timer required resetting by someone close enough to Assange to verify he is still alive. If the timer hits zero, the artworks vanish forever. However, if Assange is released alive, each piece will be returned to its original donor.
Andrei Molodkin’s ‘Dead Man’s Switch’ is a pneumatic pump connecting two barrels that could cause a chemical reaction strong enough to destroy the 16 artworks. Photograph: The Foundry Studio
“I’m not trying to destroy art, and I don’t believe I will have to. It’s not activism. I believe that Assange will be free and all the collectors and artists who have donated their work did so because they believe he will not die in prison,” Andrei Molodkin explained.
This bold ultimatum sent shockwaves through the global art community, reigniting debates on the intersections of art, activism, and justice.
“When we have so much violence and war, like in Ukraine, Gaza, and everywhere, we need freedom of speech and freedom of expression for people to understand what’s happening,” the artist said.
‘Dead Man Switch’ by Andrei Molodkin – A thirty-two-ton Swiss bank safe holding the art works by Picasso, Rembrandt, and Warhol, which Andrei Molodkin says he will destroy if Assange died in prison
A History of Defiance
This is not Molodkin’s first foray into using art as a weapon of protest. Known for his provocative exhibitions, including sculptures filled with human blood and installations critiquing Western oil wars, the artist has long been a thorn in the side of political elites. His previous works have condemned corporate greed, military interventions, and global inequality, often provoking heated responses.
By leveraging his art in the fight for Assange’s freedom, Molodkin has pushed this philosophy to its extreme.
The Global Response
The art world is abuzz with reactions to Molodkin’s audacious stance. Human rights organizations and Assange’s supporters have lauded the artist’s dedication, seeing the act as a creative form of solidarity. “Andrei Molodkin is reminding the world that Julian Assange’s imprisonment is a stain on democracy,” said Stella Assange, Julian’s wife and advocate. “His art is a call to action.”
Not everyone is in agreement. Critics argue that holding an artwork ransom does little to advance Assange’s cause, accusing Molodkin of self-aggrandizement. “Art alone won’t change the system,” remarked one prominent critic. “This is performative activism at best.”
Molodkin, however, remains unfazed. “I don’t care about critics. If this piece can keep the conversation alive, then it has already done its job.”
A Broader Movement
Molodkin’s “Dead Man Switch” cames amid growing global pressure for Assange’s release. Imprisoned in London’s Belmarsh Prison, the WikiLeaks founder faced extradition to the United States on charges that many view as a direct attack on press freedom.
Protests, petitions, and appeals from journalists and human rights organizations proliferated, with Molodkin’s art adding a visceral, visual dimension to the movement. In this sense, Date of Freedom (2024) and Dead Man’s Switch are not just artworks but rallying cries.
The Exhibition of Date of Freedom (2024)
Molodkin’s Date of Freedom (2024) is on exhibition at the National Gallery in Sofia, Bulgaria, with 26 November 2024 marking its public debut. The large-scale ballpoint pen portrait has captivated audiences with its profound symbolism and meticulous artistry.
This exhibition serves not only as a showcase of Molodkin’s skill but as a compelling statement on Assange’s journey and the broader issues of justice and press freedom. Critics and supporters alike have praised the work for its ability to provoke thought and inspire dialogue, solidifying its place as a landmark piece in contemporary political art.
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