The "Russian questions" series is one of the most prominent projects by Mamyshev-Monro. In it, he combines the traditions of Russian fairy tales with palpitant features of national consciousness. The series is executed in a way illustrations in child editions of Russian fairy tales are designed; the photograph is framed by primitive style patterns. The photographs themselves are carried out in aesthetics of children's Soviet films like "Fire, water, and copper trumpets" where the stage is filled with theatrical scenery and the faces of actors are covered with exuberant makeup. Each photograph raises a question in the spectrum from "Who in the land is fairest of all?" to the "Jewish problem". These questions are embodied in humorous scenes with participation of "Ivanushkas", "Alenushkas", and even of the “Goldfish”. This blend of different contexts in one work, intrinsic to contemporary Russian national consciousness, makes the series a peculiar sign of the times. In its turn, grotesque theatricality arouses a laugh; it is jolly for everyone, the jester remains in worship.

Olga Danilkina