Andrei Molodkin, Russian artist for El Pais Semanal

Andrei Molodkin is a Russian contemporary artist whose work transcends conventional art forms to become powerful political and social commentary. Best known for his provocative use of crude oil in his sculptures, Molodkin’s art addresses issues of power, corruption, and the influence of resources on global politics. Born in Boui, Russia, in 1966, he grew up during the turbulent years of the Soviet Union, and that background profoundly informs his creative vision today.

I had the unique opportunity to photograph Molodkin at his foundry for El País Semanal. The industrial space felt like a fitting backdrop for his raw, subversive creations. Rusted tools, industrial machines, and the scent of oil filled the air, underscoring the themes Molodkin explores in his work. The foundry wasn’t just a location—it was an extension of the art itself, a place where industrial elements collide with political critique.

One of the most challenging aspects of the shoot was capturing Molodkin’s intensity. His art, crafted from PVC tubes filled with oil, speaks to the complex dynamics between power and resources, particularly the global dependence on oil. His work critiques capitalism, corruption, and the exploitation of nations, and the foundry provided the perfect setting to visually communicate these heavy themes.

One of his recent actions—highlighted in The New Yorker—involves “holding valuable art hostage” to protest the treatment of Julian Assange, further showcasing Molodkin’s use of art as activism. His relentless commitment to challenging dominant narratives through his art is what makes him a truly unique figure in the contemporary art scene. Photographing Molodkin at his foundry was an unforgettable experience. Each piece of his work carries the weight of a much larger message, and being there to capture it felt like documenting not just an artist, but a movement.