Conclusion

Zhurnal Mod differs from both the widely-recognized material form of Samizdat (typed pages, thin paper) and the enforced art style, Soviet realism. The material form of the book and style of the art within convey messages about the book through their subversiveness. For example, the nonconformist style of the art subverts Socialist Realism, sending a message of resistance. However, the work is not defined solely by its resistance to the Soviet regime. The handwritten and handmade form of the book additionally avoids the tendency of samizdat to be solely associated with political dissidence, as described by Komaromi (2004). It is important to note, however, that the interpretation of the messages conveyed by nonconformist art are informed by narratives of history, as narratives of history inform narratives about media (Liu, 2013). By extension, Sigei and Nikonova are not fully in control of the narrative of their work, as it is partially informed by the narratives of history and context, such as other pieces of samizdat.