This article draws on research in progress focusing on independent art in the Russian Federation. I am using the concept of independent art to mean art free from state control and established restrictive narratives. The Russian state pursues its interests by supporting or forbidding certain forms of art. Art that promotes values in opposition to the official political discourse does not have state support, moreover, it often risks being banned. Arguments presented below draw on the findings of fieldwork carried out in the Russian cities of Moscow and Saint Petersburg in June – August 2019, which included in-depth interviews with artists and others involved in the local art scenes. This article explores socially engaged artistic works with transgressive characteristics and their effect on the socio-political state of affairs.