Meet Ismail Rakhmanov

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ismail Rakhmanov. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ismail, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room who looks like me often means more than just standing out physically—it’s about carrying a unique perspective shaped by my background and my identity as an artist. My experience during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine deeply intertwined with my role as an artist, where I used my creative expression as a form of resistance.

In May 2022, I began creating anti-war posters, channeling my emotions and beliefs into visual art that spoke out against the conflict. But being an artist in an environment hostile to dissent meant that my art became not just an act of creation, but one of defiance and survival. In Moscow, where ethnic profiling was rampant, my appearance already made me a target. The added risk of carrying and distributing my art meant I had to be incredibly strategic and careful.
As an artist, I learned to blend into my surroundings while still leaving a mark. I meticulously planned my “walks” to distribute posters, choosing locations and times where I could both share my message and evade detection. The creative process didn’t end with the artwork; it extended to how I navigated the city, used anonymity as a tool, and ensured that my art could reach people despite the risks.

This experience has taught me how to be effective even when I’m the only one in the room who looks like me. As an artist, I bring a different lens to the table, one that sees opportunities where others might see obstacles. I’ve learned to use my creativity not just in producing art, but in finding ways to communicate and act in environments where I might be the only voice expressing a particular truth.

Now, when I find myself in situations where I stand out, I draw on the resilience and innovation that my artistic journey has instilled in me. My art is not just my voice but also my armor, and it has prepared me to be successful in even the most challenging and isolating circumstances.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My name is Ismail Rakhmanov, and I was born in the city of Derbent, Republic of Dagestan, Russia. From a young age, I dreamt of becoming an artist, but my journey was far from straightforward. My mother raised my brother and me alone, and financial constraints made it impossible for me to attend art school. At 18, I moved to Moscow to work, taking on the responsibility of supporting my younger brother’s education while pursuing my own studies online. During this time, I worked as a barista, dedicating my free hours to drawing and sculpting—nurturing the artist within me despite the challenges.

February 24, 2022, marked a turning point in my life. The invasion of Ukraine made me question my place in the world and who I truly wanted to be. As a Tabasaran, an indigenous minority from Dagestan, I realized that my voice was often marginalized. Inspired by Hans Fallada’s “Every Man Dies Alone,” a story of quiet resistance, I decided to take a stand in my own way. I began creating anti-war posters and anonymously distributing them at night on the streets of Moscow, always careful to avoid the watchful eyes of passersby and authorities.

My protest was an act of defiance, but it couldn’t last forever. One night, while putting up posters, the police spotted me. I managed to escape just in time, but it was a stark reminder of the risks I faced. Fearing for my safety, I made the difficult decision to leave Russia. In a rush, I bought tickets to Mexico via Istanbul, leaving behind the life I had known.

Today, my focus remains on using my art to tell stories that matter, to give voice to the voiceless, and to capture the human experience in all its complexity. My work is a blend of my past and present, infused with the resilience and determination that my journey has instilled in me. Through drawing and sculpture, I aim to create pieces that are not just visual experiences but also deeply emotional and thought-provoking narratives. I want my audience to see not just the images or sculptures, but the stories behind them—stories of struggle, identity, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

As I look to the future, I’m excited to expand my work, reaching new audiences and continuing to explore the themes that resonate deeply with me. My art is not just a career; it’s a calling, one that I hope will inspire others to see the world through a different light.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Building Connections: From a young age, I learned how to connect with people by finding shared values and interests. This ability has been essential for me, as I believe it would have been much harder to navigate life without it.
Objectivity: Being objective allows me to form clearer, more balanced opinions about situations. This skill simplifies decision-making and helps in seeing things from different perspectives.
Cultural Roots and Discipline: The values instilled in me by my heritage and upbringing have deeply influenced my character and discipline. These foundations have guided my work ethic and approach to life.

For those early in their journey, my advice would be to actively nurture your ability to connect with others, strive for objectivity in your thinking, and remain grounded in the values that shaped you. These qualities will serve you well, no matter the challenges ahead.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

Hans Fallada’s “Every Man Dies Alone” has been a profoundly influential book in my life, especially during a time when I was grappling with my own sense of identity and purpose. The novel tells the story of quiet, unyielding resistance against a totalitarian regime, and it resonated deeply with me as I faced my own struggles in Russia.

One of the most valuable lessons from the book is the idea that even the smallest acts of defiance can hold immense power. The characters in Fallada’s novel are ordinary people who decide to resist in the only way they can, by writing and distributing postcards that criticize the Nazi regime. Their actions might seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but they serve as a powerful reminder that every act of resistance counts, no matter how small.

Another impactful lesson is the courage to stand by one’s convictions, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The protagonists in “Every Man Dies Alone” know the risks of their actions, yet they continue, driven by a moral imperative to oppose what they believe is wrong. This resonated with me during a time when I was creating and distributing anti-war posters in Moscow. The book gave me the courage to continue my work, knowing that even if my efforts seemed small or isolated, they were part of a larger fight for truth and justice.

Finally, the book underscores the importance of inner strength and resilience. The characters’ quiet determination and refusal to surrender their humanity, despite the oppressive environment, inspired me to find strength within myself to continue my artistic and activist journey. “Every Man Dies Alone” taught me that while we may face immense challenges, our inner resolve and commitment to our values can help us endure and make a difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://smilerakhman.wixsite.com/ismail-rakhmanov
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ismarakhmanov

Image Credits

Photo by Maria Kazikhanov