Varlamov, High-Rise Buildings and Cycle Paths
What turns on and off Russian №1 Urban Activist
A few years ago homo urbanus used to be rare species in Russia. Now there’re more and more people identifying as urbanists and one of the most noticeable figures is Ilya Varlamov, famous for his gorgeous mane and intense hatred of high-rise buildings.
Ilya Varlamov is a popular Russian blogger, activist and an urbanist. In his articles and on his Youtube channel he promotes the image of a city “for the people” and praises examples of modern European architecture. His favourite time spending is criticising various cities’ governments: mostly for excessive construction of high-rise areas and the lack of cycle paths. He even tried to become an elected official to change situation from within but never succeeded.
God knows why, but for the Russian Internet community urban activism of its own accord is a source for meme creativity.
Before the urban activist took over/after
One of the first memes about Mr. Varlamov was published on 7 January 2019.
Then the trend was picked up and Varlamov memes began to gain popularity in Russian networks. In a blink of an eye Piper Perry Surrounded (more like Ilya Varlamov Surrounded) meme, again ridiculing his hate for high-rise buildings, went viral.
New memes followed:
Apart from detestation for high-rise buildings, Ilya is known for the things he holds dear to his heart: cycle paths. As in Russia cycle paths are rather hard to find, it brought forth another wave of Varlamov memes: “where are the cycle paths? ”
More memes:
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