Why Pussy Riot's Maria Alyokhina keeps smiling as she resists

I never would've thought that a member of Pussy Riot would cite Borat as something that makes her laugh.

But then again, Maria Alyokhina isn't known for merely doing what's expected of her.

Mashable caught up with the activist and artist for the opening of "Art Riot: Post-Soviet Actionism" at London's Saatchi Gallery. It's a comprehensive exhibition of Russian artists exercising their freedom of expression at a time when their government is cracking down on dissent.

The exhibition comes as the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president has prompted many Americans -- who may not have been especially engaged with activism in the past -- to protest against what they see as policies that harm marginalised communities.

Alyokhina knows a thing or two about this -- she was sentenced to two years in a prison colony for "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred" for Pussy Riot's anti-Vladimir Putin performance in an Orthodox church.

Despite the seriousness of it all though she believes that it's essential to keep a smile on your face as you express yourself and stand up for what's right.

"There is one quote from an old Soviet film that so many stupid things are made with serious faces," she said. "And the character in this film said this when, like, so-called government wanted to kill him."

Check out the video above to find out more about her influences and her advice for Americans. You'll get seriously inspired by the sense of humour she's maintained through difficult times.

"I think Trump can be a remind for people to stand up for freedom and values which they already know, and fight for them," Alyokhina said.