Born in Yeysk in 1942, Ry Nikonova was a Russian artist, poet, avant-gardist. She was writing since 1959, creating art since 1962, and making sound poetry since 1983.

She was the founder of Uktuss School (1964–1974) in Sverdlovsk, Russia, editor and author of samizdat magazines Nomer (1965–1975), Transponans (1979–1988), Double (1991–2000).

She left the legacy of many beautiful paintings, drawings, ground breaking poetry (traditional and visual) and novels, as well as sadly yet unpublished theoretic works. Some lucky people were fortunate enough to see live her performances in Saint-Petersburg, Budapest, Kiev.

She also was very active in Mail-Art movement, participating in numerous exhibitions around the world.

She was born Anna Aleksandrovna Tarshis, but used few pseudonyms, which should be all pronounced the same: Rea Nikonova, Ry Nikonova, Ры Никонова.

She passed away in March 2014.