FASHION
“Seven Rings,” Dmitry Celsin’s graduate collection
Fashion designer Dmitry Celsin’s “Seven Rings” collection blends historical symbolism with contemporary design, approaching serious themes with a free and creative spirit. This graduate collection draws from medieval hieroglyphs linked to the seven celestial bodies, with each ring imbued with ancient meanings intended to influence the wearer’s fate. For example, the Saturn ring, made of black gold-plated silver with sapphire, symbolizes mystery and depth, while red gold and ruby are used for the Mars ring to evoke strength and passion.
Celsin’s work highlights the playful but profound relationship between form and function. His graduate collection has gained immense popularity among Russia’s fashionistas, with his reputation growing rapidly. Celsin’s unique approach involves studying ancient manuscripts, such as Kabbalistic and Zodiac texts, and combining metals, stones, and treatments to align with spiritual traditions. By merging a contemporary creative approach with serious and fateful ancient symbols, Celsin transforms the seeming chaos of life into the fashioning of one’s destiny. This approach underscores the enduring role of play in fashion, where traditional symbols are reinterpreted for new life narratives. In doing so, Celsin not only preserves ancient traditions but also allows them to resonate within the modern cultural and social landscape. Celsin’s collection is rumoured to have sold out, but you might be able to find some pieces in various designer showrooms in Moscow and St Petersburg.
CURATORIAL AND ART-PRODUCTION PRACTICES
Alexandra Maleeva, an arts and culture producer, has a distinctive approach that blends meticulous high-profile organizational skills with playful creativity in innovative ways. She works closely with contemporary artists to develop projects that push the boundaries of traditional art forms. The essence of her approach is creating immersive experiences that challenge audiences and engage them in new ways. In the “Antifurniture” project, she facilitated the creation of performative sculptures that transform spaces and invite interaction, challenging and redefining the notion of space in the context of art exhibitions and the viewer’s role in them. Alexandra’s work emphasizes the importance of site-specific installations, making art relevant to its environment and making the spaces resonate in new and transformative ways. She supports young artists by providing them with platforms to showcase their work across Russia, Europe, the UK, and Asia. Her travels and interactions with global art communities inspire innovative projects that bring fresh perspectives. Alexandra’s dedication to fostering creativity ensures that new and dynamic narratives continue to emerge in the contemporary art world.
Alexandra’s background includes significant collaborations with renowned artist Fyodor Pavlov-Andreevich and institutions like the GES-2 House of Culture, the Ground Solyanka gallery-workshop, the South American Biennale in Brazil, the Moscow Museum of Modern Art, and the Manege exhibition hall in St. Petersburg. Her extensive experience in producing high-profile exhibitions and projects has made her a key figure in the contemporary art scene.
Antifurniture, performance sculptures, South-American biennial, Porto Alegre
Klavdiya Kuvshinova, an accomplished art manager and curator, brings a unique blend of innovative vision and dynamic execution to the contemporary art scene. With extensive experience in prestigious Moscow galleries such as the Alina Pinsky Gallery and Gallery Sistema, Klavdiya excels in organizing exhibitions and supporting artists. Her curatorial contribution to exhibitions like “Mythologems” at Rostokino Gallery exemplifies her ability to create dynamic platforms for emerging talents that give space for uninhibited creative vision. “Mythologems” was the first exhibition of the “Faculty” project, supporting young artists and curators by providing a space to showcase their work and develop personal styles.
Klavdiya’s work emphasizes the importance of intertwining personal and collective narratives, exploring themes such as the body, love, beauty, joy, and social norms. Her dedication to discovering and nurturing new talent ensures that each exhibition resonates deeply with audiences and transports them someplace new. The exhibition “Mythologems” featured artists like Ekaterina Antanovich, Yulia Yurkova, and Artemy Rokkell, encouraging viewers to engage deeply with the artwork.
Through her dynamic and influential approach, Klavdiya continues to foster the growth of contemporary art by creating immersive and thought-provoking exhibitions. Klavdiya’s talent for transforming artistic chaos into coherent and impactful presentations effectively conveys artists’ visions to audiences clearly and compellingly, underscoring the playful and inventive essence vital to contemporary art management and curation.
“Mythologems”, the first exhibition of the “Faculty” project at the Rostokino Gallery, Moscow
Narmina Askerova, a curator, brings a strategic and innovative approach to the contemporary art scene. Her work at Art Cluster Red October, a vibrant cultural hub in the heart of Moscow, involved creating and implementing marketing strategies to attract diverse clients for events, exhibitions, and workshops. Notably, Narmina played a key role in organizing the First Medical Interactive Exhibition “Health Window” for the Research Institute of Emergency Medicine named after N.V. Sklifosovsky, celebrating the institute’s 95th anniversary.
The exhibition allowed visitors to engage with the history of a leading medical institution, attend informative lectures, and participate in interactive medical procedures. This project showcased Narmina’s ability to blend educational content with engaging, hands-on experiences, drawing attention to important social themes such as health and wellness. Her efforts in promoting the exhibition were highlighted on major Russian TV channels, demonstrating her effectiveness in reaching wide audiences.
Narmina’s expertise in curating events that combine practical engagement with artistic expression underscores the playful and transformative power of art. By integrating a strategic curatorial approach with creative event planning, she continues to foster dynamic and meaningful cultural experiences.
MUSIC
Daria Polo, a British singer and composer of Russian origin, exemplifies the transformative power of music in turning chaos into creative order. From her early years in Saratov to her standout performances on “The Voice” of Ukraine in 2020, Daria’s journey reflects a playful yet determined pursuit of musical excellence. Her experiences in Ukrainian cultural projects and her move to the UK amidst geopolitical turmoil showcase her resilience and adaptability.
Daria’s style blends classical vocal techniques with contemporary pop influences, creating a unique sound that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. She draws inspiration from everyday experiences and diverse cultures, infusing her music with themes of love, freedom, and personal connection.
Through her music, Daria aims to connect people emotionally, advocating for love and freedom. Her involvement in charity events and support for the Ukrainian people further enrich her artistic narrative. As she continues her career in the UK, Daria Polo uses her voice to build bridges and foster understanding, demonstrating how music can be a powerful tool for healing and unity.
THEATRE
Savva Zaremba’s live performance
Savva Zaremba’s approach to theatre blends collaboration and live performance to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Educated at the University of Roehampton and Rose Bruford College, Savva explores the dynamic relationship between physicality and narrative. He emphasises that theatre thrives on the exchange of ideas and the shared effort of creation, transforming chaos into engaging artistic experiences.
Influenced by innovators like Nigel Barrett and Louise Mari, Savva integrates collaborative creation into his projects. This is evident in works such as the children’s play performed at schools and churches, which brought theatre to young audiences in an impactful way. His large-scale production at the Vaults Theatre in London highlights the power of collective creativity, showcasing how theatre can be both playful and profound.
Savva’s ambition to join a physical theatre group specializing in live performance underscores his commitment to exploring new artistic frontiers. His work demonstrates how theatre can serve as a tool for innovation and emotional connection, continuously reshaping the artistic landscape by making complex themes accessible through physical and immersive storytelling.
VIDEO ART
Sofia Fomina, a London-based video artist born in Volgograd, Russia, utilizes moving images to explore human interconnectivity and memory. Her work, such as “Butterfly Chaser,” turns chaos into creative order by depicting the fleeting nature of childhood memories. Fomina’s technique of low shutter speed and handheld camerawork emphasizes the rawness of memory, creating a unique and special experience for the viewer. Influenced by her background in Art History and Film Studies, she uses the imperfections of film to challenge polished cinematic illusions and promote self-reflexive awareness.
“Butterfly Chaser” evokes childlike wonder, reminding viewers to find excitement in the mundane. Her works often explore liminal spaces, offering a humanist perspective on contemporary issues. Through pieces like “Transitory Visions” and “INHERITANCE,” Fomina captures the intangible elements of human existence, transforming chaotic memories into meaningful narratives. Her commitment to exploring the universal human experience bridges the gap between chaos and order, highlighting life’s playful and profound aspects.
Viktoriia Saifutdinova’s art focuses on the nuanced and intimate aspects of human interaction. She emphasizes the importance of listening to and understanding each other to foster communal existence, exploring themes often overshadowed by global issues.
In her artwork “Morphing Beauty,” Saifutdinova examines the concept of beauty, both internal and external. She suggests that scrutinizing oneself too closely reveals perceived flaws, advocating instead for a playful attitude towards our appearance and self-discovery through visual exploration.
“Morphing Beauty” is executed in her mixed media technique, combining 3D elements, collages, visual effects, and distortions. The video depicts women in white against a pink backdrop, with their shapes morphing as if seen through water or a looking glass. This fluid imagery highlights the playful aspects of self-perception, urging viewers to embrace their identities with curiosity and creativity.
Saifutdinova’s work balances the chaos of self-doubt with the order of self-acceptance, challenging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of beauty and identity. By integrating experimental dance and sophisticated stylization, her art underscores the transformative power of play in navigating human existence.
–Garnova Anastasia / June 27, 2022
