Birch tree is the symbol that all of the exhibited works relate to. Though usually it is associated with purity and feminine youth, for me this is a sad one. My melancholy arises from the fact that birches have been promoted so heavily as a sign of patriotism in Russia, where I was born. Being endorsed for centuries by all political regimes, those trees became an integral part of national identity and many Russians, me and my friends included, often feel sincerely astonished to discover ‘our birches’ in a foreign context. I find this situation peculiar, since we are dealing with a rather widespread tree species. New works emerged from my reflections about what it feels like to be dressed up in such ‘birch clothes’. One might believe it to be an exclusive royal garment (white with black spots, like ermine fur), yet more often than not, it is just worn-out bast shoes.
Green man40x30 cm. Ink, gouache, crayons on paper. 2023
Birchen roots40x30 cm. Ink, gouache, crayons on paper. 2023
Time is running out40x30 cm. Ink, gouache, crayons on paper. 2023
Wandering step40x30cm. Ink, gouache, crayons on paper. 2023
Summer heat50x40 cm. Ink, gouache, crayons on paper. 2023
Mermaid bust40x30 cm. Ink, gouache on paper. 2023
Untitled40x30 cm. Ink, gouache on paper. 2023
