L@tE, central Russia
Element 1, River Volga,Vishny Volocheck and Moscow September 2006
Action
Invited to take part in ‘Passion For the Real’ a research project with Gothenburg University and Moscow Institute for Contemporary Art my work in Russia is exploring the perception of place, physical and conceptual.
The time at the ‘Academica Dascha’ was spent in discussion and workshops with 15 postgraduate students from Russia, Sweden, America and Germany as well as presentations and lectures from artists, writers and critics. The aim of this project is to examine ways of learning outside the constraints of education establishments. The facilities were basic, no real studio infrastructure for working while the surrounding area provided lakes, wildlife, long walks and quiet rest from consumerism and technology.
Being conscious of places, how they are used and managed by people, I found myself intrigued that a site can have a strong sense of unreality and lack identity. A bit like the paintings produced by artists who still use the facilities regularly; they select and portray an idyllic situation while surrounded by decay and confusion of purpose and many forms of poverty.
This is Russia element 1; there will be further work published for the Moscow Biennale in March 2007
Acknowledgment
With thanks to Valand School of Fine Art, Gothenburg, Sweden
Leslie Johnson and Frederick Svensk, leaders of the project ‘Passion for the Real’ and participating students Norwich School of Art and Design, Russian Valenki.
Copyright of the work and photography; the contributers
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