Shadows and sculptures, my studio work
My work creating shadows and sculptures is part of an exploration of materials and symbols in relation to contemporary social and political themes. Through two series of paper heads, I examine the tensions between fragility and resistance, as well as the metamorphoses of the material in resonance with the narratives it accompanies.
The first series , inspired by Motankas, traditional Ukrainian dolls, is intended for the show Maidan Inferno . These sculptures represent the Ukrainian citizens who participated in the Maidan revolution. By drawing on this powerful cultural symbol, I highlight the importance of tradition in the rehabilitation of the historical and artistic movements that forge the identity of independent Ukraine. The choice of paper, with its brittle aesthetic, underlines the fragility of the revolutionaries in the face of an uncertain struggle, while recalling their resilience.
The second series , created in preparation for the show Les Larmes d'eau douce by Mexican playwright Jaime Chabaud, is part of a reflection on the consequences of water scarcity. During production, the water contained in the glues and paper gradually evaporates, causing the sculptures to deform over several months. This process of involuntary transformation echoes the dramaturgical purpose, establishing a tension between the material and the discourse on water scarcity.
My work on shadows , which accompanies these sculptures, adds an extra dimension to the interpretation of the works. My shadows can take satirical or poetic forms, expressing subtle or exaggerated emotions. They sometimes become narrative, extending the story told by the sculptures, or simply expressive, translating the tension, fragility or strength of the characters represented. These shadows, in perpetual mutation, play with the limits between presence and absence, creating fleeting images that reinforce the visual and symbolic impact of the works.
These series revolve around the transformation of the material, which becomes a vector for expressing the central themes of the shows.