Ilya Kazakov - from personal projects to a thriving community

Ilya Kazakov, a name familiar to our readers, is an illustrator based in Paris, France, whose work we've showcased multiple times. Known for his incredible productivity and a style that's both simple and engaging, Ilya has recently ventured into the world of personal NFT projects. With his unique approach and swift, precise technique, he's created art and built a community of enthusiasts who actively participate in and support his ventures.

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What sets Ilya's projects apart is the level of involvement from his community. From dozens to hundreds, these individuals don't just offer ideas; they become co-creators. Take his latest project, FTCG, for example. Ilya draws each card specifically for the person who requested it, crafting a deeply personal connection and fostering a vibrant sense of community.

On Ilya's private Discord channel, fans can request cards for free using their NFT tokens. These cards are then grouped into sets of five and distributed through fun giveaways. Getting your card involves a mix of luck and patience, often requiring trades to complete your set. Participants describe this process as both enjoyable and thrilling. The third set is underway, with 240 cards already drawn, and the community eagerly awaits the 300th card.

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Ilya thrives on challenges. He's completed multiple Inktobers and the 365 Project, where he drew daily. He has also embraced a new tradition from the crypto community on X (formerly Twitter): the 'GM' (Good Morning) greeting. Inspired by this, Ilya now sketches every morning, each piece reflecting his mood and offering a window into his life through art.

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In wrapping up, Ilya Kazakov's artistic journey continues to enchant and inspire. His talent for storytelling through visuals enhances our world and invites us into a realm of boundless creativity. As we anticipate his upcoming works, we're excited to follow his artistic growth and always ready to be delighted by his next creation. Ilya's art isn't just observed; it's experienced, and we're eager to see where his imagination will take us next.

Visual Tension and Emotional Depth: Olga Feldman’s Journey in 'Frequencies'

Digital artist Olga Feldman, a professional with an extensive background in graphic design, vector art and abstract 3D drawing, recently began a new art series titled "Frequencies." In the collection of monochrome graphic art, Feldman aims to capture essential ideas and feelings through a simple yet striking visual language, representing a generative perspective of reality.

Complexity and Simplicity

Feldman uses classic graphic tools and methods in "Frequencies," notably the stark contrast between solid black background and subtle white lines. Her systematic technique and minimised palette highlight her ability to generate complex thoughts through simplicity. The artist's careful craftsmanship and grasp of wave theory and electromagnetic oscillations are evident in every item in the series. By reducing expressive techniques, Feldman creates surfaces inviting viewers to explore the subtleties of perception and the nature of light.

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Visual and Emotional Impact

The monochrome nature of the series allows for a focused exploration of form and texture. The contrast creates a dynamic tension that draws and holds the eye. This visual tension is further amplified by the optical illusions in each work, which seem to oscillate and shift as one moves around them.

One particular piece in the series, "Emotional Landscapes,” presents an abstract artwork executed in the artist’s favourite monochromatic palette. The composition grid, based on the Fibonacci sequence, contains multiple rectangular sections, each filled with intricate white lines, creating a complex geometric structure that challenges the viewer's perception of space and form. Each segment contains a unique pattern of lines, ranging from undulating waves to more angular and geometric forms, creating a fascinating interplay between organic and structured elements.

The lines of the artworks generate an illusion of volume and texture reminiscent of topographic maps, ocean waves, or natural formations, inviting the viewer to explore the depths of each section. Despite the static nature of the image, the lines convey a sense of movement and flow, suggesting unseen forces at work within the composition. This juxtaposition of stillness and motion adds a layer of complexity to the viewer's experience.
The handmade quality of the artworks reminds of a human presence, emphasising the artist's direct engagement with her materials and subject matter. Feldman’s approach subtly contrasts Bridget Riley’s optical art, blending precision with perceptual experimentation.

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“I am fascinated by the physical fact that the entire world visible to the human eye can be described by wave functions. That light, colour and form as we see them are nothing more than reflected waves and their refractions. I’m trying to show this in some of the simplest ways available to me so as not to lose the idea itself at the core.”

— says Feldman

The series resonates on both an intellectual and emotional level. Conceptually, it engages with scientific principles in an accessible and visually compelling manner. Emotionally, the works evoke wonder and curiosity, prompting viewers to question their perceptions and explore the boundaries between art and science.

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Artistic Background

Olga Feldman was born in the north of Russia, in her words, "in a land of endless darkness", and currently lives in Israel. Before diving into monochrome art, Feldman garnered significant acclaim for her digital illustrations and graphic design. Her works were showcased at the OFFF Barcelona festival, a renowned event in the creative industry. Additionally, her digital illustrations have been published multiple times, including publications in "Hi-Fructoze" magazine, the book of digital and analogue illustrations "Dark Inspiration" by Victionary, and others, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile artist.

The graphics Olga Feldman created demonstrate her ability to blend conceptual depth with technical accuracy to produce visually captivating and intellectually engaging pieces. Feldman's continued investigation of minimalist expressiveness and generative perception demonstrates her potential and uniqueness as a creative.

Her use of frames in various shapes gives some of her pieces an additional layer of intrigue, which heightens the overall impression of her work. The intricate patterns and rhythmic repetitions create a meditative quality, encouraging prolonged contemplation and allowing for multiple interpretations based on the viewer's perspective and experiences.

Feldman's graphic works represent noteworthy accomplishments in modern art. They resonate with op art and minimalist art traditions, inviting the viewer to carefully examine and reflect on the interaction of forms and space. They ultimately showcase Feldman's mastery in creating complex visual effects through simplicity of line and contrast.

Marie Lourier: Defying Expectations and Redefining Art

Marie Lourier is a name that resonates with audacity and innovation in the world of photography. Known for her defiant and surreal works, Lourier's portfolio is a testament to her relentless quest to question conventions.

With eight years of experience, Lourier has made a name for herself by consistently breaking new ground in artistic expression and capturing the imagination of audiences worldwide. Among her most notable projects are a provocative New Year series featuring a girl with traditional Slavic New Year dishes on her face and a poignant commentary on pollution depicted through a shiny girl washed ashore. Lourier’s evolution in photographic techniques, culminating in the use of AI prompting, has taken her art to unprecedented heights, including the socially impactful "F* Word" project focused on femininity.

New Year’s Feast: Tradition Transformed

Lourier’s New Year project, which went viral in 2019, is a visually striking series that merges cultural heritage with surreal artistry. In this collection, a girl is depicted with traditional Slavic New Year dishes arranged on her face, creating a bizarre yet captivating mask. 

This fusion of familiar festive foods and the human form transforms a celebration of tradition into an exploration of identity and conformity. The vibrant colours and intricate details celebrate Russian culture and invite viewers to question how traditions shape and sometimes obscure individuality.

The Shiny Girl: A Wake-Up Call on Pollution

"Washed Ashore» (2020) is another compelling project by Lourier that explores the bond between humans and nature, highlighting the dire state of ocean pollution. Through striking imagery of marine creatures washed ashore, the project vividly portrays the devastating effects of pollution on marine ecosystems. The shiny girl, covered in reflective materials and debris, symbolizes the intersection of beauty and environmental decay. This series is a stark reminder of the impact of human actions on nature, with the girl's ethereal appearance contrasting sharply with the grim reality of pollution. By showcasing the plight of these stranded creatures, "Washed Ashore" prompts viewers to reflect on their role in protecting the oceans and taking action to reduce pollution. The project aims to inspire positive change and promote stewardship of our planet's precious marine resources. Exhibited in Venice in 2024 as collateral to the Biennale exhibition "Art For The Planet", the project underscores Lourier's ability to merge artistic vision with urgent global concerns.

From Weird to Unreal: The Journey to AI Prompting

Marie Lourier’s artistic journey is marked by her relentless experimentation with various photographic media to achieve her unique vision. Initially, she used a combination of traditional photography, digital manipulation, and mixed media to create her unreal images. These techniques allowed her to create works that were intriguing and captivating, forging new paths in the realm of visual art.
However, it was the discovery of AI prompting that truly transformed Lourier’s work. With AI, she was able to explore new dimensions of creativity, generating images that werenot only surreal but also hauntingly realistic in their unreality. This technological advancement enabled her to bring her wildest visions to life with an unprecedented level of detail and complexity.

The "F* Word" Project: Femininity and Social Awareness

One of Lourier's most impactful projects is the "F* Word" series, where 'F' stands for femininity. This innovative project employs AI-generated visuals to spotlight the challenges faced by women worldwide. By blending provocative imagery with crucial themes, Lourier underscores technology's role in illuminating key social issues. The "F* Word" initiative aims to foster awareness and catalyze efforts to combat gender inequality and the diverse challenges confronting women globally. This project exemplifies Lourier's dedication to harnessing art as a catalyst for social change and empowerment. It debuted in Tel Aviv in 2023, drawing attention for its daring exploration of femininity and societal norms.

Looking Ahead: Marie Lourier's Vision for the Future

Marie Lourier’s artistic pursuits exemplify a groundbreaking approach to expanding the horizons of photographic art. She distinguishes herself as a visionary by seamlessly integrating traditional methods with digital techniques and notably incorporating AI. Her creations transcend mere photographs, evolving into intricate narratives that captivate, confront, and stimulate contemplation. Constantly exhibited worldwide, Marie's work graces renowned galleries and museums, showcasing her innovative techniques and unique artistic vision. Additionally, she has garnered over 100 publications in various media outlets, further solidifying her influence on contemporary photography.

However, it’s essential to recognise that Lourier’s work can sometimes prioritize shock value over substance, potentially alienating some viewers. The intense surrealism and provocative content may not resonate with all audiences, leading to debates about the accessibility and intent of her art. Despite this, the provocative nature of her work is often what spurs dialogue and critical reflection, making her art both controversial and influential.

Looking to the future, Marie Lourier's next moves are highly anticipated. Her rebellious spirit and innovative use of technology ensure that her forthcoming projects will continue to captivate and challenge. As she evolves and explores new artistic frontiers, Lourier’s work will undoubtedly remain a powerful reminder of the limitless possibilities of photography. Her art invites viewers to see the world through a lens of imagination, critique, and transformation, promising to inspire for years to come.

About the author

Arseny Vesnin founded Designcollector, a platform established in 2003 in Russia. Designcollector is one of the pioneering digital magazines dedicated to covering and supporting the creative art scene and communities in Russia and beyond. The platform showcases a variety of content related to digital art, design, and visual culture, providing artists, designers, and creatives with exposure and inspiration. Over the years, it has expanded to include digital art events like the Digital Decade, an exhibition featuring emerging visual artists and designers. Designcollector has always covered the intersection of art, design, music and culture.

Art by Karina Eibatova

Karina Eibatova is a visual artist who has previously published work on our website and has also appeared in Juxtapoz, the New York Times, Wired, and The Verge. She has shown her artworks in Vienna, Berlin, Tokyo, London, and Los Angeles. Karina, born in St. Petersburg during the USSR's twilight, has pursued her passion for art and established an international career and academic trajectory from a young age. At the moment Karina is based in Devon, UK. 

Karina's first collaboration with a UK company was with Atlantic Records in 2010. The artist created the cover artwork for the Versaemerge "Fixed At Zero" disc. The popularity of Karina's graphics in the early 2010s brought her many projects around the world at the very beginning of her artistic career.

Karina began her fine art studies in 2007 at a foundation school in Sweden. In 2014, Karina studied at Central Saint Martins in London on the Fine Arts 4D faculty. She later studied art in Tokyo and attained her first MA in fine art from the Art Academy in Vienna.

Solos show Project Space 1, AUP, Plymouth

Later in 2020, she did a cover for the fabulous British musician Tom Adams, which will only be released this year. After, Karina pursued her second Master's degree at the Art University Plymouth in the Southwest of the UK. There, she reached a new level of creativity, where her practice took on a more personal and profound approach: her paintings increased in size, and from watercolour and pencil graphics, she began to focus more on oil painting.

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Renowned artist Richard Kenton Webb, who is an award-winning artist and educator with over 30 years of extensive experience at institutions including The Slade School of Fine Art, admires Karina's work, and he has left a review of Karina's last exhibition.

“What am I considering when I encounter Eibatova’s visual poetry? A sublimity of mind and a genuine ambition for wonder. These thoughts have been my companion when I engage with this painter’s vision. A vision that is both compelling, fresh and unnerving. I am not necessarily comfortable or put at ease when I spent time with these accomplished paintings, I like that fact, they are enigmatic. What I find is I am compelled to look, digest and converse with them face to face, to behold and hear their voice asking me questions. They certainly ask why to any certainty I consider a fact of seeing.
I find I am writing the words, apocalyptical and visionary. We could discuss English qualities of the painter and printmaker John Martin or the writer and academic J.R.R.Tolkien, or the extraordinary Gray’s Anatomy as sources, if necessary, for inspiration. Yet we for all this referencing we are certainly in what painting is now, contemporary thinking and making, not in a past, but a forward thinking, inside cinema graphic questions of fiction that are rooted deep in nature.
We are in the language and use of colour. Where colour is used to carry a magnificent narrative, that speaks into the soul of the viewer from an exquisite detail to a soft velvetiness of flat colour. I witness the sensibilities of the Cornish painter Peter Lanyon, his eyes and inheritance of being in Devon and Cornwall. Where painting is made air-born. Her diptych that is so beautifully original and statically poised about this particular place and landscape. As a gull floats on the wing, looking, stationary high over hundreds of feet of cliff beside the ocean. It makes me understand being inside a thought.
Karina’s paintings are like a dial in slow motion materializing hope. Of being a witness inside a dream, and renewed because of it. Collectively the ten paintings in this exhibition organise a great sense of otherness that we have shared in a great calm, like witnessing a flower open into its glory, but it seems just for us alone.”

— Richard Kenton Webb, 2024

From the author’s manifesto

“Currently, my personal creative practice is centered on oil on canvas. I explore imagery drawn from nature, dreams and imagination and strive to create an immersive and contemplative experience for the viewer through color and symbolism. My painting is at the crossroads, somewhere abstract, in some places not so much: a landscape or a body, a stone or a tree. In my recent works I try to reflect the value of the human body and of life itself, without resorting to depicting human figures, I try to depict our inner world, a secret landscape full of organs and light. Through a combination of neon, dark and pastel colours I want to express a sense of hope”.

This year, Karina was awarded the “Artist of the Month” prize in Zima magazine, one of the most recognised Russian-speaking media projects based in London. One of her works is on display in the city centre of London this summer.

“Karina Eibatova’s works combine tenderness, organicity, lightness of abstract forms, painted with special care, expression and force, a kind of rumbling, reminiscent of works about the terrible judgment of the English Romanticism artist John Martin. In her paintings there is a certain confidence, power and resilience of a soft, feminine flow of forms – not something corporeal, not something cloudy, not something earthy and tangible, not something airy and elusive. This remarkable balance of opposites allows the viewer to feel a profound visual comfort. The works envelope the beholder like a soft blanket and immerse him or her in other levels of this visual aesthetic, where he or she encounters an intense vitality, some even doom. One plunges into this painting like a cloud, which, while outwardly harmless, carries thunder and lightning. Karina has been shortlisted for the prize several times and we are delighted to finally present her with the award she deserves”

— Katya Granova, curator of the Artist of the Month project

Intriguingly, two individuals made a similar comparison with English painter, engraver, and illustrator John Martin, which prompts the audience to contemplate the relationship between the apocalyptic landscapes of the 19th century and Karina's dramatic works. We'll continue keenly observing this gifted artist's upcoming creative endeavours.

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About the author

Arseny Vesnin founded Designcollector, a platform established in 2003 in Russia. Designcollector is one of the pioneering digital magazines dedicated to covering and supporting the digital art scene and creative communities in Russia and beyond. The platform showcases a variety of content related to digital art, design, and visual culture, providing artists, designers, and creatives with exposure and inspiration. Over the years, it has expanded to include digital art events like the Digital Decade, an exhibition featuring emerging visual artists and designers. Designcollector has always covered the intersection of art, design, music and culture.

Exploring the Psyche: The Art of Eugenia Shchukina

Every creator has a distinct voice and unique tale in the vast universe of art. Eugenia Shchukina, an artist, has been making waves in the contemporary art scene and garnering attention. An artist of exceptional calibre, Schukina's work navigates the intricate labyrinth of the human psyche, striking a balance between realism and pop-surrealism.

Eugenia uses classique techniques to create her captivating art, preferring dry pastels on paper. Her works often find their way into private collections around the world.

At the heart of Schukina's artistry lies an exploration of the human psyche's volatility. She explores the potential of reducing fears and illusions by analysing symbols and interpreting various aspects of personality using contemporary artistic perspectives.

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Eugenia’s artwork often features the moth, a representation of our elusive fears and intricate emotions. Her pieces suggest that these aspects, much like the delicate and unpredictable moth, persistently exist within us.

Ink drawings by Grisha Kim

Undoubtedly, talent is 99% of sweat and 1% of genius. Exploring Grisha’s works proves this many times, bringing joy and delight by just looking at them. The attention to detail is beyond compare and the speed paint skills (you can watch below) are just mind-bending.

Grisha has full success on Tiktok and recently landed on the NFT scene with full potential to shine bright like a prodigy

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Maxim Zhestkov presents his first solo show WAVES at London’s W1 Curates

On August 18, 2022, the first solo exhibition of digital artist Maxim Zhestkov, titled Waves, will illuminate every surface of London’s W1 Curates exhibition space — inside and out. With new work displayed across the facade’s 3 floors of screens and on every wall of the interior, Maxim will make his London debut via an immersive digital art experience in the commercial heart of the city.

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Waves meditates on its titular phenomena as the fundamental elements of change in digital and physical systems; waves merge, waves disrupt, and, if synchronized enough, they acquire system-shifting force. Cultural shifts, spiritual breakthroughs, and wi-fi connections can all be better understood as products of the interactions of waves. As physical and digital systems become less and less distinct, the ability to acknowledge similarities between the two can make our everyday thoughts more creative.

Maxim’s broader oeuvre is built on conceptual investigations of the building blocks of physical and digital worlds. Each work is an effort to transform a fundamental principle of creation into a rousing spectacle.

“It is fascinating how structures could be assembled by themselves,
following the basic underlying rules of our world. Any material, including living matter, forms using the
same set of rules, and I think that this is something that we take for granted, but it is truly astonishing
when you think about it.”

— Maxim Zhestkov

““[W1 Curates is] a public art platform dedicated to bridging the gap between digital art and the traditional art world. Maxim’s artwork lends itself so well to our space, and it’s an honour to share new work from a true pioneer of digital art who remains so passionate about
the potential of virtual worlds.”

— Mark Dale, founder of W1 Curates

Artist Statement

A wave— a disturbance of the established order — encompasses dynamics as an inherent part of our world. Waves bring the change, oscillations, and fluctuations, which spread across objects and connect them to entangled networks of all interrelated and continuous events. Inseparable from distortions, they are themselves messages that indicate transformations and shifts.
Waves are primary signals permeating the world and a universal language of nature that underlies both our biological and technological systems. By covering the world with webs of electromagnetic signals, we have expanded our neural systems and can now connect with others able to decipher the coded messages. Interfering and merging, waves change their nature and — when synchronized — grow and transform into a greater entity with the potential to generate a transformative flux.

Connecting particles into mighty flows, Waves is an examination of shifts of energy in complicated systems that lead to the inevitable transformation of those systems. Simulated by an algorithm, the world of this digital artwork is intentionally simplistic and therefore inextricably predictable. However, the rules and principles of this visual complexity are hidden from the viewer, much like the incomprehensible quantum phenomena that define the physical world.
The only thing certain about our world is that it is changing constantly. Nevertheless, eternal movement includes repetition, and transformation is cyclical. Between extremes of peaks, no path is linear, and every shift echoes across time.

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About the Artist

Maxim Zhestkov (b. 1985) is a digital artist based in London. He merges his studies in architecture, sculpture, motion graphics, color, and sound, to dramatize the intersection of the digital and the physical as a critical site for imagining the aesthetic possibilities and psychological implications of a “phygital” reality. Working as an independent designer, Maxim has worked with clients like Adidas, IKEA, BMW, Google, Playstation and Adobe and has been awarded with many industry awards: a Red Dot Award, D&AD, iF Design Award and the ADC Award.
Maxim Zhestkov’s work has been presented internationally in shows at major institutions, including Decentral Art Pavilion Venice (2022), Unit London (2021), Contemporary Istanbul (2021), MIT (2019), Modern Art Museum, Shanghai (2019), and the Hermitage Museum (2019). Maxim’s work has also shown at contemporary art festivals, such as Cosmoscow (2021), ART021 (2020), ArtBasel Miami (2019), and Ars Electronica Festival (2018).

About W1 Curates

W1 Curates is a public art platform located at the heart of London’s iconic Oxford Street. W1 Curates showcases works from some of the world’s most innovative visual artists. Using state-of-the-art technology, the exterior of the Flannels London Flagship store has been transformed into an extraordinary public exhibition of art with digital prowess and exceptional innovation. The venue consists of a three-story facade of screens and, as of August 2022, an all-new exhibition space consisting of a 400 square-metre immersive gallery space lined with 360 degrees of bespoke LED screens.
W1 Curates has displayed work from the likes of Tracey Emin, Jeff Koons, Kaws, Shepard Fairey, Tyler Mitchell, David LaChapelle, Whisbe, Katherine Bernhardt, MrStarCity, David Bailey, Vhils, and many others. It has also collaborated with the likes of Gagosian, Sotheby’s, Saatchi Yates, Tate Modern, and Artsy. W1 Curates has also hosted Ravensbourne University London, NFT UK, Amplifier Art, and Graduate Fashion Week.

Elena Arkhipova's Surrealistic Digital Art

Russian digital artist Elena Arkhipova creates artworks inspired by internet surrealism and minor everyday situations . “Surrealism helps me convey my deepest emotions and feelings through an image,” - says artist

Hetaera Psappha - 10 Years of Blossoming Silence

Hetaera Psappha

Hetaera Psappha is a video artist born in Moscow in the waning years of the Soviet era. Working all around the world, Lisa Minaeva (the artist’s real name) creates her wordless portraits in various places. Having started her project in London in 2012, she gathered over 100 portraits of artists, poets, musicians, and other people of different professions and backgrounds. After ten years of filming portraits, she feels more interested in it than ever.

A French actress sitting topless in a bathtub in Moscow; a young Indonesian woman looking at the camera with eyes full of tears in a hot Belgrade apartment; a celebrated Russian rapper squinting in the sun on a famous Saint Petersburg rooftop after an acoustic gig; a British painter, frozen in his chair, looking as if he’s about to attack – the Blossom of Silence project counts endless faces and hours of quiet contemplation. Being able to stop and look into another person’s eyes is a rare gift in a time of rapid news and information, and the lo-fi image created with a MiniDV camera helps the artist clear it of the filters we got used to so easily thanks to fashion magazines and Instagram. At times, the picture shakes and interrupts, and zooms in and out: leaving the footage “rough” is the artist’s committed position.

Initial idea was to “create a collection of the most beautiful people’s portraits”, and, therefore, remake a famous Andy Warhol work. However, the goal changed fast as Hetaera Psappha realized “beautiful” does not always mean “interesting to silently communicate with”, and vice versa. According to the artist, the key to “interest” stays unclear after all these years: while some portraits are more loved by the audience than others, she never knows beforehand if a portrait is going to work out well or turn out to be boring and “soulless”. It depends on many factors, where the openness of the model often stays the most important one.

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Among many famous and unknown faces, one stands out – Alina happens to be the only person Hetaera Psappha filmed more than once. From the very first shooting, she became the artist’s muse, whom she decided to film every year. The colourful and unexpected evolution of a teenage girl through the troubles and transformations of her adolescence years is a curious experience, “a project within a project”. And it is not the only one – in 2016 Lisa created a special collection Silent Poets, especially for Poetronica festival of contemporary poetry, sound art and video art.

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As Hetaera Psappha says, filming portraits with no words doesn’t just help her rest after working with texts and words, which is the other big part of her life as a poet and scriptwriter. It helps her feel, build and share with her audience connections, which cannot be broken by borders, political systems, religions, classes and backgrounds. In such a way, when watching her portraits, everyone is free to build an imaginary connection with any of her models and try to read the mystery hidden in their eyes. After all, the eyes are the mirror of the soul, as long as one suggests it exists. And if it does, observing them is a useful and enriching practice.

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Illustrative World of Egor Golopolosov

Long time illustrator and digital artist Egor Golopolosov (Russia) shares his skills as a colourful NFT art drops

Connections by Daria Khasaia and Galina Shevchenko

From the past to the future - the project "Connections" by Daria Khasaia and Galina Shevchenko

The idea of ​​the artists is to show the connection between a stable classical image in art and instant modern variability. It is she who is difficult to perceive by the viewer. She, most often, attracts with her duality, which the very union of two contemporary artists possesses.

Galina Shevchenko is an artist from Finland. For a long time, she worked in the classical style of painting. Her delicate watercolours, full of romantic mystery, promise both tranquillity and adventure: “The sun has not yet risen above the haze of clouds, and the mountains in the distance seem blurred in the predawn haze. The yachts are preparing to leave the bay for the open sea, but so far everything is motionless and breathes peace and quiet.” And now Galina herself embarked on the study of new facets of contemporary art.

Daria Khasaia lives and works in Istanbul. She chose the fragility of human emotions as the main direction of creativity: shame, anger, and pain along with unconditional love, tenderness and acceptance. She expresses her vision of the complex human nature with the help of collage, photo and video art, which can be accompanied by a live musical performance.

The creative union of such dissimilar artists was born in 2019 when they both received the Peggy prize. This union can be called a harmonious symbiosis of opposites, which breathed life into the "Connections" project. Connections between mature and young, unshakable and changeable, past and yet to come. As well as the connections between people, nations, and countries, which the girls demonstrate by personal example.

 The artists presented five works in mixed media, where they combined classical and modern techniques. The message of most of the works is clear on an intuitive level. This is due to the desire of girls to make the contact of viewers with art more accessible.

 The world is rushing at a crazy pace, changes sweep everything around, giving birth to new and new trends, names, and meanings ... It is impossible to remain a retrograde, nervously sitting on a stool of the past. And at the same time, it is so important to have unshakable foundations and roots that will help you not get lost in the whirlwind of a crazy future. Where is this edge? Transition? Merging two elements?

 
Each of the artists answers this question in her own way, but such dissimilar voices of the girls surprisingly merge into unison.

Galina brings out the haze of a blurred watercolour of hazy shades, deftly writing out the smallest details. Unites Daria's collages into a surreal world full of myths and deities, as if in an unusual dream. Unites the works of the artist’s mood, wary and curious in relation to the subtle moment of transition.

 Most of the works have an unusual structure - this is an attempt to come up with the very future art that the project is looking for. Artists simply allowed themselves to be in a creative search, without depriving themselves of inner freedom. After all, the theme of the connection between the past and the future, life and death is presented to each of us in different ways.

Monumentalis by Paul Green

Paul Green, a digital artist based in Moscow, creates the "Monumentalis" collection - an NFT project with a unique playable model for collecting strange figurines. As he explains, each "Monumentalis" is a reflection of our everyday life in emotional or physical embodiment. Each piece in this collection is hand-crafted one by one and offered as a one-of-a-kind piece.

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Concept art of Arseniy Chebynkin

Russian digital artist Arseniy Chebynkin creates outstanding backgrounds and illustrations for animations and TV-production

Fraktality

“It started in early 2015. As it usually happens with artists, Nick had dozens of ideas, a huge inspiration and motivation, but  still had to go to his regular job.

The salvation came in the form of lentils, unexpectedly. He has been scrolling his Instagram feed and saw a weird, but remotely familiar art piece - lenticular print. And the strongest insight has happened. From this point, Fraktality Big Journey took its start. Lenticular technology has become the basic Fraktality Team feature. Sure thing, it allows to achieve the truly psychedelic and mind blowing visual effect in real life, since the artists can insert up to 50 frames of animation under the special plastic. The core idea is to create harmless visual psychedelics. Some people say Fraktality art may even provoke an epileptic seizure, so strong its’ influence on the people’s mind. And we can’t disagree.”

Fraktality is a living organism, which is spread all around the world, amazing partnerships with such persons as Eddie Alcazar, Maalavidaa, Brizbazaar,Salvi Droid, Ivimoart, Youhodler, UnityNetwork, Brockhofer, Marwan Shahin, Burgandy Viscosi, StickerSavage, Sid Wilson from Slipknot,Samuel Farrand, Bangeroo, Mifsudvision, Alexsmeat,Bucwah,Callifinkart also artists who has been successfully taught to work in lenticular technology.

Elina Raincorn

Saint-Petersburg based digital artist working mainly with self-portrait photography manipulation by delivering new captivating image every week (or at least she promised that :)

Project Space Atlas by Vasilisa Lipatova

Distant, unknown and amazing here and now.

What is “distant”, “unknown” and “amazing” for us, what could you describe in such words? Most often we think this way or talk about two things: about the future and about space. 

Same things we can also say about the art objects created by the modern artist and sculptor Vasilisa Lipatova. On the one hand, it is because the artist works with these two themes - “space” and “future” and creates them in her objects. On the other hand, it is because the techniques that the artist develops to create her works cause delight among the audience and great interest among professionals. And, finally, the emotions that the works bring are emotions of joy, surprise and delight, just those that we experience when we come into contact with something “distant”, “unknown” and “amazing".

Let's sort it out in order.
So, “Space" - how can you create art objects in the form of space, in volume? 
Sculpt round planets and hang them from the ceiling?
Or cut it out of some material and put it on a pedestal?
Perhaps this would be the most obvious option, but as we said above - the artist likes to invent and develop her own techniques for creating art objects. The main technique in which all the interior art objects of the artist are created is called “manual 3D printing". This is a meticulous and delicate work with molten plastic thread, which allows you to “weave” three-dimensional aerial art objects almost literally in the air. And also to create flat canvases with three-dimensional elements on their surface - literally to imprint space in space and material.

It was exactly these artworks that made the artist famous and exactly these works caused such delight and such surprise among the audience.

And it was thanks to the development of this technique that the artist began to create both exhibition objects that are included in museum collections (for example, one of the artist's works was included in the collection of the State Tretyakov Gallery) and small interior canvases that literally anyone can buy and hang at home, and thus not only touch art, but literally become involved in the international project of the artist “Space Atlas".

And also to make a profitable investment - every year the merits of the artist are literally growing before our eyes, and at the same time the works themselves are becoming more expensive.

Moreover, it is worth noting that the artist has entered the world art market and her international career only adds “advantages” to the main achievements.

It’s just enough to google “Vasilisa Lipatova” to see how many publications the artist has in different media.

Or you also can read her CV and see her participation and victory in international and All-Russian competitions, diplomas with first places from different years, as well as international exhibitions of such a level as the Biennale.

Separately, it is worth talking about royalties, the artist's works created specifically for a large circle of connoisseurs start from $ 100 - $ 300, this is done specifically so that a large number of people can easily afford to buy the artist's works. But at the same time, her royalties for the development of projects start from $ 5,000 and often $ 10,000, which significantly exceeds the average market prices, where the artist is often offered to develop a project for $ 1,000 - $ 500 dollars or even do it for free.

The project “Space Atlas” became for the artist another step in the arena of world fame and demand, in one year it grew from a small town project to an international one, several objects were included in museum collections, and one of the objects received the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Buryatia - the object “Legends of Baikal" became the first public art The object was located in the capital of Buryatia, the city of Ulan - Ude and immediately entered the collection of the most prestigious museum of the Republic - the TS Sampilov National Museum.

We will continue to observe the dizzying career of the artist, and we will continue to keep you informed about her new takeoffs and Space projects.

Crossroads by Gregory Orekhov

The symbolic meaning of crossroads deals with choice, a twist of fate that establishes the preordained path in life. It is a place where space and time intertwine. 

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Gregory Orekhov’s “Crossroads,” made of polycarbonate and painted over with marking paint, is a crossing across the river, among fields which seemingly have no end. This land art object is located in the Moscow region, in the area of Nikolina Gora. With this work, the artist raises the question of social, ethical and environmental behaviour. 

The 21st century has faced itself with acute problems of capital constructions, which contradicts the basic principles of urbanism and summons a lot of controversy and discontent among local residents. In pursuit of non-ecological development of the economy, the authorities allow more and more ground to be built upon, the nature of which is illegally destroyed for the purpose of self-gain without any clarity or thought. 

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“Crossroads” is an attempt to turn the world's attention towards heritage preservation and to remind people about the ability of choice. Gregory Orekhov stands at the crossroads between the quiet, foggy natural world and an impending catastrophe. The object is situated at the intersection of historic events that took place here at the time of the Second World War, and those that are yet to come. 

This installation is not a personal reflection, more so, it is something that each of us encounters on a daily basis. This is about the unrestrained transformation of the space around, because of which, tomorrow, we can forever lose memorial places, favourite

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Photography by Konstantin Antipin and Ilya Ivanov

A new reality: Maxim Zhestkov for BMW

To celebrate the reveal of the new all-electric BMW i4, BMW invited Russian media artist Maxim Zhestkov to freely interpret the new vehicle, and create a series of digital artworks using the BMW i4 design and technology as his inspiration. The result is a series that is as mesmerising as it is unique.

“I started out studying traditional architecture, but somewhere down the road I came to realise that the 3D software we used for mapping and modelling had so much more potential. It felt like it was being used to create the final product or output, and then… the process was seen as over. It was very finite, and it just didn’t sit right with me. But then I saw that, in fact, the software, if I found a way to use it right, could become much more. It could be used to discover and experiment in ways that didn’t have a goal in itself. It could be the way itself; the means to explore .something new and unexpected.”

— Maxim Zhestkov

Zhestkov describes this realisation as a process of “personal and creative liberation.” By plugging into the ever-evolving and ever more advanced visualisation and rendering software he had available, he was able to explore spatiality, physics, visuals and mathematics in a way he hadn’t thought possible. He quickly became hooked.

Roman Casus

Russian artist Roman Casus explores conflicts, politics, nudity and anonymity. Painting allows him to impart these digital phantoms with a substance.

“I observer the digital stream. The modern content delivery methods such as instant posting and live broadcasts, allow viewer to be in the epicenter of events without physical participation. I construct my own stories based on these impressions. Painting allows me to impart these digital phantoms with a substance.

Sketches for my works are assembled from digital artifacts. I produce digital manipulations with fragments of news, videos, and live broadcasts. I combine contradictory elements to deconstruct the original narrative.

While creating painting I combine figurative and abstract painting. Elements of realism make works plausible. But random deformations, cropping of forms, breaking of space, and color distortions make the interpretation almost impossible. Each fragment dissolves its meaning within the frame. Blurring one image into another, one narrative into another, one way of seeing into another. Stories behind these forms capture the unpredictability and redundancy of reality.”

— Roman Casus

Exhibition World Cities by Andrey Denisyuk

Modern video art is a video that is based on the latest technology. With 8K Super UHD resolution, the video art has huge image detailization. Dynamic range allows you to see details even in the night scene, while not losing the details of bright neon lights. The Rec.2100 color space provides the video artist with colours previously unavailable in other visual arts.

Finding artistic beauty in an urbanized landscape is what inspires Andrey Denisyuk to create his video art of the City of the World. To create this video art, Andrey traveled across three continents and continues to create cycles of these videos. Previously, Andrey's works were shown at the IFA exhibition in Germany and CES in Berlin. The color solution, bright colours, choice of shooting location, construction of the composition, experience, personal view, and creative view of the architecture of cities turn this video into a work of modern art. Being one of the first to create video art in a new resolution, Andrey is the founder of a new movement at the intersection of video art and high technology. 

About artist

Andrey Denisyuk, famous photographer and videographer.  As a travel artist, he has filmed in many countries around the world, such as Thailand, China, Singapore, France, Great Britain, United States, Mexico.  His photos and videos are used by the world's leading media.  Andrey's video arts are used by electronics manufacturers to present new TVs.