Category: News

There are sounds that come from the future, and there are sounds that seem to have always existed—like whispers from another dimension. As a visual artist drawn to the poetic possibilities of science fiction and the elegance of classical forms, I live between those echoes. For me, music is not just background—it’s a portal. It shapes the emotional architecture of my creative process, the way a melody carves space in silence, or how a single note can illuminate a world.

My love for music began, perhaps like many others, in childhood—with classical compositions that felt like fairy tales for the soul. But over time, this connection evolved into something more abstract, more expansive. Today, when I paint, I often find myself listening to Joe Hisaishi’s scores—his music, especially for Studio Ghibli films, has the ability to touch both innocence and longing. There’s something inherently futuristic in its simplicity. It doesn’t speak of machines, but of emotions that transcend time.

At the same time, I’m drawn to the sweeping emotional landscapes of opera. Edvard Grieg’s Peer Gynt, with its Nordic melancholy and mythic grandeur, resonates with the kind of stories I tell on canvas—myths not of ancient gods, but of space travelers, of urban dreamers floating in their own private galaxies. His music has that rare quality: it carries both stillness and motion, like time unfolding slowly under a velvet sky.


Two artists from the past deeply resonate with this intersection between sound and vision. One is Wassily Kandinsky, who believed that painting could express music—that color had tone, and that shapes had rhythm. His abstract compositions feel like symphonies on canvas, vibrating with emotional energy. Kandinsky’s work gives me permission to think beyond form, to treat painting as a sensorial experience that flows like music across time and space.

The other is Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, the Lithuanian composer and painter who lived between worlds—musical and visual, real and dreamlike. His paintings often feel like visual scores, full of harmony and atmosphere. He didn’t just illustrate music—he embodied it, channeling the soul of both art forms into unified poetic visions. In many ways, Čiurlionis reminds me that the artist is always a bridge—between senses, between eras, between realms.

In the world I imagine, art is not separate from music, or from architecture, or from dreams. They all form one orbiting system—like planets around the same sun.

MARINA FEDOROVA

The ART021 Beijing Contemporary Art Fair concluded on May 25, 2025, having welcomed thousands of visitors over four days. One of the notable features of the event was the immersive solo exhibition Chrysalis by acclaimed Russian artist Marina Fedorova, presented by Sputnik Partners at Booth G01. The exhibition captivated audiences with its poetic exploration of transformation, nature, and technology through a distinctly feminine lens.

Drawing crowds from around the globe, including artists, collectors, curators, and media, Chrysalis created a dynamic and engaging environment that invited viewers not only to observe, but to participate. Marina Fedorova’s integration of multiple media — including painting, sculpture, lenticular printing, and augmented reality — created a layered, interactive experience. Viewers were encouraged to use their smartphones to activate AR content embedded in the artworks, extending the narrative beyond the physical installation and deepening the emotional connection.

The exhibition transformed the booth into a contemplative, light-filled space, where stories of metamorphosis and inner growth unfolded. “I explore the moment of transition — the pause between past and future, when everything holds still before a new ascent,” Fedorova said, emphasizing her vision of technology as a means to reestablish harmony with nature rather than disrupt it.

One of the highlights of the fair was the roundtable discussion “Women Artists: Nature, Technology, and Cultural Synthesis,” held on the opening day. Moderated by Xiao Ge, Editor-in-Chief of Phoenix Art, the forum featured Marina Fedorova alongside Peng Wei, a leading Chinese ink artist. The dialogue offered a compelling comparison of artistic approaches across cultures and generations, examining how female voices are shaping contemporary perspectives on nature and innovation.

Visitors to Chrysalis were deeply moved, describing the installation as “a soft digital world” and remarking that the works seemed to “breathe with the body.” This positive reception reflects growing interest in immersive, sensory-driven art that bridges the physical and digital.

A thought-provoking roundtable titled “Women Artists: Nature, Technology, and Cultural Synthesis” took center stage at the opening of ART021 Beijing Contemporary Art Fair on May 22. The forum brought together prominent voices in contemporary art for a cross-cultural dialogue on how female artists are shaping the discourse around ecology, innovation, and identity in an increasingly interconnected world.

Held at the 798·751 Art District, the event featured Russian contemporary artist Marina Fedorova, renowned Chinese ink painter Peng Wei, and was moderated by Xiao Ge, Editor-in-Chief of Phoenix Art and Vice President of the Phoenix Center. The conversation explored how feminine perspectives are redefining the relationship between humans, nature, and digital technology.

Xiao Ge opened the discussion by highlighting how women artists often employ a decentralized, emotionally driven narrative style that emphasizes intuition and lived experience. She noted that such approaches challenge dominant structures and offer new pathways for understanding the human condition in the context of technological change.

Marina Fedorova, known for her immersive multimedia works, emphasized the role of new media as a sensory bridge rather than a barrier between humanity and the natural world. “Technology, when approached with sensitivity, can serve as a tool for reconnection,” she said, referring to her current exhibition Chrysalis, which integrates painting, AR, and sculpture to reflect on transformation and inner renewal.

Peng Wei contributed a contrasting but complementary perspective grounded in traditional Chinese aesthetics. Through the lens of classical ink painting, she reflected on time, balance, and the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature, drawing parallels with Eastern philosophies of cyclical transformation.

Despite their differing artistic languages — one rooted in futurism and digital innovation, the other in classical techniques and cultural memory — both artists expressed a shared commitment to portraying nature as a source of strength, continuity, and emotional depth. Their dialogue underscored the expanding role of women artists in bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary challenges.

The forum concluded with a walk-through of Marina Fedorova’s Chrysalis exhibition at the Sputnik Partners booth, where the conversation continued informally among guests and fellow artists. The session served not only as an exchange of ideas but as a live example of how art can act as a platform for global dialogue and cultural synthesis.

As the glittering lights return to the Croisette this May 13–24, the 78th Cannes Film Festival is ready to dazzle once more. For me, as an artist, cinema has always been a profound source of inspiration. When watching films by directors like David Lynch, Wong Kar-Wai, and Takeshi Kitano, each frame feels like a living painting, pulsing with atmosphere, emotion, and artistic vision.

While fine art is a medium often reserved for connoisseurs, cinema is more democratic form of art for the broader audience, art that should be free, and above all, inspire.

Cannes was born from resistance. In 1946 it emerged from the rubble of war and censorship, determined to champion the freedom of artistic expression. Over the decades, it has welcomed bold voices, controversial visions, and emerging talents—refusing to let politics, commerce, or fear dilute the raw power of film.

This year that spirit feels more alive than ever.

Cannes isn’t just about cinema—it’s about spectacle. The iconic red carpet becomes a stage of elegance, eccentricity, and cinematic royalty. It’s where legends meet their fans, new stars are born beneath the flash of cameras, and timeless style walks hand-in-hand with creativity.

The eyes of the world turn to Cannes, eagerly awaiting the premieres, the stars we adore, and the unforgettable stories yet to unfold.

From global icons like Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, and Benedict Cumberbatch, to beloved indie figures and rising voices, the red carpet blurs the line between fantasy and reality.

This year, two films speak especially my heart.

Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague is a monochrome time machine to 1950s Paris, capturing the chaotic genius behind Jean-Luc Godard’s revolutionary Breathless. Shot entirely in French and framed in black-and-white, it’s a love letter to the birth of modern cinema and the creative rebellion that still echoes today.

In contrast, Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme is a kaleidoscope of color and intrigue. A whimsical yet razor-sharp espionage tale, it’s populated by an ensemble of Anderson regulars and fresh faces—from Benicio del Toro to Mia Threapleton. With its pastel precision, stylized storytelling, and philosophical undertones, it promises to charm, provoke, and delight.

There’s something electric in the air at Cannes. That moment before the lights dim—when the world holds its breath in anticipation. Cannes is more than just a festival; it’s a pilgrimage, a gathering place for dreamers, rebels, and storytellers who continue to believe in cinema’s power to shape culture, evoke emotion, and reflect the spirit of our time.

Cannes is more than a festival—it’s a pilgrimage for those who believe in the magic of movies.

MARINA FEDOROVA

Lately, we’ve witnessed a refreshing shift in cinema: leading roles are increasingly being entrusted to older actresses, and audiences are embracing them with enthusiasm. I find great joy in this evolution, as we move away from a time when youth and physical beauty were the sole standards of value. The tragic fate of Marilyn Monroe will not be repeated, nor will we indulge tales like that of Queen Grimhilde, who sought to destroy her stepdaughter out of vanity and envy.

Even in my earlier years, I felt grateful to have chosen the path of an artist rather than that of an actress or athlete—professions often burdened by the pressure of age. The women artists who inspire me—Georgia O’Keeffe, Yayoi Kusama, Louise Bourgeois—each reached the height of their acclaim later in life, their creative powers deepening with time.

Today, at last, there seems to be a growing appreciation for the beauty that comes with age. I hope this shift is not simply a response to longer life expectancy, but a recognition of the wisdom, depth, and authenticity that time can bring. One of the books I return to often is The Picture of Dorian Gray. It serves as a powerful reminder of how destructive it can be to fear the loss of youthful beauty, and how dangerous it is to forget that true beauty lies in the soul and in our actions.

Cruelty, vanity, and violence can never be beautiful. But kindness, passion, and purpose—these shine through at any age. And so, I believe wholeheartedly: one can be radiant, fulfilled, and truly beautiful at every stage of life.

MARINA FEDOROVA

Love is both the engine and the essence of art—a timeless and universal force that fuels creativity and gives life its deepest meaning.

Muses spark the imagination of artists, igniting a fire within that leads to extraordinary creation. Passionate love often becomes the driving force behind artistic endeavors, serving as both inspiration and catharsis, healing the wounds of unrequited affection through the act of creation itself.

The love of one’s homeland has given rise to monumental patriotic works, celebrating the spirit and identity of nations. A mother’s love for her child, a theme revisited countless times in literature, music, and visual arts, continues to move audiences across generations. Love for the natural world has inspired breathtaking landscapes, capturing its majesty and allowing artists to share those profound emotions with others.

Indeed, love is the ultimate source of strength, both in life and in art.

Consider the lives of great artists: without the unwavering support of his brother Theo, Vincent van Gogh might never have achieved the recognition he deserved. Salvador Dalí’s brilliance was nurtured by his muse, wife, and manager Gala, while Jackson Pollock owed much of his success to the encouragement of his wife, Lee Krasner. Time and again, we see how the love and belief of others—patrons, muses, and philanthropists—have helped artists realize their full potential.

In my own journey, I have learned that nothing is possible without the love, faith, and encouragement of those who care for me. Their belief is the foundation of everything I do.

As the Beatles so aptly put it, “All you need is love.”

On this Valentine’s Day, I wish for you all to experience love in its many forms and to give it freely, knowing that the greatest gift is to love and be loved in return.

MARINA FEDOROVA

Cosmodreams is a pure fantasy, a futuristic vision that is difficult to define in one sentence. It is a multi-dimensional project combining traditional and digital art. The project incorporates classical art forms like painting and sculpture, blending them with modern digital technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and video art.

The exhibition, curated by Sputnik Partners, highlights the importance of tradition and its evolution in modern life. Inspired by a pre-Islamic goddess of fertility, love, and nature, the exhibition reimagines this figure with a contemporary perspective, reflecting respect for cultural heritage while envisioning its place in the modern world.

Each presentation of the project adapts slightly to the traditions and mythology of the hosting region. For this exhibition, local fairy tales and mythology were incorporated into the artworks, creating a meaningful connection with the region’s heritage. The exhibition’s creative process was shaped over many years, influenced by humanity’s fascination with the cosmos and the possibilities of space exploration.

The project also focuses on the elements of nature, emphasizing ecological concerns. The artist highlights the urgency of preserving and protecting nature, aiming to inspire audiences to coexist with, rather than consume, natural resources. Through art, the exhibition draws attention to environmental challenges and promotes a sense of responsibility toward the planet.

The exhibition features a variety of artistic elements, including sculptures, paintings, and unique techniques like heliogravoure, a 19th- and early 20th-century printing process using copper plates. These plates not only create intricate prints but also serve as design objects themselves. Advanced technologies, such as lenticular printing, are used to create depth and dynamic visuals, enhancing the viewer’s experience.

The blending of these diverse elements defines the project’s name, Elementa. Visitors often describe their experience as stepping into a beautiful dream or exploring another planet. Originally conceived as a traveling exhibition, Cosmodreams aims to reach various countries and cities, with future showcases planned in China and beyond. The exhibition evolves with new sub-themes, ensuring that it remains engaging and fresh.

Cosmodreams encourages everyone to pursue their passions and follow their dreams, inspiring audiences to embrace creativity and imagination in their lives.

MARINA FEDOROVA

Every New Year begins with promises—to become better versions of ourselves, to grow in different areas, and to hope that the world will finally achieve peace and prosperity. These resolutions are important. I truly believe that if enough people think positively and sincerely wish for change, we can make it happen.

As an artist, I aim to inspire change through my work. My goal is to evoke positive emotions and provoke thought in those who experience my creations.

Cosmodreams is an immersive art project I have been developing since 2017, and it is now actively evolving. I am thrilled to see it becoming a traveling exhibition, allowing more people in different locations to engage with the art. Personally, I have a deep interest in exploring the world and experiencing diverse cultures — a passion that I bring to life through Cosmodreams.

Currently, the Cosmodreams exhibition in Shanghai, China, invites visitors on a captivating journey into another universe. The exhibition features five unique zones, each telling its own story, but my favorite is the Nature Zone. No matter how fascinated we are by exploring new worlds, there’s always a longing for home. For me, the forest embodies that feeling of home. Nature plays a significant role in my art and serves as an endless source of inspiration.

I always feel excited to return to the UAE. Each visit brings me a fresh perspective, renewing my impressions and feelings every time. Cosmodreams has become part of the UAE’s art scene through various collaborations, exhibitions, and events. It’s been great to connect with people here and share my work. Seeing Cosmodreams grow and find its place in this region has been a rewarding experience.

On January 6, we launched a new exhibition, Cosmodreams: Elementa, at the Fann A Porter Gallery in Dubai. This collection features works in diverse media—including oil on canvas, heliogravures, and lenticular prints—all inspired by the raw power and beauty of nature’s elements. Nature, with its boundless majesty, serves as a limitless wellspring of contemplation and creativity.

During the Vernissage, I invited visitors to experience a unique performance: the live creation of an artwork inspired by the element of water. To me, water represents life, purity, and the power of self-renewal.

As we step into the New Year, let’s embrace even greater aspirations and strive to become the best versions of ourselves.

MARINA FEDOROVA

I want to express my admiration for the Hia Hub event. This was the first time both the Sputnik Partners Design House and I participated, and we found the experience truly inspiring. Hia Hub offers a unique platform for creative minds to connect, exchange ideas, and showcase new projects. We greatly appreciated the warm welcome from the organizers and the enthusiastic response from the visitors. The event is innovative and forward-looking in terms of design and atmosphere. We were thrilled to be part of it and hope to return.

October and November are especially busy months for our core art project, Cosmodreams. From November 7 to 10, Sputnik Partners showcased the ‘Blue Dreams’ concept at the Main Galleries section of the Art021 Contemporary Art Fair in Shanghai, China. This year we focused on a theme within the Cosmodreams project called ‘Life on Other Planets’.

Imagine a world where orchids bloom under falling snow, women dance barefoot through snowy forests while wearing orchid masks, or even transform into part-orchid beings. Picture whales soaring through the sky. It’s all pure fantasy, much like the vision of Cosmodreams itself.

On November 16, the Cosmodreams art project launches its first solo exhibition in China at the Powerlong Museum in Shanghai, which will last for three months. ‘Journey with Cosmodreams’ invites audiences to embark on a journey that explores both the vastness of the cosmos and the depths of human introspection. Featuring a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, digital art, and virtual reality, the exhibition provides an immersive experience that examines themes such as the future, nature, home, and the spirit of exploration. The exhibition at the Shanghai Powerlong Museum is divided into five distinct zones that transition from outer space to futuristic cities, blending the realms of nature and human emotion. This creates a poetic dialogue between humanity and the cosmos.

‘Journey with Cosmodreams’ represents a profound dialogue between human dreams and reality. It opens the door to future discoveries and invites audiences to engage in continuous reflection about what lies ahead. In this context, art becomes more than just a visual experience; it evolves into a philosophical exploration of future possibilities, the relationship between technology and humanity, and the redefinition of identity.

The more projects we create, the more we desire to pursue. Creativity is like a well: the more water you draw, the more it replenishes.

We look forward to new projects and adventures ahead!

MARINA FEDOROVA