Category: News

  • Cosmos and Art: Solo Exhibition of Marina Fedorova

    Cosmos and Art: Solo Exhibition of Marina Fedorova

    The exhibition “Journey with Cosmodreams” will be held at the Powerlong Art Museum in Shanghai from November 16, 2024, to February 16, 2025. Cosmodreams is an artistic project that celebrates space exploration and romantic memories of the USSR’s achievements. Fedorova reinterprets the philosophy of futurism, contemplating where it might lead us in the 21st century.

    In her work, the artist combines traditional painting with cutting-edge digital technologies, including augmented reality (AR), video art, and interactive zones. The exhibition is thoughtfully structured to allow viewers to feel the contrast between cosmic space and earthly nature through visual, color, and sound elements.

    The exhibition by a Russian artist in one of Shanghai’s prestigious art venues marks an important stage in cultural exchange between Russia and China, showcasing the power of art to bring these two great cultures closer together and creating a new perspective on the global stage. The artist sees potential in the spiritual connections between the two nations, which can help the audience to understand and experience the artist’s fresh works influenced by Russian heritage.

    Marina Fedorova, artist: “The exhibition in China is not just a display of works; it’s an opportunity to build bridges between our cultures. China has always been a source of inspiration for me—a country with profound philosophy, traditions, and culture. I hope this exhibition will foster dialogue between our cultures because art knows no boundaries.”

    The Cosmodreams project is made possible through the active support of Sputnik Partners, a company dedicated to preserving and promoting cultural and historical heritage.

    The exhibition will take place from November 16, 2024, to February 16, 2025, at the Powerlong Art Museum (Shanghai Powerlong Museum), Hall 7, located at 3055 Caobao Road, Minhang District, Shanghai. Entrance in charged.

  • Marina Fedorova’s column for HIA: Heritage and Modernity

    Marina Fedorova’s column for HIA: Heritage and Modernity

    Every country has a tradition of accessories reflecting its rich history and cultural heritage. I have always been intrigued by the design of the accessories our ancestors used and their purpose besides self-decoration.

    Recently, I have been impressed by the exhibition of traditional clothes organized by the Art of Heritage, which featured, amongst other things, intricate embroideries and exquisite combinations of fabrics and patterns. I have always admired the ability to appreciate and show history.

    Art of Heritage aims to preserve the cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia while also being able to empower women through its initiatives. It revives and modernizes traditional Saudi garments and accessories by crafting modern versions of dresses, abayas, shallas, and caftans.

    As a matter of historical fact, Russian women wore a special headdress called ‘Kokoshnik’ in the old days. Today, Russian Kokoshniks remain an essential source of inspiration for fashion houses and designers. For example, Karl Lagerfeld, in his collection “Paris-Moscow”, uses it as a powerful accent. It is also similar to the headdress Princess Padme wore in Star Wars.

    As an artist and designer, especially one with Russian roots, I could not resist using images of Kokoshnik. The characters in my series of paintings, “Russian Fairy Tails”, are all modern women who wear traditional Russian garments and Kokoshniks that suit their personalities.
    My design work led to the creation of a modern Kokoshnik object, a symbol that is 3D printed and galvanized. As part of the Hia Hub 4.0 event, it was displayed in the Cosmodreams space along with a painting titled “Spaceship Kokoshnik”.

    In the Cosmodreams art project, we imagine a future of space and life. The project’s artworks are a mix of traditional paintings and sculptures and digital and augmented reality art. As part of the augmented reality scenario, the object Kokoshnik also has a video.

    The Cosmodreams project offers virtual fashion and accessories as well. Virtual bracelets can be tried on your hand as “filters” in Snapchat. You can also try the Snow Queen Kokoshnik mask on Instagram.

    That is how tradition and modernity create a synergy.

    MARINA FEDOROVA

  • Cosmodreams: Blue Dreams at ART021 Shanghai

    Cosmodreams: Blue Dreams at ART021 Shanghai

    From November 7th to 10th, 2024, the 12th edition of ART021 Shanghai Contemporary Art Fair featured Marina Fedorova’s Cosmodreams art project in the MAIN GALLERIES section.

    ART021, known for its global vision rooted in local culture, serves as a premier platform for galleries, museums, art institutions, collectors, and art lovers. The fair is dedicated to enhancing the profile of Chinese contemporary art while fostering meaningful connections within the global art market.

    Marina Fedorova introduces the concept of Blue Dreams as part of her Cosmodreams project, a profound artistic exploration inspired by the Chinese proverb: “When you are angry, draw bamboo; when you are happy, draw orchids”. This concept is brought to life through various artistic and architectural techniques, conveying a mood and atmosphere deeply connected to the artist’s experiences and emotions.

    At the core of the project is a unique shade of blue, evoking associations with water, sky, and air. This shade, unfamiliar and neither natural nor man-made, symbolizes a delicate balance between heaven, air, and water. Fedorova invites viewers to explore landscapes of snowy mountain peaks and tropical blue orchids, the latter serving as a focal point of the series.

    The artist’s inspiration came from an encounter with a blue orchid in a store window, paired with the surreal experience of snow falling on its vibrant petals. This moment led to the creation of a series that captures the fleeting beauty of nature.

    In Blue Dreams, orchids emerge as central figures, their unearthly blue hue symbolizing resilience and perseverance in challenging environments. Despite their delicate appearance, orchids are known for their hardiness, thriving in harsh conditions like rocky cliffs or high tree branches. Fedorova interprets these characteristics in her paintings, where the orchid transcends its natural form to embody human traits, becoming a symbolic protagonist with its own character and destiny. Drawing from her background in fashion design, Fedorova also creates sculptures resembling mannequins that further enhance the mood and narrative through their gestures and forms.

    The Cosmodreams showcase, curated by Sputnik Partners, was included in the official art fair catalogue.

  • Hia Magazine Interview with Marina Fedorova

    Hia Magazine Interview with Marina Fedorova

    na Fedorova will participate in HIA Hub, the largest conference in the region dedicated to fashion, lifestyle, and luxury, in the Jax district of Riyadh from October 30th to November 3rd. At Hia Hub, she will showcase her remarkable exhibition COSMODREAMS, which innovatively merges traditional art with digital technology, featuring large-scale paintings, sculptures, and augmented reality environments. This immersive experience transports us into Marina Fedorova’s unique world, prompting contemplation of the intersection between contemporary art and digital technology, as the artist reflects on her past, present, and future. For her participation in HIA Hub, the COSMOFASHION concept dedicated to the fashion world was specifically designed as part of a large-scale Cosmodreams art project.

    In this interview, Marina Fedorova discusses the Cosmodreams exhibition, its goals, mission, components, and her expectations for the upcoming Hia Hub event.

    AA ​​— How does participating in HIA Hub align with the goals and vision of the Cosmodreams exhibition? What unique opportunities does this platform offer for showcasing your work?

    MF — First and foremost, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Hia for having us this year. Moreover, I wish to express my admiration for HIA Hub, which offers a unique opportunity for all creators of the entire world to show their visions, exchange ideas, and gain new experiences.

    I have always been interested in fashion throughout my artistic career. My creative journey began with reflections on women’s representation in contemporary culture and fashion and the redefining of women’s ideals. It has always captivated me to examine the way these two creative fields – fashion and art – intersect, influence, and shape cultures.

    At HIA Hub, I am presenting my art project Cosmodreams with the concept “CosmoFashion” developed for this event specifically. Cosmodreams encompasses diverse clusters and themes, and fashion is one of them. It’s a space fantasy called Cosmodreams. What would Cosmodreams Fashion look like?

    Cosmodreams focuses on futuristic and imaginative themes, often merging art, technology, and science fiction. This enhances the artistic palette and also reaches a wider audience. With a focus on collaboration, lifestyle innovation, fashion and immersive experiences, HIA Hub provides a platform that complements this by facilitating discussions on the symbiotic relationship between art and fashion.

    AA — HIA Hub is known for bringing together influential figures in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. How do you think this environment will influence the reception of Cosmodreams, and what kind of interactions are you looking forward to?

    MF — Bringing fashion, beauty, and lifestyle together with art opens up new possibilities for dialogue and creative collaboration. They are deeply tied to aesthetic expression, which resonates with the imaginative and visual nature of Cosmodreams. The presence of key figures in these industries means Cosmodreams will gain visibility among audiences who might not typically engage with art but are drawn to innovation in lifestyle, design, and fashion. They will bring their own cultural lens to the experience, pushing Cosmodreams into a more cross-disciplinary direction.

    I also want to show that fashion is not just about trends or fads. It is also about art. Fashion designers often draw inspiration for their collections from the cultures of the countries they visit, folklore motifs, literary works, cities and countries, and architectural structures. Art is a powerful tool for creativity. The interactions to look forward to involve engagement with new audiences in exciting and unexpected ways.

    AA —​​ Given that HIA Hub highlights the evolving fashion and beauty landscape, how does Cosmodreams intersect with these trends? Are there aspects of the exhibition that resonate with the fashion and beauty industry?
     
    MF — “I believe the world will be saved by beauty,” says the protagonist of “The Idiot”, a Russian novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky. He speaks of the beauty of the soul and human deeds, of course. But for me as an artist, visual beauty is extremely important to me. As soon as I see something beautiful, I want to share it with the world through my art. The Cosmodreams project is also about beauty. Beautiful space landscapes and women who are my main character. Having graduated as a fashion designer, I have always been drawn to the world of fashion and I can’t help but draw elegant dresses. Even from my student days, I was more interested in creating a sketch or illustration than a physical dress. Paintings of different centuries can be used to study fashion. I was always fascinated by the intricacies of the lace, textiles, and jewellery that are painted.  

    “CosmoFashion” blurs the lines between fashion and art. I paint dresses on canvases, make dresses from canvases and create fashion show in virtual reality.

    In general, Cosmodreams resonates with the fashion and beauty industry for its creativity, futurism, technology and imaginative storytelling. Visuals and themes naturally contribute to inspiration for everything from catwalk fashion to beauty products.

    AA — What aspects of Cosmodreams do you believe will stand out most to the HIA Hub audience? How do you plan to engage with attendees through your interactive and immersive components?

    MF — Cosmodreams, with its interactive and immersive elements, is likely to resonate with the HIA Hub audience, known for their passion for creativity, luxury, and innovation.

    The exhibition embodies a futuristic aesthetic that appeals to fashion-forward, trend-setting individuals with its vivid, cosmic landscapes, dreamlike environments, and imaginative depictions of alternate realities. It will not just be about visual appeal, but about engaging and transformative art that feels cutting-edge and transformative.
    In my work, I like to combine traditional and digital approaches. Besides oil canvas and art Audiences will have a chance to watch the stories behind the paintings through augmented reality (AR), enjoy a virtual fashion show on the screen and attend a live performance.

    In “CosmoFashion”, art comes to life through tools such as augmented reality or big screens, making it especially appealing to this audience. By offering a multi-sensory experience, where attendees can immerse themselves in dreamlike environments or interact with futuristic, digitally-enhanced components, Cosmodreams will stand out as more than just an exhibition—it’s an experience.

    AA — HIA Hub features a diverse range of industry pioneers and experts. Are there any specific individuals or brands you’re excited to connect with during the event, and how do you hope these interactions will impact your work?

    MF — Our approach at Sputnik Partners, the design house that supports the development of the Cosmodreams art project, is to pay homage to traditions and celebrate cultural diversity. Thus, some Cosmodreams paintings were printed in a limited-edition series using a unique Heliogravure technique, exemplifying the artistry of 19th-century craft. A reproduction of a painting or photograph obtained by printing from a metal plate (most often copper) made by photochemical means. This technique can accurately reproduce details of, for example, a large oil painting on smaller paper and in quantities.

    One of the items we will showcase during HIA Hub is the Kokoshnik art object, combining tradition with modernity. For centuries, the kokoshnik was the headdress of Russian women. In the world of Cosmodreams, it inspires spaceships and futuristic architecture. With the use of 3D printing, it can become an object of any size, colour or material to decorate interior and outdoor spaces.

    Cosmodreams project combines different art and craft media with digital art. Hopefully, this approach will draw a broad audience. It is also our hope that communication with other brands will lead to new interesting collaboration projects. We are always open to new ideas and experiments.

    AA — What message or experience do you hope to convey to the attendees of HIA Hub through your participation? How do you envision Cosmodreams contributing to the broader dialogue in the fashion and art communities?

    MF — With Cosmodreams’ participation in HIA Hub, I try to convey a message about the power of imagination, transformation, and the convergence of different disciplines. We aim to inspire attendees to see beyond the present, to explore futuristic possibilities where art, fashion, and technology blur. The exhibition’s cosmic landscapes, futuristic themes, and dreamlike visuals convey that the future is filled with infinite possibilities—whether in fashion, art, or lifestyle. My motto, along with COSMODREAMS, is to follow your dreams, be open to experimentation, and embrace experimentation.

    ADNAN AL KATEB, Editorial Manager of Hia Magazine

  • Marina Fedorova’s column for HIA: Women as Trailblazers and Pioneers

    Marina Fedorova’s column for HIA: Women as Trailblazers and Pioneers

    Comparing genders, or even the idea of competition in this respect, does not appeal to me. First and foremost, there is the person, the human being. The truth is, however, that women often have to face enormous obstacles when seeking success and have to forge their own path. Women who have succeeded despite barriers inspire other women.

    Women have long been pioneers and innovators in various fields, shaping and transforming them with their creativity, vision, and resilience. Even in the face of social and cultural barriers, their influence has been profound, redefining artistic and stylistic norms and fostering imaginative and bold thinking.

    Since I am an artist, the first thing that comes to my mind are pioneering women artists. Their legacy inspires future generations to recognize and appreciate their uniqueness.

    Although it is difficult to name women artists before the 20th century, there were a few who were able to make their mark in an age that was dominated by male artists. As an example, Artemisia Gentileschi, an Italian Baroque painter, pioneered the way for future generations by illustrating strong, independent women.

    One of the world’s most famous trailblazers in the art world is Frida Kahlo, the iconic Mexican painter. She faced enormous physical and emotional hardship throughout her life, but transformed her pain into powerful works of art that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.Known for her powerful self-portraits and symbolism, Kahlo’s main themes are identity, pain, and resilience. There is no doubt that she is an icon of self-expression and feminism.

    I have always been drawn to the work of Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese contemporary artist famous for her avant-garde art and immersive installations. Kusama has pushed the boundaries of art. She is renowned for her polka-dot motifs as well as her mirrored spaces that have brought her fame around the world challenging perception and offering an introspective look at mental health, infinity, and existence.

    Creating art inspired by space and life on other planets is one of my passions, and of course, I cannot forget the female Space Trailblazers.
    The word “trailblazer” could be coined for Valentina Tereshkova (b. 1937), a woman whose list of accomplishments is impressive: the first woman in space, the youngest woman in space, the first civilian in space, and the only woman to fly solo in space. Her solo launch aboard the spacecraft Vostok 6 took place on 16 June 1963 when she was just 26 years old.

    She once said: “It made me happy for womankind. It proved that they could be equal with men, not only on Earth but in space as well.”

    In August 1982, Svetlana Savitskaya travelled in a Soyuz T-7 spacecraft to the Russian space station Salyut-7 and returned to Earth seven days later. Her return to the space station in July 1984 made her the first woman to fly into space twice and the first woman to perform a spacewalk.
    Sally Ride was the first American woman in space when she flew aboard NASA’s space shuttle STS-7 in June 1983, operating a robotic arm that deployed commercial satellites. 

    The list goes on and on with May Jamison, Susan Helms, Peggy Whitson, Christina Koch and Liu Yang, to name but a few.

    All these pioneering women not only overcame adversity but also redefined what was possible, leaving behind an indelible legacy of courage, innovation and determination.

    I would like to conclude by quoting Kathy Sullivan, the first person to visit space and the bottom of the ocean, who said: “For many young girls, it will be a dream, a point on the horizon and a dose of confidence – they will see someone else doing it and realise it is possible”.

    MARINA FEDOROVA

  • Marina Fedorova’s column for HIA: Exploring the Kingdom’s Cultural Tapestry

    Marina Fedorova’s column for HIA: Exploring the Kingdom’s Cultural Tapestry

    As we approach Saudi Arabia’s National Day on September 23, a date that celebrates the unification of Najd and Hijaz into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932, the air is thick with national pride. Streets are adorned with the green and white of the Saudi flag, and the energy is electric as people come together to honor the heritage of a nation that has undergone remarkable transformation. For me, this cultural celebration has been more than just a festive observation — it’s been a source of profound artistic inspiration.

    As an artist, my journey through Saudi Arabia has been an exploration not only of its rich cultural landscape but also of the deeper nuances that define its identity. The impact of Saudi culture on my work has been nothing short of transformative. Artists are like sponges, constantly absorbing the world around us, and Saudi Arabia has left an indelible mark on my creative process.

    One of the most striking lessons I’ve learned from Saudi culture is the art of allegory. In Europe, where art often seeks to shock or provoke, the approach in Saudi Arabia is more nuanced and more sophisticated. There is a subtlety in the way messages are conveyed, a respect for tradition and decorum that challenges the artist to find new ways to influence and connect with audiences. This shift in perspective has enriched my work, pushing me to explore the boundaries of expression in ways I hadn’t previously considered.

    Another profound influence has been the Saudi appreciation for greenery and nature. What many of us in other parts of the world take for granted is deeply cherished here. This reverence for the natural world inspired my diptych “Desert Turns to Forest”, which explores the delicate balance between the arid landscapes and the lush oases that dot the Kingdom. The AlAhsa oasis, AlUla, and Diriyah—each with its own unique character and history — have been particularly influential in my recent works. Diriyah, in particular, struck me as a place where history, tradition, and futurism coexist in a way that feels both timeless and forward-looking.
    Saudi culture teaches us to appreciate and deeply respect traditions and heritage, to cherish and preserve them even amidst rapid development and modernization. This lesson has been central to my work, especially in projects that seek to fuse art with cultural heritage. Last year, I had the privilege of collaborating with Saudi fashion designer Yousef Akbar with my multifaceted Cosmodreams series. The result, the “Ethereal Echoes” duo exhibition, was a unique fusion of art, fashion, and heritage — a testament to the profound impact Saudi Arabia has had on my creative journey.

    This year, Cosmodreams will participate in HIA HUB with a new Fashion project that continues to explore the intersection of art and technology. We’ll be showcasing how large-scale paintings can be transformed into wearable art, with the Moon Fashion show featuring not just traditional paintings and sculptures but also cutting-edge lenticular printed holograms. It’s a project that embodies the spirit of exploration and innovation that I have come to associate with Saudi Arabia.
    In closing, I want to express my deep respect and admiration for Saudi Arabia — a place that has opened my eyes to new ways of seeing the world. I remain fully open to new experiences and discoveries and hope to encourage others to explore and enjoy new places and cultures with the same passion and curiosity that drives my work.

    MARINA FEDOROVA

  • Marina Fedorova’s column for HIA: A Fusion of Sports, Style, and Tradition in Paris

    Marina Fedorova’s column for HIA: A Fusion of Sports, Style, and Tradition in Paris

    In July, as the world turns its gaze to Paris, the city comes alive with the spirit of the Olympic Games. For me, watching the Olympics evokes thoughts of Ancient Greece — the epitome of athleticism, the allure of minimalistic attire. It’s a time when the fusion of sport and fashion takes center stage, inspiring designers and captivating audiences worldwide.

    Paris, with its timeless elegance, undergoes a metamorphosis during this period. Streets once bustling with traffic now welcome pedestrians, adorned with street concerts and performances. The city radiates with a festive energy, reminding us that “Paris est toujour Paris” — Paris is always Paris.

    Beyond the athleticism, the 2024 Olympics in Paris offer a unique blend of sports and style. Fashion brands are competing for attention by dressing athletes in innovative designs. However, while celebrating the convergence of sports and fashion, we must also remember the importance of preserving traditions amidst modernity. 

    During our journey to Montligeon, a quaint town renowned for its Chapelle Montligeon, we were reminded of this significance. As the Olympic Games endure, some local French crafts are fading into obscurity. Yet, amid this shift, Ateliers SP shines as a beacon of hope, dedicated to preserving our cultural heritage.

    Ateliers SP, with its unwavering commitment to tradition, holds a special place in my heart. It’s where artisans breathe new life into age-old techniques, infusing each creation with a sense of history and craftsmanship. Collaborating with them feels like a journey back in time, a celebration of the past woven seamlessly into the present.

    As we celebrate the spectacle of the Olympics, let us not forget the rich tapestry of culture and heritage that surrounds us. The spirit of an old tradition hekecheiría — the Olympic truce — reminds us of the power of unity and peace, ideals that we hope to see echoed around the world. The Olympics serve as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the timeless allure of human achievement, both in sports and in the enduring traditions of craftsmanship.

    MARINA FEDOROVA

  • Marina Fedorova’s column for HIA:Painting life’s adventures

    Marina Fedorova’s column for HIA:Painting life’s adventures

    As an artist, I often find myself reflecting on the essence of summer, that fleeting yet profound season where possibilities seem endless and the world is painted in vibrant hues of blue, yellow, and red. In my native city, Saint Petersburg, where the sun graces us with its presence for a mere three months, summer is cherished as a small life — a time of magic and endless adventure.

    The enchantment of summer in Saint Petersburg is magnified by the phenomenon known as the White Nights, when darkness barely touches the sky, leaving us immersed in a neverending twilight. It’s a time when the city itself seems to exhale, and the air is filled with the promise of new beginnings.

    For me, summer beckons with the call of the sea. There’s a profound sense of rejuvenation that comes from immersing oneself in the cool embrace of the ocean, whether it’s swimming, snorkeling, or sailing. Even as a child, I found solace and inspiration in the forest, losing myself for hours in its winding paths and dappled sunlight. Sketching and collecting ideas for future artworks became second nature, a way of capturing the fleeting beauty of the world around me.

    Traveling light is a necessity when embarking on summer adventures, and I’ve learned to embrace the challenge of working with smaller formats. A sketchbook or a set of watercolors becomes my constant companion, allowing me to capture the essence of a place with swift, fluid strokes. There’s a certain magic in translating the otherworldly beauty of a real place onto canvas, a process that breathes life into my creations. One such artwork, “Silver Mountains”, was born from the ethereal landscape of a place that seemed to exist outside of time.

    MARINA FEDOROVA

  • Marina Fedorova’s column for HIA: Power of White

    Marina Fedorova’s column for HIA: Power of White

    In the realm of art and fashion, trends often intersect and intertwine, offering a canvas for expression that transcends conventional boundaries. As a contemporary artist, I find myself drawn to the timeless allure of white, particularly its embodiment in the delicate beauty of flowers. In a world where trends come and go, the power of white endures, symbolizing purity, simplicity, and the promise of new beginnings.

    While I may not claim expertise in forecasting fashion trends, as an artist, I keenly observe the cultural currents shaping our creative landscape. This spring/summer season, the elegance of white flowers has emerged as a prevailing motif across various artistic mediums. Fashion houses have embraced voluminous floral patterns, showcasing the minimalist and monochromatic beauty of these blossoms. From sculpture to paper crafting and installations, the allure of white flowers permeates our aesthetic consciousness, inviting contemplation and appreciation.

    Personally, I have immersed myself in exploring the exquisite beauty of flowers, particularly orchids, through my paintings and artistic creations. The process of capturing the intricate molding, the interplay of light and shadow, and the essence of floral elegance has been both captivating and inspiring.

    For me, the white canvas symbolizes more than just a blank space awaiting transformation; it embodies the essence of new beginnings and the purity of creative expression. It is a moment fraught with both anticipation and trepidation, where every stroke of the brush carries the weight of possibility.

    Recalling my recent exhibition, “Ethereal Echoes”, where I painted on a white dress, transforming it into a live canvas, I’m struck by the profound symbolism of white. Despite its seemingly neutral appearance, white holds a depth of meaning that transcends cultural boundaries. It is a color of transition, embodying both purity and potential. In the realm of fashion, white remains a timeless classic, revered for its versatility and elegance. It serves as a blank canvas for designers to imbue with texture, form, and expression, offering endless possibilities for creativity and innovation.

    As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, the power of white endures as a beacon of hope and renewal. It reminds us of the inherent beauty in simplicity, the transformative potential of creativity, and the timeless allure of artistic expression. In embracing the power of white, we embrace the endless possibilities of the blank canvas, inviting us to write our own narrative of beauty and grace.

    MARINA FEDOROVA

  • Marina Fedorova’s column for HIA: Haute Couture

    Marina Fedorova’s column for HIA: Haute Couture

    As an artist, fashion, particularly haute couture, has been a cornerstone of inspiration, shaping my artistic vision and fueling my creativity. I admire the beauty and the elegance of the clothes, style, and exquisite garments.

    In one of my early projects — “Autumn Time” in 2006 — I paid homage to legendary fashion designers like Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Yoshi Yamamoto, whose work epitomized innovation and elegance. The untimely demise of one of my heroes, Alexander McQueen, deeply affected me, inspiring me to translate his visionary designs into my art.

    My transition from a fashion designer to a professional artist was marked by a pivotal realization during my studies at the St. Petersburg Stieglitz State Academy of Art and Design. While initially drawn to fashion design, I discovered my true passion was illustrating garments rather than sewing them. My graduation project, “I Believe I Can Fly”, epitomized this paradigm shift, as human-sized paintings depicting dresses carried by models took center stage, affirming my identity as an artist with a penchant for fashion. At the culmination of the show, one model walked out wearing a simple white floor-length dress and I followed her on the runway, my brush in hand, and painted the whole dress in a live session, as if it were canvas.

    Throughout my career, certain fashion motifs have recurred in my work. The iconic red dress, for example, has been a prominent feature that takes a special place in my art. Over more than 23 years, I’ve frequently depicted this symbol of passion and power. Indeed, the dress often catalyzes new painting creations, inspiring me. The allure of the fashion world extends beyond the garments themselves. The fashion runway and backstage scenes offer rich sources of inspiration. The displays in fashion store windows have provided me with visual inspiration for my artistic expression.

    Last year, I had a “dream” project — a collaboration with Saudi fashion designer Yousef Akbar. He created dresses inspired by my art, and I painted several artworks based on his models. Our duo exhibition “Ethereal Echoes”, combining paintings, sculptures, and couture dresses, was enhanced with augmented and virtual reality. It was not just a fusion of traditional art and fashion, but also a cross-cultural dialogue and limitless creative expression, providing viewers with a new unique experience.

    MARINA FEDOROVA