WaLKING and ART
Some works as a result of my walking practice
In the realm of contemporary art, walking transcends its ordinary connotations and becomes an art practice that elevates our relationship with the world around us. At the core of this artistic expression lies the profound influence of the renowned artist Hamish Fulton and Richard Long, whose innovative ideas have redefined the act of walking, transforming it into a captivating and introspective art form.
16 months
Duration of the living in Malta 2022-2023
1 island
Malta
6 km
the same route several times per day: Budgibba and San Pawl Bay
As an art practice, walking invites artists and individuals to explore their surroundings with intent, observe with a keen eye, and connect deeply with the world and its inhabitants.
24 CIRCLES
2023, Malta, a series of works based on the walking art practice. Collages, visual diaries, photo poetry. (in progress)
After February 2022, my family's life took an unexpected turn as we left our home behind to relocate to Malta, driven by my husband's work and Russian-Ukrainian war. The sudden upheaval left me feeling adrift, caught in a vacuum of uncertainty, aimlessly wandering unfamiliar streets in search of meaning while trying to comprehend the unfolding events in Russia and Ukraine. Settling into this new place proved to be challenging, and I felt an overwhelming sense of alienation; Malta did not readily embrace me, nor did I embrace it.
In the midst of this disoriented state, I stumbled upon the transformative power of walking. This simple act breathed new life into me, anchoring me to the present and the reality of my surroundings. As I embarked on a journey of exploration through the land that had brought me here against my will, I immersed myself in the history and language of Malta, seeking a connection to this foreign place.
My walks evolved into a ritual of repetition, each step, each circle around the San Pawl Bay peninsula, leading me back to myself and igniting a newfound sense of confidence. I turned each walk into a creative practice, infusing it with meaning and purpose. With music as my companion, I fashioned my own game and set a personal task for every walk, transforming mundane routes into inspiring journeys of self-discovery.
Over time, I realized that these circular walks were more than mere physical exercise—they embodied my resilience and unwavering spirit. They became my canvas for introspection and self-expression, representing my ongoing journey of adaptation and growth in a foreign land.
The culmination of my transformative experience materialized into the art project, '24 Circles.' This collection of circular walks, each approximately 6 kilometers around the San Pawl Bay peninsula, symbolizes my perseverance and the evolution of my creative practice. Every round, every day, became a chapter in my story of navigating the challenges and embracing the beauty of Malta.
'24 Circles' is not just a documentation of steps taken; it is a testament to the power of walking as an art form, a medium through which I reconnected with my identity and found my place in a world that once seemed unfamiliar and daunting.
Through this artistic endeavor, I hope to inspire others to find solace and renewal in the simple act of walking, to embrace change with courage, and to weave their own tales of resilience in the face of the unknown."
In the midst of this disoriented state, I stumbled upon the transformative power of walking. This simple act breathed new life into me, anchoring me to the present and the reality of my surroundings. As I embarked on a journey of exploration through the land that had brought me here against my will, I immersed myself in the history and language of Malta, seeking a connection to this foreign place.
My walks evolved into a ritual of repetition, each step, each circle around the San Pawl Bay peninsula, leading me back to myself and igniting a newfound sense of confidence. I turned each walk into a creative practice, infusing it with meaning and purpose. With music as my companion, I fashioned my own game and set a personal task for every walk, transforming mundane routes into inspiring journeys of self-discovery.
Over time, I realized that these circular walks were more than mere physical exercise—they embodied my resilience and unwavering spirit. They became my canvas for introspection and self-expression, representing my ongoing journey of adaptation and growth in a foreign land.
The culmination of my transformative experience materialized into the art project, '24 Circles.' This collection of circular walks, each approximately 6 kilometers around the San Pawl Bay peninsula, symbolizes my perseverance and the evolution of my creative practice. Every round, every day, became a chapter in my story of navigating the challenges and embracing the beauty of Malta.
'24 Circles' is not just a documentation of steps taken; it is a testament to the power of walking as an art form, a medium through which I reconnected with my identity and found my place in a world that once seemed unfamiliar and daunting.
Through this artistic endeavor, I hope to inspire others to find solace and renewal in the simple act of walking, to embrace change with courage, and to weave their own tales of resilience in the face of the unknown."
The Crossroad
2023, A4, watercolour
In life's intricate web, crossroads symbolize pivotal moments where paths converge, inviting choices that shape our destinies. Metaphorical and rich with meaning, these intersections reveal our true selves, testing our values, passions, and aspirations. Each decision, whether certain or uncertain, weaves a unique narrative, painting the masterpiece of our existence. Embracing the unknown, we unearth courage, resilience, and growth, transcending limits and embracing change. At the crossroads, we discover the essence of life's journey, interconnected with others, contributing to the ever-evolving tapestry of human experience.
The Crossroad. A4, watercolour
The Imaginary Journey to Tokyo
2023, Digital collage
A Dreamer's Escape to Tokyo
In the vivid tapestry of my mind, I embark on imaginary journeys, transcending borders and barriers that reality has set before me. Born in Russia, after 2022, I find myself entangled in a web of problems and restrictions, limiting my physical exploration of the world. I was guilty becuse I was born there. Guilty because I love my city, my friend. Can I love it again or can I love it despite our government did?
With closed eyes, I traverse the magnificent landscapes of distant lands, each step a liberation from the constraints of my circumstances. I envision myself wandering through bustling streets in Tokyo, savoring the vibrant colors and flavors of its culture. As I journey through these imaginary realms, I uncover the profound beauty and richness of diverse cultures, expanding my understanding of the world.
I yearn for the day when I can transform these dreams into tangible realities. I shall overcome the barriers and restrictions that bind me.
In the vivid tapestry of my mind, I embark on imaginary journeys, transcending borders and barriers that reality has set before me. Born in Russia, after 2022, I find myself entangled in a web of problems and restrictions, limiting my physical exploration of the world. I was guilty becuse I was born there. Guilty because I love my city, my friend. Can I love it again or can I love it despite our government did?
With closed eyes, I traverse the magnificent landscapes of distant lands, each step a liberation from the constraints of my circumstances. I envision myself wandering through bustling streets in Tokyo, savoring the vibrant colors and flavors of its culture. As I journey through these imaginary realms, I uncover the profound beauty and richness of diverse cultures, expanding my understanding of the world.
I yearn for the day when I can transform these dreams into tangible realities. I shall overcome the barriers and restrictions that bind me.
a digital collage
The Garden of Dreams
2023, Installation, Malta
I50 x 50, Installation.
a box, a glass, a collage and a sand
a box, a glass, a collage and a sand
In the arid landscapes of Malta, where opportunities for gardening are scarce, I have crafted my own oasis of imagination—a "Garden of Dreams." For me, gardening has transcended its conventional boundaries and become a form of art practice, interwoven with the very essence of the earth and my personal journey.
Confronted with limited water resources and constrained gardening options, I found solace and therapeutic release in tending to this unique garden. It became a sanctuary where I could face my fears and insecurities head-on. In this transformative space, I set out to nurture not just plants but also my dreams and aspirations.
In the heart of my garden, beneath the tender blades of grass, lies a hidden collage of photographs that encapsulate my aspirations. Like secrets buried beneath the surface, these images are covered with fine beach sand, a metaphor for the layers of consciousness that conceal our innermost hopes.
As I engage with my Garden of Dreams, I embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and introspection. With each touch of the soil, I unearth the courage to confront my fears, coaxing my dreams to blossom and flourish. The act of gardening becomes a poetic dance, where my hands caress the earth, coaxing forth the vibrant potential hidden within.
The Garden of Dreams is a testament to the power of imagination and the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the challenges of a dry landscape, I have created an oasis where dreams take root and bloom. This garden serves as a reminder that with determination and creativity, we can transcend limitations and cultivate our own version of paradise—one where dreams and reality intertwine, nourishing our souls and inspiring us to reach new heights
Confronted with limited water resources and constrained gardening options, I found solace and therapeutic release in tending to this unique garden. It became a sanctuary where I could face my fears and insecurities head-on. In this transformative space, I set out to nurture not just plants but also my dreams and aspirations.
In the heart of my garden, beneath the tender blades of grass, lies a hidden collage of photographs that encapsulate my aspirations. Like secrets buried beneath the surface, these images are covered with fine beach sand, a metaphor for the layers of consciousness that conceal our innermost hopes.
As I engage with my Garden of Dreams, I embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and introspection. With each touch of the soil, I unearth the courage to confront my fears, coaxing my dreams to blossom and flourish. The act of gardening becomes a poetic dance, where my hands caress the earth, coaxing forth the vibrant potential hidden within.
The Garden of Dreams is a testament to the power of imagination and the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the challenges of a dry landscape, I have created an oasis where dreams take root and bloom. This garden serves as a reminder that with determination and creativity, we can transcend limitations and cultivate our own version of paradise—one where dreams and reality intertwine, nourishing our souls and inspiring us to reach new heights
The Head
2023, Photocollage and drawing, poppies and plants of Malta
In the artwork "Head," I explore the connection between the act of walking and the process of thinking, drawing inspiration from Richard Long's ideas that walking helps us think. The piece embodies the notion that thought is intricately intertwined with the body and spirit, uniting them in harmony.
Just as walking entails stepping from one foot to another, thinking involves moving from one idea to the next. I illustrated the parallel between these two processes, where both are in a constant state of seeking balance. Thought is portrayed as a dynamic force, devoid of rest, constantly in motion, akin to the balance maintained during walking, where moments of disequilibrium are followed by stability. The act of walking becomes a metaphor for the movement of thought, and vice versa. It is as if the body's movement spurs the mind's activity, and in turn, the thoughts influence the body's direction.
Just as walking entails stepping from one foot to another, thinking involves moving from one idea to the next. I illustrated the parallel between these two processes, where both are in a constant state of seeking balance. Thought is portrayed as a dynamic force, devoid of rest, constantly in motion, akin to the balance maintained during walking, where moments of disequilibrium are followed by stability. The act of walking becomes a metaphor for the movement of thought, and vice versa. It is as if the body's movement spurs the mind's activity, and in turn, the thoughts influence the body's direction.
A4, photo collage, flowers, gel pen
