Yearning for the Sky

A project of the Parallel Program of the 7th Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art
2017
Curators:
Ekaterina Sisfontes
Andrey Prigov
Producer: Zinaida Saplina

Participating Artists

Dmitry & Yelena Kawarga
Marina Zviaginceva
Maria Arendt
Natalya Arendt
Andrey Prigov
D’ARIA
Wojciech Tomasz Pindur
Akihito Okunaka
Toshihiro Sakai
Vitaly Pushnitsky
Maria Koshenkova
DUO Contradiction
Tatiana Antoshina
Vladimir Seleznyov
Vasiliy Slonov
Kim Changkyum
Natalia Struchkova
Tatiana Stadnichenko
David Heikkinen
Aleksander Morozov
Sergey Katran
Dmitry Bulnygin

The project “YEARNING FOR THE SKY” took place as a significant component of the parallel program during the 7th International Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art. The event spanned from October 12th to October 24th in the year 2017 and was hosted at the Exhibition Hall ARTPLAY, situated in Moscow, Russian Federation.

This remarkable initiative featured the participation of artists representing a total of 8 countries, contributing to a diverse and international artistic dialogue. The project aimed to explore various artistic expressions and perspectives within the contemporary art landscape, fostering cross-cultural connections and creative exchanges.

Through this platform, artists had the opportunity to present their works, ideas, and visions, engaging with the overarching theme of “YEARNING FOR THE SKY.” The event provided an avenue for the convergence of artistic talents from different corners of the world, enriching the discourse around contemporary art while contributing to the larger context of the Moscow Biennale.

Yearning for the Sky

Throughout the entirety of human history, the Sky has stood in stark contrast to the Earth, birthed from obscure natural forces. Across ancient times, the Sky has been a dwelling place for ideal beings untouched by the harsh laws of biology, nature, and society. Virtually all inhabitants of the terrestrial realm have sought to ascend to the realm of these sublime creatures, whether during their lifetime or in the afterlife.

In different epochs, the Sky has led numerous societies and entire nations, offering humanity dreams, aspirations, fantasies, and even delirious hopes. It has also been associated with the concept of pure and internal love. The Sky has inspired quests to find celestial elements in earthly existence and efforts to establish paradises on Earth in the form of utopias.

Over the past three centuries, humanity has strived to approach the Sky through various mechanical means – from hot air balloons and dirigibles to airplanes and rockets. Despite these endeavors, the true essence of the Sky has remained elusive. Its enigmatic core, which encompasses human yearnings and dreams, remains shrouded in mystery. Despite being seemingly within reach, the Sky constantly expands into the vast depths of the Universe. Even as we soar high and fast, the Sky recedes into the endless expanses, immersing itself in the turbulence of the stratosphere and eventually transforming into the heavens above distant worlds.

The unattainable nature of the Sky might be the very essence of our unrelenting desire to reach it, reflecting our eternal yearning.

The artists participating in the “Yearning for the Sky” project have utilized their creations to delve into the intricate tapestry of human connections with the Sky throughout history, cultures, geographic regions, and worldviews. Their works have explored a spectrum of emotions, feelings, sensations, and fantasies, as well as the myriad philosophies, scientific paradigms, and technological innovations that have sprung from the boundless blue expanse above us.

Objects

RESIDENTIAL SCULPTURE FOR BIRDS 3
Plastic, metal
2017

Dmitry & Yelena Kawarga

Creating an ark-like structure for homeless animals is a thought-provoking and innovative idea that intertwines art, urban development, and animal welfare. The concept of integrating sculptures that serve as shelters for animals into urban spaces carries several potential benefits and considerations: 1. **Visual Diversity:** These unconventional sculptures can bring a refreshing change to urban landscapes dominated by rational geometric structures. Their organic and biomorphic forms would introduce a unique visual element, blending art and nature. 2. **Aesthetic Appeal:** The sculptures could serve as aesthetic installations that not only provide shelter but also captivate the attention of passersby and engage them in contemplation and conversation. 3. **Cultural Engagement:** Such sculptures could become cultural landmarks, encouraging interaction between citizens and their environment. People might gather around them, fostering a sense of community and shared interest in the welfare of animals. 4. **Animal Welfare Awareness:** These installations could raise awareness about the plight of homeless animals, prompting conversations about responsible pet ownership, adoption, and animal welfare initiatives. 5. **Educational Opportunities:** These structures could also be designed to incorporate educational elements, providing information about animal care, adoption centers, and the importance of coexisting with urban wildlife. 6. **Nature in the City:** By introducing a touch of nature to urban areas, these sculptures could offer a therapeutic and calming effect, helping to counterbalance the stresses of city life. 7. **Participation and Involvement:** The project could encourage citizen involvement, either through designing and building the sculptures or through participating in related events and activities. However, a project of this nature would require careful planning and considerations. It’s important to design the sculptures with the safety and well-being of both the animals and people in mind. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the sculptures would also be essential to ensure a healthy and safe environment for the animals. Gaining support from the local community, animal welfare organizations, and urban planning authorities would be crucial for the success of such a project. Additionally, consideration of the natural behaviors and preferences of the animals is important when designing the sculptures. Different species might have varying needs and preferences for shelter. The project would also need to adhere to local laws and regulations related to public art installations and animal welfare. Ensuring the sustainability of the project in terms of funding, maintenance, and ongoing support is essential for its long-term success. Overall, your idea holds the potential to create a unique and inspiring urban environment that promotes animal welfare, community engagement, and the integration of art and nature. It’s a thoughtful and creative approach to addressing both aesthetic and societal concerns. Artist’s Website: http://kawarga.ru/

ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
Monotype, lightweight concrete, metal
2010

Marina Zviaginceva

Imagine creating urban sculptures that double as shelters for homeless animals. These sculptures could take on imaginative, organic shapes, perched atop buildings or nestled in parks, tailored to suit the needs of the animals they would house. In today’s world, where urban design often follows strict geometric patterns, it might be time to embrace a more inclusive and creative approach. Instead of the usual square pigeon lofts or rectangular doghouses, these sculptures would offer a departure from the norm. On one hand, these artistic installations would introduce a therapeutic visual contrast, injecting natural forms into the urban scenery. Moreover, they would serve as cultural hubs, encouraging citizens to interact with living creatures they might not usually encounter. You might wonder whether homeless animals would naturally inhabit these sculptures. If not, people could actively encourage their presence. The act of waiting and observing would play a crucial role in this process. The goal is to create an atmosphere that redirects attention towards the unpredictability, randomness, and non-functional beauty of nature, providing a counterpoint to the structured urban environment. This concept merges art, architecture, and animal welfare, offering a novel way to reshape urban spaces. The sculptures would serve a dual purpose – providing shelter for homeless animals and sparking conversations about our relationship with the animal kingdom. Through collaboration with local artists, architects, and communities, this idea could enrich both urban landscapes and our connection with the natural world. Artist’s Website: http://www.artmarin.ru/

UPDRAFTS
textile
2017

Marina & Natalia Arendt

THE SKY QUEST
Toys, assembled models, plastic cups,
polyethylene film, LED lights
2017

Andrej Prigov

The artist’s perspective often places the sky as the supreme realm, set apart from the earth and its inhabitants. Simultaneously, the vast oceans, which span the largest expanse of our planet, have often been perceived as a realm of obscurity and disorder. Venturing into the ocean’s depths carries substantial risks for human life. In the human viewpoint, the ocean and its denizens seem consigned to an eternal existence in the nether regions of the universe, a realm infinitely removed from the lofty heights of the sky. Our relationship with the sky remains constant through our dreams, faith, scientific pursuits, and technological advancements. However, we rarely contemplate any potential connections between the ocean and the sky, or the inhabitants of these realms. Have we ever paused to question whether the ocean’s inhabitants yearn for the boundless reaches of the celestial spheres? Do they harbor aspirations of venturing into outer space? While the creatures that inhabit the oceans lack the physical, intellectual, and technical capabilities necessary to realize such dreams, we can envision the possibilities they might unlock in the near future…

BEFORE THE SKY
Plastic, LED, Hydrop
2017

D’Aria

STAIRS FROM HEAVEN
Wood, plastic, papier-maché
2017

Wojciech Tomaz Pindur

The artwork is deeply connected to a symbolic staircase that is intended to lead to a place of refuge and tranquility, often associated with the concept of Haven. To me, the sky embodies a profound symbol of liberty, a realm of dreams and fantasies that stretches the boundaries of human imagination. Yet, in our present times, there exist corners of our Earth where individuals gazing skyward are not met with dreams or freedom, but with the ominous presence of bombs. The sky, a realm that should be free of violence, becomes tainted by the horrors of conflict. This work stands as a manifesto opposing the creation of weapons, the act of killing, and the specter of terrorism. It speaks out against the ravages of war, the constriction of dreams, and the erosion of freedom. Let the sky remain a sanctuary of serenity. No more war! Wojciech Tomaz Pindur This piece occupies a central role in the project, signifying the project’s core theme. It was meticulously crafted for this very space, with a towering stature of approximately 6 meters.

INTER-WORLD-EIGH
Fan, Plastic, Sound, Video Projection
2017

Akihito Okunaka & Toshihiro Saka

This collaborative artwork emerges from the creative minds of two Japanese artists. Akihito’s creations serve to articulate the dynamic interconnections that weave through the diverse phenomena and entities in our world. His intention is to portray the interplay between individuals, objects, and occurrences, facilitating this engagement through the sensory voyage offered by his art. Toshihiro, on the other hand, directs his focus toward the innate beauty present in both our lives and the world around us. His aspiration is for his artworks to serve as small conduits enabling people to reach out and touch that beauty. Their joint endeavor centers around the human yearning for the sky. Initially, viewers are confronted with an image where a multitude of number eights, “88888”, sweep across the screen, reminiscent of the streaming videos commonly found on the internet. This image takes inspiration from this online trend, where many young people watch these videos and replace traditional applause with the repetitive typing of “88888”. This substitution arises from the phonetic similarity between the Japanese word for eight, “Pachi,” and the sound of hand clapping, “Pachi Pachi.” Intrigued by this phenomenon, Toshihiro merged this concept with the ancient Japanese myth “YAKUMO,” which translates to a cloud of eight that bestows good fortune. According to this old legend, clouds converge repeatedly to form the auspicious Yakumo cloud, which brings blessings to those who encounter it. The contemporary digital landscape, particularly the internet, generates a multitude of instances akin to “888888”. These instances are believed to cast blessings upon the world, akin to the Yakumo clouds of yore—a belief rooted in the idea that eight symbolizes eternity. Within the clear expanse of clouds, fortune and favor continue to shimmer eternally. The curator of this exhibition, Ekaterina, has illuminated the enduring significance of the number eight as a representation of eternal continuity. This concept echoes through the perpetuity of luck and blessings, which persistently glimmer amid the transparent veil of cloud.

THE STRUCTURE OF
ROTATION
Wood, 2017
Sculpture from the collection of Denis Chemilyaine

Vitaly Pushnitsky

The appeal to sculpture may appear unexpected within Pushnitsky’s body of work. However, a deliberate exploration of three-dimensional entities commenced with the “Dynamic Structures” series. In this collection, the objects took on an exceedingly uncomplicated form, assembled in configurations reminiscent of children’s building blocks. Remarkably, these creations were forged not from conventional artistic materials, but from everyday construction resources: foam concrete, gypsum board, foam-propylene, chipboard, and technical marble, meticulously layered upon supporting bars. Initially, these pieces may seem disconnected from the art historical narrative, lacking an overt dialogue with it. Yet, upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that this entire endeavor was a quest to restore harmony with humanity at its core, using the fundamental elements as the conduit. This venture into absolute transparency gradually unveiled the underlying mechanics behind Pushnitsky’s visual and narrative surface. Concealed beneath the outwardly expressive and dramatic stories of his paintings was a profound introspective analysis and pursuit of immaculate geometric and spatial systems. This pursuit uncovered the concealed “skeleton” of emotions, intense experiences, and, ultimately, the precise graphic three-dimensional intricacies that constitute a work of art. Through this exploration, Pushnitsky’s work embarked on an internal journey that unearthed the intricate framework upon which his artistic expression is built.

Dmitry Pilikin

Artist’s Website: http://pushnitsky.ru

DIVINE PARCEL
EU pallet, mirror, glass cube, Silver amalgam, Poletelen
2017

Maria Koshenkova

Artist’s Website: http://mariakoshenkova.com

OUR WINDOW
Video installation, plywood, personal experiences.
2017

DUO Contradiction

DUO Contradiction represents an enigmatic assembly of individuals with ambiguous objectives and uncertain paths to engage an undefined audience. This eclectic collective includes Elena (KOLENKA) Rammi and Ekaterina Sisfontes. Through the reconstruction of a fragment of domestic comfort, these artists convey a subtle message: “We extend an invitation to our abode. Take a seat in a more leisurely manner. Rest against the windowsill. Trust us, there’s no need to rush. Today marks a respite. A day when you can gaze upon the cityscape through the wide-open window blinds. We are confident that even if the vista from our window is unfamiliar to you, you will recognize that occasionally, like us, you might also discern something as implausible in the sky.” Elena Rammy’s Website: http://lenarammi.com/

GAGARIN-SUPERMAN
Wood, plywood, acrylic
2017

Tatiana Antoshina

The project encompasses an assortment of paintings and an array of grandiose sculptures. It unfurls as a captivating tale, one that narrates how Yuri Gagarin, upon his return from space, acquires the extraordinary ability to soar through the skies without reliance on aircraft. In this fantastical narrative, the Soviet cosmonaut transforms into a real-life Superman, embarking on missions to aid individuals ensnared in dire predicaments. He rescues polar explorers stranded upon drifting ice floes, liberates Nina, a Caucasian captive perched atop a precipice, and kindles the Kremlin star, among other heroic deeds. His trusted companions are the airborne canines, Belka and Strelka. Navigating across dimensions, Yuri Gagarin’s physical form metamorphoses into forms akin to suprematism, transcending the constraints of space and time. Yuri Gagarin is elevated to the status of a global hero, his remarkable feat transcending borders to become a shared accomplishment of humanity. This tale of wonderment, while weaving its narrative, retains Gagarin’s esteemed renown, drawing him closer to the hearts of people worldwide.

DUMPLING IN THE CLOUDS
Styrofoam, acrylic, silicone
2017

Tatiana Antoshina

The installation titled “DUMPLING IN THE CLOUDS” encapsulates the essence of an ethereal dumpling. Amongst us all—artists, dreamers, and romantics—the attendees of this celestial exhibition, I am no exception. In this imaginative representation, the dumpling assumes the role of a lofty being, dwelling within dreams, floating within higher realms, suspended amidst the clouds. Simultaneously, the Dumpling remains oblivious to the fact that to human eyes, it is simply a dumpling—an object that may arouse appetites and soon find itself consumed. The work’s title mirrors a dish listed on a menu, akin to offerings such as “herring under a fur coat” or “mushrooms in sour cream”.

THE FALL OF ZELONG
Gypsum, acrylic, paint spray, mixed media
2017

Vladimir Seleznyov

“The Fall of Zelong” narrates the tale of an Empire led by the tyrannical ruler Krang, which had conquered numerous planets within our galaxy. This dominion encounters a formidable challenge when pitted against Earth’s champion, Rob Drop, and his steadfast comrade, Martian Lokita Taky. The narrative inherently contains elements of fiction gleaned from a range of Soviet and international sources. Written by the author during their adolescence, at the tender age of 13, the story inevitably carries a sense of youthful exuberance. The characters pivotal to this narrative are captured in the form of busts, accompanied by their respective descriptions. For the author, the yearning for the sky serves as a wistful connection to childhood—a time when the heavens seemed bluer, the foliage greener, and the freedom to engage in whimsical escapades was boundless. This sentiment encapsulates the desire to relive a time when the world was painted in the hues of innocence and carefree exploration.

THE COTTON RACKET
Wadding, textile, thread, stitches
2015

Vasily Slonov

The evidence that a seemingly whimsical concept can propel technological advancement forward is exemplified by a wadded rocket poised for space travel. This distinctive rocket made its debut at the “Wreaths of the Apocalypse” exhibition held at the Vinzavod gallery on 11.12. It now resides within Alexander Sharov’s personal collection and has been generously made available to contribute to the YEARNING FOR THE SKY project.

GARDEN
Video installation, 4:15 min
2007

Kim Chang Kuym

The projection of video images onto objects, creating an interplay of projected imagery with physical forms, dismantles the boundary between reality and fiction. This interplay simultaneously challenges steadfast beliefs and preconceived notions about the reality of both objects and images. Although the objects bear a superficial resemblance to their originals, this resemblance is purely superficial, lacking any fundamental similarity beyond appearance. Similarly, the video images mirror the original objects, but they lack the tangible presence that endows a real object with its authenticity. This juxtaposition highlights an inherent absence and insufficiency in the relationship between the objects and their visual counterparts, as they merely imitate fragments of the original objects. Consequently, these objects and video images adopt a stance of substitution and augmentation for the genuine items they emulate. Moreover, the artist’s work endeavors to immerse the audience within a realm that emulates reality. This crafting of circumstances that transcend sensory reality stands as the crux of the artist’s approach. Consequently, the artwork may appear sophisticated due to its digital veneer, but its creation process retains analog characteristics. This fusion of digital appearance and analog foundation elicits a sophisticated response from the audience, yielding an impression of refinement.

TRUE (OCOLUS 5)
Canvas, acrylic, pencils
2017

Natalia Struchkova

This piece extends a series of works focused on ceilings. The entire series draws inspiration from the architectural tradition of painted ceilings, a practice that emerged during the Renaissance and has continued to the present day. Throughout history, celestial paintings have adorned domes, arches, and enclosures, compelling viewers to look upward and contemplate. Although they’ve been imbued with various meanings, they consistently evoke a sense of aspiration towards the future, dreams, and the hope for universal harmony. In this work, the artist envisions a contemporary interpretation of a painted ceiling. Having been exposed to antiquity, the Renaissance, Modernism, and Postmodernism, and amidst the proliferation of three-dimensional graphics and digital connectivity, the artist’s painting dismantles dreams. The clouds, no longer ethereal as in the past, now consist of LEGO pieces. The canvas, while still fostering hope, is veiled with an opaque acrylic paint that reflects the times. The composition of the celestial landscape is meticulously calculated using a three-dimensional program, embracing a deliberate structure rather than randomness. The pursuit of a new collective identity through technology has, paradoxically, yielded feelings of disillusionment and isolation. Amidst these sentiments, our gaze returns to the ceiling, only to encounter an imagery reminiscent of a sticker in a digital messaging platform, such as Telegram. This juxtaposition underscores the complex interplay between technology, aspiration, and a sense of connectedness in the contemporary age.

THE INTERVAL
Video-sound installation, 10 min
Sound: David Heikkinen
2017

Tatiana Stadnichenko & David Heikkinen

“And at home, hay is in the meadows and the pope smokes, leaning his elbows on the gate … “Sasha Sokolov First, there was the sky. It came into our houses, clapped open windows, dust drifted, and pain blew. We changed tables, balconies, apartments, and country. They stood in the evenings on the bridges, they caught the passing day, forgot the present looked, the past. Reality moved with the speed of the clouds …”Back home, hay carpets the meadows As the priest leans, smoking, on the gate…” – Sasha Sokolov It all began with the sky. It ventured into our homes, sweeping through wide-open windows, trailing dust, and carrying pain on its breath. We shifted tables, moved between balconies, switched apartments, and even ventured into the countryside. In the evenings, we stood upon bridges, grasping at the fleeting day, letting the present slip from view as we gazed into the recesses of the past. Reality surged forward, propelled by the swiftness of clouds…

THE BELLTOWER OF HAPPINESS
Rod metal, welding
2017

Alexander Morozov

In the Sheksna region of Vologda, when the belfry of the Zapogist church crumbled, a bell famous across the country as the “bell of happiness,” due to its role in Alexei Balabanov’s film “I Want Also,” locals perceived it as a mystical sign. This event occurred precisely 40 days following the director’s passing. The piece on display at the exhibition is a structure resembling a barge, bearing the framework of the belfry toward an enigmatic celestial haven. This floating vessel, adorned with the fallen bell tower from Sheksna, still quests for its original port. The notion of historical time, narrative, and the flow of consciousness undergoes a transformation as it gives way to the architecture of modernism, embodied by a grid-like structure. This fusion of elements and concepts evokes a sense of ethereal voyage and metaphysical exploration.

ROCKET DOG MEMORYHOUSE
Neon
2017

Alexander Morozov

The path to space for humanity has been significantly influenced by canine companions. Laika, Squirrel, and Strelka are names familiar to all. Remarkably, preceding human astronauts, a total of 48 dogs ventured into “that realm,” with an additional two following suit. Regrettably, 20 of them did not return. This installation stands as a dedicated memorial to this poignant chapter in space exploration. Comprising three objects, it has been crafted through a meticulous analysis of the positional relationships among celestial bodies during the launch of these pioneering missions: – LAIKA’s ODYSSEY – MISHKA & CHIGIK’s JOURNEY – PCHELKA & MUSHKA: INTO THE COSMOS

UNTITLED
3D printing, gypsum, metal wire rope, mirror
2017

Sergey Katran

The sky exists in both an outer and an internal sense. In the outer realm, one can purchase an airplane ticket and journey to destinations like Stockholm or Beijing. However, traversing the inner sky presents a greater challenge. The inner sky lacks the stability of the outer and does not conform to three-dimensional constraints.

To illustrate the potential of navigating the Inner Sky, I propose examining the installation titled “Untitled,” a creation tailored for the “Longing for the Sky” project. It is not within my purview to provide commentary on this artwork, as such an endeavor often intrudes upon the artist’s intended meaning and interpretation, overshadowing it.

I aspire for the observer to engage with my creation autonomously and formulate their own assessment of “the artist’s message.” Hence, I refrained from assigning a name to this piece. Gratitude to considerate individuals for their collaborative role in this creative process!

Sergey Katran

Artist’s Website: http://www.katranland.com/

UNTITLED (TENNIS)
Single-channel video, projection on ceiling, sound
2007

Dmitry Bulnygin

Russian tennis has garnered global renown, captivating audiences worldwide. Men from diverse nations find joy in watching Russian female tennis players showcase their skills on the court. This project aims to capture the aspirations of millions, portraying their dreams through artistic representation. Artist’s Website: http://bulnygin.com