Katya Emelyanova

UNLOCKED

Katya Emelyanova (b. 1984), an artist educated in the theory of art, can already include in her exhibition biography participation in the 4th Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art (Special Programme, 2011) and a solo exhibition at the Moscow Museum of Modern Art (2012).

Her art is based on the utopian desire to study man and his interaction with the world. In her new project ‘Unlocked’ attention is focused on the concept of dualism that inevitably exists in every sphere of our life. What motivates human beings when ideas and desires are conceived, in conditions of constant transformation? By what proportion do external obstacles on the path to personality formation influence them? Or maybe, on the contrary, the absence of incidental impediments is actually the path to self-knowledge? ‘Unlocked’ expresses by visual means liberation from the stereotypes, agendas, prejudices and pre-assigned modes of behaviour that exist in all of us, and presents the possibility of coming to terms with our lack of freedom in a social context.

In this series Katya was inspired by the work of legendary video artist Nam June Paik: his work with unpredictable forms of interference was an important reference in the creation of ‘Unlocked’. The project also demonstrates the artist’s interest in experimenting with material. When creating her light-boxes Katya Emelyanova uses a sieve instead of a traditional screen, and this unusual arrangement allows us to look at this popular device in a whole new way.

Born in Moscow in 1984. Studied the theory of art (Russian State University for the Humanities). In 2007 trained and worked in the Paris studio of celebrated graphic artist Yuri Kuper, whose work, according to the artist herself, largely determined her style.

Selected Exhibitions:

2011
‘Scheme of Priorities’, as part of the festival Museums Night, ARTPLAY Design Centre
‘ZNAK OTVETA’ (‘SIGN OF REPLY’), part of a Special Programme for the 4th Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art, ARTPLAY Design Centre

2012
‘Flesh/Lift’, Moscow Museum of Modern Art (solo)