I am beginning Part 3 of my course, which focuses on curating, planning, and preparing encounters with my work. This feels like the perfect moment to start thinking about how I want to present my art, not just in traditional spaces but in ways that can connect with different audiences. Recently, I’ve been reflecting on an idea that excites me - curating my final bachelor’s exhibition in a restaurant rather than a gallery.
This idea grew out of my experience with Temporary Permanence, where I displayed my work in a public space and reached people who might not usually visit exhibitions. The responses were amazing, and it showed me how art can touch new audiences when brought into unexpected contexts. Here in Saarland, restaurants are deeply connected to local culture, especially with the saying “Hauptsach, gudd gess” ("The main thing is to eat well"). A restaurant like Handelshof, home to Margarita de Perle (see the info below), feels like an ideal setting for my exhibition, as it resonates with the local lifestyle and offers a way to bring art to people who might never step into a museum.
As I start planning, I’m also thinking about the deeper meaning of presenting my work in such a place. What kind of conversations or debates could this exhibition bring up? As a Russian artist, could my work spark dialogue about identity and the current political tensions with Ukraine? The restaurant itself also has a layered history - Margarethe Perl, a mistress tied to themes of status and power, adds another dimension to the context. I’m not yet sure how to connect these ideas, but I feel there is potential for meaningful discussions about culture, history, and society.
This exhibition also feels like the right moment to reflect on my journey as an artist. I’ve been thinking about showing works that span the past 11 years (since 2013), tracing my search for my voice and identity through art. Moving from one place to another, and now settling in Germany, has influenced my practice in profound ways. I want to show how my art has changed over time, shaped by my experiences and the different places I’ve lived.
Below is my initial presentation for a group exhibition at the restaurant. But since I have limited time and it's important to practice first, I decided that this was just a great moment for my final bachelor’s exhibition.
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