This body of work is a personal meditation on the legacy inherited as a child of post-Soviet Russia—a legacy imbued with loss, disconnection, and the ephemeral nature of life. In my early years, I was severed from the living memory of my forebears, as my grandparents and later my father passed away before I had the opportunity to forge deeper relationships with them or gain insight into their lived experiences. Their premature departures, occurring predominantly in their sixties, appear intertwined with the recurrent social and political upheavals that have long characterized our national history. These destabilizing forces—frequent wars, political turbulence, and economic collapses—have not only curtailed individual lifespans but have also diminished the collective value ascribed to life in Russia. Despite advancements in science, medicine, and economic potential, systemic neglect and devaluation of human life persist, reflecting a broader societal malaise.
In contrast to this legacy of loss and disillusionment, I embrace a counter-narrative: the conviction that the true inheritance I possess is the desire to explore the world and to experience life in its fullest spectrum—ideally extending my own life well beyond a century. My creative practice is informed by the belief that one’s existence, much like a rare diamond, is extraordinarily precious and should not be squandered on the inexorable machinations of geopolitical power plays. This philosophy is encapsulated in the physical artifact of my work—a necklace composed of embroidered elements, natural stones, reclaimed tiles, and bones. These components serve as a tangible metaphor for the inevitable remnants of life: the physical traces that persist long after personal identity has faded. Thus, the piece is both a memento of mortality and a celebration of living fully in the present, urging viewers to find meaning and value in each moment amidst an impermanent world.
