I Created A Paper Costume Inspired By War

My art is a form of existence for me, but now my existence is intertwined with the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Previously, my work was solely dedicated to the history of costume or my reinterpretations of national dress. I worked for pleasure, exploring and aiming to bring only beauty and joy to the world. However, the direction of my projects has now shifted, shaped by my own experiences and personal reflections.

I’ve started creating costumes and objects that embody profound experiences, helping my creative spirit to revive itself and find the strength to create even amidst suffering and pain. For me, these new projects signify a transition to another stage, perhaps more personal, but certainly more meaningful and profound.

I work for the result, and the culmination of the creative whirlwind is a photoshoot – a happening that cannot be replicated. The interaction of image, costume, model, and photographer as a unified organism, living in the present moment, is unique. It’s akin to the birth and death of life within a few hours; lifeless paper comes to life on the model, while the living model transforms into a frozen sculpture.

I only feel the completion of the project after the photoshoot; the photos themselves become less important, overshadowed by the significance of this singular process.

More info: Instagram