Anna Kostritskaya: Beyond Triumph and Loss: A Resilient Journey Through Art and Identity
8282 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, 90046
Saturday, December 16 at 4:00 PM 8:00 PM
Ends Dec 16, 2023
“Beyond Triumph and Loss: A Resilient Journey Through Art and Identity” is a show that narrates the profound journey of an artist amid the contrasts of life from 2022 to 2023. During the tumultuous times of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, forced bleeding the country and settling down in London, painting emerges as a sanctuary for the artist, a form of escapism from the war's ravages. This period becomes a deliberate attempt to not let the war perpetuate through art, but rather to find refuge and renewal in creation. Central to this journey is the theme of building new worlds, a creative process aiding in preserving and restoring mental well-being, as well as strong belief into the bright future and that everything is possible. The artist undergoes a transformative journey of self-identification, rediscovering their identity in the aftermath of displacement and uncertainty. Alone in a foreign country, the artist contemplates her identity, questioning if her practice, nationality, or familial ties define her as a person, as an artist, or as a human being, and which roles from the past resonate in this new environment. Adapting to the rapid changes of a metamodern world, the artist realizes the importance of not confining to a single identity in terms of societal roles we play. Embracing the concept of a 'creator,' artist finds freedom, sparking new stories and ideas, facing the isolation and fear in a foreign land as the ultimate challenge. This period of introspection and emotional reflection is crucial. The artist confronts fears and barriers, understanding, naming, and taming them, instrumental in rebuilding their world from the old ruins. The artist's paintings represent the invisible connections binding us to the universe, each line a testament to the intertwined material and spiritual realms. These artworks challenge societal and familial expectations shaping identities, reminding us that perceptions are often constructs of our nurturing environment. The artist, born in Kyiv's poorest district and growing up in poverty, stands as proof of the power to redefine oneself. Despite a reality offering no promises for a future in art, friends succumbing to addiction, and financial constraints limiting academic aspirations, the Anna emerges as a creator, choosing an impractical path in their society. Her paintings are more than art; they are a mosaic of decisions, a symbol of unyielding faith, and a narrative of triumph over adversity. They embody the spirit of proving the impossible possible, choosing to believe in life against grim diagnoses, enduring debts to showcase work, and anticipating victory. At 33, these works celebrate breaking free from societal matrices, displaying resilience, and disproving naysayers, epitomizing the absence of fear and the triumph of light over shadow, encapsulating a message of love, strength, and endless possibility. The "Demands of Time to be Multifaceted" project reflects modern societal norms of changing roles and donning masks, sometimes leading to a loss of true essence. The Masks series narrates our society's interconnectedness, the intertwining of fates, and how decisions subtly affect many. It's about searching for one's true calling and essence, navigating the world's games, and finding ease in life's difficult moments. The 'Roots' series symbolizes struggle and the importance of personal boundaries, representing the ecosystem created around oneself. It emphasizes building a support system and understanding 'who you are' to create your ecosystem and connect it to the surrounding space. In London, the artist resets and reevaluates every aspect of her life and creativity, embarking on a journey of self-reflection. This leads to a profound reevaluation of artistic technique and purpose, delving into the core questions of existence and identity. The new technique mirrors this introspection, representing the journey to unravel and understand imposed life meanings. Born into a world of expectations and roles, finding one's true self is a monumental task. Through this journey, the artist knows themselves, shedding old concepts and returning to their core essence. This journey, rich with experiences, is harmoniously reflected in the new series, rich with experience and emotion, is a canvas of resilience and strength, a testament to the indomitable spirit of an artist in search of truth, honesty, and purity. It's a celebration of breaking free from societal matrices, of resilience in the face of skepticism, and of the triumph of light over darkness. These works embody messages of love, strength, and endless possibilities, a powerful testament to the transformative power of art and the human spirit. This event is strictly RSVP at ak@thekorshun.com
  • Curate LA Partner