From the memories of Maryna Semenkova, an artist-in-residence who witnessed the beginning of the war in Ukraine.
When I was taping the windows, I thought - how strange, my life now depends on scotch tape.
It was the second day of the war. Official sources announced that the night in Odesa is going to be hot. Air strikes were expected. It was recommended to seal the windows with adhesive tape, since glass fragments may cause injuries during explosions - and more often people die not from explosions, but from pieces of shuttered glass.
As part of the residency at the Atelier 11, Maryna recreated her experience in Ukraine through the immersive multimedia performance that resulted in a monumental installation on the main facade of the Atelier.
As part of the residency at the Atelier 11, Maryna recreated her experience in Ukraine through the immersive multimedia performance that resulted in a monumental installation on the main facade of the Atelier.
The closing event on May 9th featured the film premiere based on Semenkova's performance, produced by Luca Papini. It also presented a rare opportunity to be introduced to the artist's inner world and experience a meditative ritual that Maryna uses as she prepares for her immersive art performances. Artist guided us through simple exercises that she also uses in the everyday life to bring inner peace, reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
The event also included the photography exhibition "A Liminal Square" - portraits from Kyiv by Tatiana Grigorenko. A Paris-based artist born in the United States into a family of Soviet political dissidents, in late February 2014 Tatiana traveled to Kyiv to photograph the “Maidan” Square Revolution. Just days earlier, a despised president had been successfully overthrown in a popular uprising. But the revolutionaries were not going home. On the barricades, they had found strength, encountered death, discovered hope and solidarity, founded a community. They refused to let the square be taken away from them. Standing sentinel, they held their breath. Everything was possible. They could not know they were witnessing the beginning of a war. Or that it would explode so horrifically, exactly eight years later.
Linked to the history of Atelier 11 as a refuge to a multicultural artistic community during the war-torn 20th century, the event is followed by the discussion with both artists about their experience witnessing the war unfolding today in the heart of Europe. Moderated by curator and art historian Clotilde Scordia.
On view by appointment: April 15 - May 10, 2022
Opening and Performance: Thursday, 14 April
Closing event: Monday, 9 May, 18 - 21h
Address: 11 Cité Falguière, 75015 Paris
On view by appointment: April 15 - May 10, 2022
Opening and Performance: Thursday, 14 April
Closing event: Monday, 9 May, 18 - 21h
Address: 11 Cité Falguière, 75015 Paris
All proceeds will go towards L'AiR Arts solidarity initiatives, including residencies for arts workers in exile.
The opening event on April 14th is also accompanied by a special Cité Falguière meal and a glass of wine, presented as part of solidarity canteen. Join us remotely at your location anywhere in the world anytime by trying our signature borsch recipe!
The opening event on April 14th is also accompanied by a special Cité Falguière meal and a glass of wine, presented as part of solidarity canteen. Join us remotely at your location anywhere in the world anytime by trying our signature borsch recipe!
"The last 4 days of February - Diary" - film screening featured at the opening event on April 14 about the artist's journey from Ukraine to France.
