Zhanna Kadyrova, artist from Ukraine. Photography © Natalka Diachenko
1.In your opinion what is the role of a museum?
In my opinion the main role of museum is to keep, research and explore cultural objects. It is well known that no future with out knowing the past. Thus, museum is a public storage of artifacts and scientific facts.
2.What are your favorite museums in the world? Why?
Speaking about my favorite museum in the world I want to highlight the Kmityv Museum of Fine Arts named for Joseph Bukhanchuk. This is the unique example of realized utopia. This museum based in small Ukrainian village (675 people), 120 km from Kiev, the capital city.
It was built in the 80s Soviet Ukraine then, with initiative of former military officer who collected and appreciated soviet paintings: two-floors building was constructed by students (1500 square meters). Also I want to add that students brigade from St. Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts participated in construction works for this museum.
At present time the collection of museum has over than 3000 works. My favorite period of existence of this museum is then my colleges contemporary artist and art historians organized Contemporary art department. It was series of exhibition that added contemporary art works that made reconceptualization the permanent collection of Soviet art.
In addition in Ukraine now exist very important project “The museum opened for renovation” that work with small local history museums which expositions remained untouched for 80% from Soviet time. The main goal of this project is contemporary local history studies and to integrate contemporary art to small distante museums.
3.How important are social networks in your business? And which platform do you prefer and why.
The main source of communication for me is my website. Also I use Facebook and Instagram for my professional and informal communication. These are the most popular networks in Ukraine for professional communications that I do mainly via email.
4.In particular, due to the coronavirus emergency, how have you changed your business on social networks?
Due to coronavirus situation I’ve understood that many things can be managed online. I successfully work and produce sculptures distantly via Skype or e-mails. A lot of meetings and conversations now is online, there is no necessity to be present physically there.
Interview by Fabio Pariante, journalist
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Zhanna Kadyrova on social networks: Instagram − Website
Zhanna Kadyrova (Brovary, 1981) is an artist from Ukraine and her production is based on photography, video, sculpture, performance and installations.
She experiments with materials and shapes to which she associates different meanings, in particular with mosaics: the artist in fact often uses already used ceramic tiles and combines them with building materials such as cement and concrete to create clothing and underwear.
Her art is a story in the story, especially of Ukraine, and not only through the recovery of materials to which it gives different meanings, but also because they belong to history and politics. Zhanna Kadyrova lives and works in Kiev.
