THE STORY

Introduction to Artistic Background and Early Influences

I was born in St. Petersburg, a city steeped in history and beauty, to an artistic and intellectual family. From an early age, I was immersed in the world of creativity, deeply inspired by the work of my grandparents—two remarkable figures whose influence shaped my understanding of art and design. Their work ignited a passion in me, and I was drawn to the world of artistic expression from the very beginning.

Professional Development in Fashion and Photography

As I grew, my journey took me into the heart of the fashion and advertising industries, where I worked with top-tier fashion magazines and photography studios in St. Petersburg. While my professional life thrived in the commercial realm, my love for painting also flourished, and I found myself taking on commissions that allowed me to explore my artistic voice further.

Transition to Full-Time Artist

Relocating to the UK opened up new dimensions in my work, unlocking countless opportunities and propelling my development as both a photographer and an artist. Over the years, I've had the privilege of working with celebrated figures such as Lulu, the Sugababes, Sting, and Robbie Williams. Yet, it was in making the transition from commercial photography to becoming a full-time artist that I truly began to thrive, embracing the freedom to explore my artistic vision and engage more deeply with the world of contemporary art.

Film as an Evolving Medium

Film has become an integral part of my artistic practice, a natural evolution of my passion for photography. It allows me to create immersive experiences—displays and installations that invite viewers to explore themes through a heightened sensory journey. This medium lets me expand my storytelling and convey complex emotions and ideas in ways that are both personal and universal.

Displacement, Heritage, and Identity

Born into a pre-revolutionary aristocratic family, I experienced the profound displacement brought on by the societal shifts of the Soviet and post-Soviet eras. The loss of my family's heritage and the disruption of our way of life created a deep sense of separation from my roots. However, moving to the West allowed me to reconnect with that lost heritage and find myself in an environment that offered healing and restoration. This journey sparked my fascination with human resilience—the ability to adapt, integrate, and merge seemingly incompatible elements. These themes of displacement and the reclaiming of identity are central to my work, where I explore the harmony and tension between contrasting objects and ideas, revealing the beauty that lies in their coexistence. My art is a process of rebuilding and integrating my heritage with the new cultural landscapes I encounter, embracing both the richness of my past and the transformative potential of the present.

Art as Conversation with the Self and the World

Art is my language of conversation, not only with the world around me but with the audience—and with myself. Through my work, I engage in a continuous dialogue that reflects both my inner world and my interaction with external realities. I aim to provoke introspection and invite others to connect with their own vibrancy and uniqueness, allowing them to discover new dimensions within themselves. My work is an invitation to explore the contradictions that shape our world, to engage in self-reflection, and to embrace the complexity that makes us who we are. It is a journey of discovery, where both the personal and the collective converge, revealing the layers of meaning that define our shared experience.

The Art of Journaling: A Personal Exploration of Memory and Identity

My art journals are an intimate extension of my creative process, where personal history, memory, and identity intersect. Through these handcrafted pages, I explore the interplay between photography, text, and found objects, creating a tactile narrative that is both reflective and experimental. Each journal is a journey through layers of time—blending the past and present—as I document not only my own experiences but also the larger stories of my family's heritage. The process of creating these journals is both cathartic and revelatory, offering a space for reflection, discovery, and transformation. By integrating personal ephemera with contemporary materials, I invite viewers to experience these journals as both objects of art and windows into the deeper complexities of memory and identity. The act of journaling has become a way to both preserve and reimagine my past, while continuing to evolve as an artist in the present.

A Journey of Curation, Collaboration, and Growth

Curating at Gallery 1885 has been an incredibly inspiring and enriching experience. It has not only allowed me to immerse myself in the vibrant world of art and photography but also to foster new opportunities for collaboration and growth. Guiding artists through the process of presenting their work has been deeply fulfilling, as I've witnessed firsthand the powerful impact of collective creativity. Working alongside other talented artists has broadened my own perspective, and each exhibition has been a learning experience, full of discovery. The collaborative process has encouraged me to think in new ways about how art can be presented and perceived, opening up further opportunities for personal and professional growth. Ultimately, curation has allowed me to facilitate a space for shared expression, where both the artists and the audience engage in meaningful conversations about their experiences, ideas, and artistic visions.

Conclusion

Alongside my artistic practice, I am honoured to serve as Programme Secretary at Hampstead Photographic Society, where I continue to share my love for the art of photography and inspire others to explore their own creative journeys.

*Klavdia Temnomeroff - Great aunt) - artist & stage decorator artist

*Iakov Chernikhov - (Grandfather) - constructivist architect and graphic designer ==>> "Iakov Chernikhov. Geometry Codes"