The Russian Gen-Z Artist Exploring Digital Mythologies

A new exhibition at the Hoxton Gallery, London, houses a unique exploration of Russian folklore and mythology. Curated by SHOWstudio contributor, writer and curator Anastasiia Fedorova, the show spotlights the work of Polina Osipova. The up-and-coming self-taught artist draws on family ties to the indigenous Russian Chuvash people, using traditional embroidery techniques in her sculptural art works, pearl headpieces, jewellery and clothing. Posting the multi-media works to Instagram, Osipova often digitally animates the works and creates videos where her art becomes moving installations, all the whilst reaching a new global audience outside of Russia.

For curator Federova championing Russian creatives on an international stage is a priority; she is also the founder of the artist platform Russian Queer Revolution. Having previously curated a show about bootleg fashion, The Real Thing, at London's Fashion Space Gallery, Federova's latest venture is part of the Cothinkers Annual Prize 2021, of which Osipova is this year's winner. The London-based prize was founded in 2020 to elevate emerging artistic talent who represent communities less commonly seen on a global stage. The exhibition focuses on Osipova's work connected to the concept of digital mythology, and highlights the recurring motifs in the artist's work which include eyes, tears, hands, silver coins and the wolf.

'All of these motifs create a story which allows the viewer to muse on the power of nature and our place within it, while reviving and reimagining forgotten histories and connecting with ancestral female power', says a press statement.

The exhibition runs 27 — 30 October at Hoxton Gallery London, E2 7JN.