Awakening 2018

Curator: Timur Akhriev created this piece, titled "Awakening", in 2018, utilizing both oil and acrylic paints, resulting in an intriguing matter-painting technique. Editor: The texture alone is immediately captivating. The figure almost seems to be dissolving or emerging from a cloud of vibrant confetti, a strange visual representation of rebirth. Curator: It's tempting to place Akhriev's work within the context of neo-expressionism. Do you find its abstracted form aligns with the movement's focus on subjective perspective and raw emotion? Editor: Absolutely, but I see more. This isn't just about raw emotion; there's a strong sense of transformation present. The way the human form interacts with floral-esque motifs points towards old fertility symbolism or a person’s life intertwining with their surrounding environment. What about that single strand of hair across her face, a subtle visual marker? Curator: I appreciate that observation. In the grander scheme, one might interpret this "Awakening" as a reflection on societal perceptions of the individual, and the role of the body as canvas to express feelings about the politics surrounding how gender, beauty and nature interact. How those paintings might then participate in different historical moments or public debates. Editor: Ah, so seeing it as a statement beyond personal transformation to include larger questions of the position of an individual. Considering how we are seeing such focus on symbolism these days, it speaks of collective conscious change! What could otherwise become solely about an inner self becoming alive instead shifts into a broader political arena regarding social awakening. Curator: Precisely! The visual representation prompts us to analyze our current condition in light of shifting artistic expression and activism. I am still pondering about this blend between abstraction, figuration and how they intersect in Neo Expressionism! Editor: Yes, and for me the lingering impression is about cycles, decay and emergence. It really highlights our interpretation about time and transition.