Commedia dell'Arte in Crimea 2012

Arsen Savadov made this photograph, Commedia dell’Arte in Crimea, by building a scene on the rocks. He brings together a commedia dell'arte performer in white with props like costumes hung from an anchor, and a model ship. You know, I wonder what he was thinking when he made this? It's almost like he's staging a play that's about to be washed away by the sea, or maybe one that has already been abandoned. The waves crash against the rocks, creating a sense of drama and maybe even a little bit of chaos, which is perfect for commedia dell'arte! I admire how Savadov brings together different worlds – the tradition of Italian comedy with a stark Crimean beach scene. It reminds me that artists are always in conversation, borrowing and riffing off each other’s ideas across time. Each of the props here could be read in different ways, opening space for ambiguity and unexpected interpretations.