«New town»

 

I was born in a small town in the Urals. I graduated high school and university, then I got married. A year ago, because of my husband's job, we moved to one of the biggest cities in Russia, Yekaterinburg.

 

Everything was new to us: the housing, the environment, the rhythm of life. After the move, the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, and we spent a lot of time in the apartment. This made it very difficult for us to adapt to the new place. The feeling of alienation and loss motivated me to create this project. I wanted to get to know the city, to connect with it spiritually. I wanted to leave my mark on the architecture of the city, transforming and reinventing it. 

 

After some of the pandemic restrictions were lifted, I took my camera and went to photograph the city. Observing the dull mass construction, I felt like the smallest person. It seemed to exacerbate my confusion.

As I walked around, I thought about my life, what would happen to my profession. I was also concerned with questions about finding meaning and vocation in a new place. 

 

I printed out photos of the city, then I began to superimpose my own drawings and embroidery on them, as if inserting my inner feelings into them. As I hand-assembled the collage, something was released inside me. Each new work provided an outlet for my emotions. I was surprised by my own imagination. I started showing my collages to my friends, as well as posting them on social media. I received feedback from my friends telling me they felt something similar to what I felt and thanking me for my honesty. 

 

After completing the project, I exhibited it in my home. I put up collages and installations and invited friends over. 

It became a kind of therapy for me. I discovered a new self: creative and observant one, who found the answers. 

I also found my favorite places in Yekaterinburg where I felt good. 

 

This project gave me an opportunity to visualize my feelings about life in a big city and provided insights on how it affected me.