Pictures by Ali Najafloo @Pen9studios
Article by Rebeca Riofrio
October marks a month of artistic splendor in the city of London, as the Frieze Exhibits commence, bringing forth a plethora of remarkable parallel exhibitions across the city. Among these, we had the distinct privilege of attending an exhibition that not only captivated our visual senses but also stirred our environmental conscience.
Natalia Kapchuk, a prominent artist, graced the prestigious Saatchi Gallery from the 11th to the 15th of October with her showcase of five remarkable artworks from her collection titled "THE LOST PLANET." This collection serves as an emblematic stand against the destruction of our environment.
About Natalia Kapchuk:
Natalia Kapchuk's journey as an artist began in Russia. At a tender age, she exhibited a remarkable inclination toward the arts, creating small ceramic sculptures for sale at local art fairs. Inspired by her mother, herself an accomplished artist and sculptor, Kapchuk honed her skills in sculpting ceramics. Her artistic journey took her to art school, where she delved into art history, drawing, painting, and composition. Her quest for knowledge extended to foreign languages and international politics, culminating in a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Ural State University, Russia.
With her insatiable curiosity, Kapchuk ventured out of her homeland to explore the world, drawing inspiration for her future art projects from her global travels. To further her artistic education, she pursued additional courses at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and The Chelsea College of Arts in London, UK. Today, Natalia Kapchuk is an internationally acclaimed artist, splitting her time between Dubai, UAE, and London, UK.
Kapchuk's distinctive artistic technique centers around mixed-media assemblage. She skillfully blends a variety of mediums, often incorporating reclaimed, natural, and industrially sourced materials such as tree bark, sand, natural stones, cloth, fermented moss, polymers, resin, gilding, metal chips, and plastics, among others.
Driven by her deep reverence for nature, Kapchuk's art explores pressing global issues, particularly those related to environmental concerns caused by human activity. She serves as an ambassador at The Parliamentary Society of Arts, Fashion, and Sports in the UK, an ambassador for the Better World Fund (BWF), and actively supports charitable organizations dedicated to the protection of the world's lands and oceans.
Let's delve into a brief overview of some of the artworks on display:
Saharan Sands, 2022:
This artwork, composed of fiberglass, wood, pigmented sand, flocking, and plant-based epoxy resin, pays homage to the magnificent Sahara Desert. It visually captures the vibrant hues of this vast desert while drawing attention to the environmental challenges it faces, such as climate change and habitat destruction.
Midas Touch, 2022:
Inspired by the story of King Midas and his insatiable desire for wealth, Kapchuk's "Midas Touch" explores the consequences of human greed. Using mixed media, including fiberglass, chrome, resin, and glitter elements, the artwork sheds light on the destructive nature of resource exploitation and its impact on our planet.
Simulated Earth, 2022:
"Simulated Earth" symbolically represents a world overtaken by AI and VR technologies. Constructed from reclaimed LEGO pieces and microchip elements, the artwork prompts reflection on the blurred lines between the physical and digital realms and their implications for our planet's future.
Gilded Planet, 2022:
With its use of gold leaf, resi-crete, pigments, diamond dust, acrylic paint, and natural glitters, "Gilded Planet" celebrates the richness of Earth's ecosystems. It reminds us of the interconnectedness of all life on our planet and encourages us to protect it.
Poseidon's Shield, 2023:
Drawing inspiration from the forces shaping our oceans, "Poseidon's Shield" uses acrylics, pigments, clay, resin, gold leaf, and wood to convey the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability in our marine ecosystems. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need to protect our oceans.
Natalia Kapchuk's art not only dazzles the eye but also challenges us to contemplate our role in safeguarding the environment. Her commitment to environmental causes and her artistic prowess converge in a captivating exhibition that invites viewers to reflect on the pressing issues of our time. It is a visual feast that inspires both admiration and contemplation, reminding us of the profound connection between art and the world we inhabit.
CAPTURES FROM THE OPENING NIGHT
For more Information please visit
https://kapchukart.com/