Galina Agafonova Explores The Intersection Of Nature, Technology, And Human Experience
Galina Agafonova, contemporary Russian artist, creates immersive installations and multimedia works that explore themes of balance, humanity, and innovation. Photo by Mari Inkova
Innovative Installations And Thought-Provoking Themes From A Visionary Russian Artist
Galina Agafonova’s art merges nature, technology, and humanity through multimedia works, installations, and photography, addressing themes of balance, personal growth, environmental concerns, and the transformative power of dreams.
G alina Agafonova is a force in contemporary art, a visionary whose innovative approach captures the delicate interplay between humanity, nature, and technology. With each new project, she pushes the boundaries of artistic expression, merging thought-provoking themes with striking visual narratives that leave a lasting impression. From steel sculptures to mirror installations and explorations in neural networks, her ability to select materials that perfectly align with her conceptual vision is nothing short of extraordinary.
Her works, such as “Self-Sharpening” and “From the Point of View of the Sky,” are not just art pieces—they are emotional and intellectual experiences. Layered with meaning, her installations reflect on themes like mental discipline, the search for balance between mind and heart, and the ever-changing relationship between humans and their environment. Agafonova’s artistry is deeply connected to the world in which she creates, weaving together the urban and the natural, the technological and the organic, to tell stories that resonate universally.
Agafonova’s ability to dive into complex subjects while maintaining a sense of accessibility is a testament to her artistic brilliance. Whether addressing environmental concerns, exploring personal dreams, or collaborating with brands to merge art and industry, her voice remains authentic and powerful. With a career that has already seen remarkable acclaim—ranging from international exhibitions to prestigious awards—it is clear that her journey is only just beginning.
In this interview, Agafonova shares insight into the driving forces behind her practice, the inspirations that guide her creative path, and her dreams for the future. Through her thoughtful reflections, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the mind behind the art and what makes her one of the most compelling artists of her generation. We are honored to feature Galina Agafonova and celebrate her ever-evolving contributions to the world of contemporary art.
Galina Agafonova’s artistic brilliance lies in her ability to seamlessly merge bold innovation with profound, reflective storytelling.
How have your studies at the New PhotoSchool in 2019 and The Rodchenko Art School in 2023 shaped and expanded your understanding of contemporary art and photography?
Until 2019, I was engaged in commercial photography. I had questions and burning interest when visiting exhibitions at MMOMA and others…. I started studying art history and contemporary art. I was created my first photo project https://agafoto.ru/brokenpeople I felt the need to communicate with the experts of the art community. I went to the New PhotoSchool. There I expanded understanding of art photography and found like-minded authors. However, while already working on the “Oasis. Permeation”. I dreamed about installations and decided that I needed to learn modern mediums and approaches to creating objects. When I went to Rodchenko’s School. The world appeared to be an open field for communication in an artistic language, where any object, ready-made or created from any material and in any technique, can become a practical word. The boundlessness and flexibility of contemporary art and the ways to express ideas and meanings opened to me. I had the courage to think with different materials and select them for an idea from a variety.
From steel sculptures to mirror installations to neural networks, your material choices are unique. How do you decide on the type of materials? Is it based on the theme, message, or functionality?
Yes, I work with different materials and I’m always happy to experiment. However, the idea and theme always come first, and based on this, I’m looking for the right material to embody. Functionality is also an important criterion for me when choosing. It is important to me that the work turns out to be as strong as possible, with a minimum of risks during transportation.
Your recent installation “Self-Sharpening” beautifully merges themes of mental discipline and heart sensitivity. What was the inspiration behind this project, and what emotional or intellectual response are you hoping to evoke from viewers?
I am watching with interest how various methods of taking care of my mental health and personal stability are gaining popularity. What a popular psychotherapy, neurography, meditation, and personal growth training. I do not deny the importance of taking care of your psyche, only if the emphasis is not shifted towards selfishness and caring solely about your self-love. There are so many people nowadays who are self-sufficient, beautiful, successful… but lonely. In this work, I wanted to awaken the audience’s awareness of the importance of balance between the mind and the heart (soul).
Many of your projects, such as “Polylog. Forms” and “Efforts Toward the Unattainable,” explore the interaction between human activity and nature. How important are environmental concerns in your work, and how do you balance this with urban and technological influences?
Urbanization and ecology, development and widespread adoption of high technologies are all topics within which I exist and try to comprehend them all at once through art. I am concerned about how a person transforms along with the accelerating world of cities. How many contradictions and inconsistencies arise. Environmental aspects are important and, hope, can be traced in my work.
Your “Come True” installation conceptualizes dreams becoming reality. How does this project reflect your personal aspirations or experiences, and why are “fallen stars” such an iconic motif for you?
The project reflects both personal aspirations and experience. In turbulent times, we are all looking for a foothold to stand up, cheer up and continue to live our lives. ” Come True ” is personal method and the answer to this search. I am a dreamer, think a lot about what kind of result this gives me. One of the answers is the experience of fulfilled desires, which helps me as an accomplished and irrevocable fact. It inspires faith in oneself and in the future. Interestingly, the project itself was created out of a dream come true to visit an art residence. Enjoy the power of your dreams!
You’ve worked with brands like The Act and Pyrotek, merging art with broader industries. How do you ensure your artistic voice is preserved?
It was easy to keep my artistic voice within the framework of cooperation with these brands, because it was for this reason that they came to me with proposals for collaborations. I am grateful to them for their sensitivity to me as an artist. I was pleased that people listened to me and were inspired, picked up on my ideas. For example, The Act was so inspired by the idea of the 25th hour that it created a separate, unique 25th Hour cream as part of our collaboration. This format of interaction is inspiring!
What do you hope your audience takes away when interacting with your work, particularly installations like “From the Point of View of the Sky,” which reflect freedom and hope?
I hope that the project “From the point of view of the sky” will help the viewer to feel a certain uplifting vector. I have no doubt that he exists in every destiny, despite the difficult situations and trials we face. These iron birds, which will never end up in the sky, but carry the idea of flight and the sky within themselves, I want them, like the Eagles from Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, to come to the rescue of those who need it.
With numerous exhibitions and awards under your belt, what direction do you envision for your artistic practice in the next few years? Are there new mediums, themes, or collaborations you’re hoping to explore?
I am attracted by the opportunities that open up with the development of AI/3D/VR.…It would be interesting explore their applicability in my art. I plan to develop and scale the ideas of projects in the methods in which I already work. I also dream that one day my work will participate in the Venice Biennale, although I look forward to any international projects, I hope they are ahead! I am always open to cooperation)
