Olga Tarasova’s The other side exhibition is a space of harmony and aesthetic freedom. The artist weaves multilayered sheets of textile and metal into an alternative reality of her own, achieving an immersive effect through the interplay of shadows mirroring the infinite curves of fabric. Her interest, however, lies not only in forms and materials, but in the invisible elemental force capable of producing beauty. In the world of Tarasova’s creation, air masses unseen by the human eye turn into sources of clearly visible magic. Swept by illusory movement, metallic mesh appears to slowly curl up and then, as if blown by a gust of wind, seems to soar upwards, only to softly come down afterwards.

Most of the works featured in the show emerged when Olga was going through a difficult stage, battling a critical illness. Devoting herself to the project on a daily basis, she transformed her negative emotions into positive ones, ultimately creating a new reality filled with light and willingness to go forward. Every object here encapsulates an alternative vision of life, symbolising the overcoming of hardships and the search for order amid the whirlwind of existence.

The exhibition’s underlying philosophy echoes Konstantin Tsiolkovsky’s ideas about the unity of mankind and the cosmos, according to which every moment, every sensation, and every action are imbued with a special meaning subject to the will of the Universe.

Olga Tarasova’s creations summon an atmosphere of introspection, inviting the viewers to explore their inner world, taking special note of its ‘other’ side – the place concealed from the casual eye and full of profound emotions.

Sculptor and textile artist Olga Tarasova was born in Perm in 1985. After graduating from the Perm Art College, she completed her studies at the Alexander von Stieglitz St. Petersburg State Academy of Art and Design: for her degree project, Olga created a collection of women’s dresses and accessories out of felted wool, silk, suede cloth, and veiling. From 2011 onward, she had spent several years collaborating with the St. Petersburg-based Ianis Chamalidy fashion house. Since 2005, Olga has been taking part in national and international fashion, design, and contemporary art festivals and competitions.