CREA International Cultural Centre and Surface Lab Art Gallery Presenting Lidia Russkova-Hasaya’s Public Art Exhibition.
On 19 May 2023, the highly acclaimed multidisciplinary artist Lidia Russkova-Hasaya, in collaboration with Surface Lab Art, will unveil an extraordinary public art installation titled ‘Portal’ at the prestigious CREA International Cultural Centre in Venice.
The Illuminated Gateway
Lidia Russkova-Hasaya’s ‘Portal’ installation is a remarkable sight to behold. Standing at an impressive three metres tall, the installation features a mesmerizing glass door enveloped by a metal frame, resting upon a substantial metal base. The door emanates a soft, radiant glow, accentuated by LED lighting that traces its silhouette, giving the illusion of suspension in mid-air.
Symbolism and Inspiration
Drawing upon extensive research in art history, symbolism, urbanism, and architecture, ‘Portal’ embodies the profound concept of hope and the potential for new beginnings—a metaphorical passage to a better and safer space. However, the inaccessible nature of the door leaves visitors confined within their present reality, provoking contemplation on the path towards their aspirations and emphasizing the significance of the journey itself.
Alena Stetsiukevich, the project’s curator, eloquently describes the installation, “The artist beckons us to contemplate the path leading to our goals and to recognize that it is this very journey which should bring joy and value. Contemporary realities, however, compel us to believe in substitute values that focus our attention on an ephemeral future.”
A Symbolic Setting in Venice
The choice to install ‘Portal’ in Venice carries deep symbolism. Throughout history, doors in Italy, particularly in Venice, have served as vital decorative elements and indicators of status. They provide a glimpse into the spaces they guard, creating anticipation and setting expectations. Venetian doors are not merely ornamental; they possess high functionality as well. Designed to withstand the challenges of Acqua Alta, the periodic flooding caused by the rising Adriatic Sea tide, these doors protect the city from temporary inundation.
Interactive Space and Sustainable Design
Lidia Russkova-Hasaya also thoughtfully engages with the unique environment of the CREA International Cultural Centre, situated in close proximity to the gondolas and motorboat repair docks. The artist’s deliberate choice of materials—metal, glass, and neon—harmoniously integrates with the surroundings. By transforming a seemingly ordinary object, the door, into a profound symbol with diverse interpretations, ‘Portal’ transcends its utilitarian purpose and becomes a work of art. Notably, the installation adheres to the principles of sustainable development, exemplifying the artist’s commitment to environmentally conscious creations.
Don’t Miss the Grand Opening and Exhibition
Mark your calendars for the grand opening of ‘Portal’ on 19 May 2023, from 18:30 to 20:30, at the CREA Cantieri del Contemporaneo, located at Giudecca, 211, in Venice, Italy. The exhibition will continue to captivate art enthusiasts and visitors alike until 31 August 2023.
About Lidia Russkova-Hasaya
Lidia Russkova-Hasaya is a visionary multidisciplinary artist and director who honed her craft at Pace University in New York. Her artistic practice spans various genres, including photography, video, performance, sound, and immersive installations. Surface Lab Art Gallery work delves into the intricate relationship between universal imagery, language, and human impulses. She frequently incorporates textual elements in her projects, showcasing her keen interest in political philosophy.
Surface Lab Art Gallery exploration of the concept of ‘intermezzo,’ as articulated by the renowned French philosopher Gilles Deleuze, further enriches her artistry. It delves into the idea of focusing on the present moment when the past becomes deceptive, and the future remains unknown. Lidia’s thought-provoking art projects have garnered global recognition, and her recent exhibition titled ‘Unfolding’ at the esteemed Ria Keburia Foundation in Georgia received critical acclaim.
About CREA Cantieri del Contemporaneo
CREA Cantieri del Contemporaneo represents a visionary project that originated on Giudecca Island in 2016 under the auspices of the One Contemporary Art Association. This initiative has evolved into a profound collaboration with local artisans, merging contemporary art with traditional craftsmanship to preserve Venice’s rich heritage of arts, crafts, and residences.
Over the past five years, CREA has organized over 60 exhibitions featuring the works of more than 400 artists from across the globe, attracting an impressive audience of 250,000 visitors. CREA actively engages with renowned art institutions such as Gallery Rosenfeld (London), Engel Gallery (Tel Aviv – Jerusalem), and Art 3035 Gallery (Amsterdam), among others, fostering meaningful collaborations within the art world.
Surface Lab Art: Promoting Art as a Conscious Way of Life
Surface Lab Art is not just an art gallery; it serves as a creative space dedicated to promoting art as a conscious way of life. Born out of the ceramic slab manufacturer Surface Laboratory, this visionary project aims to integrate contemporary art into public spaces. The gallery’s mission revolves around presenting artworks that stimulate introspection, challenge preconceived notions, and inspire curiosity towards the unexplored.
By infusing contemporary art into our daily routines, Surface Lab Art seeks to elevate the quality of our everyday lives. Notably, Surface Lab Art participated in the Forever is Now 2021 Biennale with the ‘Ouroboros’ installation by Alexander Ponomarev, which graced the Giza plateau in Cairo as part of an international endeavor.
Experience the Captivating World of ‘Portal’
Prepare to embark on a transformative journey as Lidia Russkova-Hasaya’s ‘Portal’ opens its doors to the public. This exceptional art installation, blending the ethereal beauty of glass and metal, invites contemplation, ignites imagination, and challenges our perception of reality. With its powerful symbolism and the artist’s meticulous attention to detail, ‘Portal’ promises to leave an indelible mark on visitors.
Make sure to attend the grand opening of ‘Portal’ on 19 May 2023, at the CREA Cantieri del Contemporaneo, located at Giudecca, 211, in Venice, Italy. The exhibition will continue to captivate art enthusiasts until 31 August 2023, offering an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in Lidia Russkova-Hasaya’s captivating world of artistic expression.
Don’t miss this extraordinary convergence of art, symbolism, and contemporary philosophy. Experience the transformative power of ‘Portal’ and allow yourself to be transported to new dimensions of thought and emotion within the enchanting city of Venice.