[kɐˈrobʲɪt]
"KOROBIT" [kɐˈrobʲɪt] is a collaborative photographic project with artist Dasha Vasko. The term "коробить," meaning to warp or distort, encapsulates both physical transformation and metaphorical shifts. Just as wood warps due to moisture, our work delves into how identity and memory twist and evolve over time.
Both Dasha and I wanted to explore the feeling of displacement and the transformation of identity. The project juxtaposes portraits of Dasha in intimate spaces, framed through the female gaze. Mirrors play a crucial role, reflecting layers of identity and memory and weaving a cinematic narrative that delves into themes of nostalgia and the female body. We intertwined poetry from Akhmatova, Tsvetaeva, Mandelstam, and Vvedensky, adding depth and inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of womanhood and the passage of time.
Dasha’s sketches break the fourth wall, drawing on top of the images to add another layer of narrative. This dynamic interplay between photographic diptychs and illustration creates a multidimensional experience. We aim to create a space where viewers can engage with the intricate dance between the self and its reflections. The term "коробить" serves as a poignant metaphor for the transformations explored in our work, encapsulating the beauty and tension of distorted realities.
All images in this project were shot on a single roll of 120 film. This constraint is a reassuring element in my practice, reflecting my commitment to sustainability and intentionality. By limiting myself to a minimum amount of film, I am compelled to think deeply about each shot. This approach is why the project is composed of diptychs, with every staged scene captured in pairs.
