My work creating shadows and sculptures is part of an exploration of materials and symbols in relation to contemporary social and political themes. Through two series of paper heads, I explore the tensions between fragility and resistance, and the metamorphoses of the material in resonance with the narratives it accompanies.

    The first series, inspired by Motankas, traditional Ukrainian dolls, is for the Maïdan Inferno show. These sculptures represent Ukrainian citizens who took part in the Maïdan revolution. By drawing on this powerful cultural symbol, I am highlighting the importance of tradition in rehabilitating the historical and artistic movements that forged the identity of independent Ukraine. The choice of paper, with its brittle aesthetic, underlines the fragility of the revolutionaries in the face of an uncertain struggle, while at the same time recalling their resilience.

    The second series, produced in preparation for the show Les Larmes d'eau douce (Freshwater Tears) by Mexican playwright Jaime Chabaud, reflects on the consequences of water shortage. During the manufacturing process, the water contained in the glues and paper gradually evaporates, causing the sculptures to warp over several months. This process of involuntary transformation echoes the dramaturgy, establishing a tension between the material and the discourse on water scarcity.

    My work on shadows, which accompanies these sculptures, adds an extra dimension to the interpretation of the works. My shadows can take satirical or poetic forms, expressing subtle or exaggerated emotions. They sometimes become narrative, extending the story told by the sculptures, or simply expressive, conveying the tension, fragility or strength of the characters represented. These ever-changing shadows play with the boundaries between presence and absence, creating fleeting images that reinforce the visual and symbolic impact of the works.

    These series revolve around the transformation of the material, which becomes a vehicle for expressing the central themes of the shows.

English translations are in progress