In Conversation with: Anastasya Alekhina

Ahead of Synthposium, we interview Anastasya Alekhina, a visual artist who works with wearable electronics. Here we get some insight into her depth of thought, her tools and her ideas behind the message.

Tell us a little about the practicalities of making the kind of work you make? How do you create a balance between conceptualising and practicality?

I create work in the field of art and technology. Lately, I have been mostly working with wearable electronics. These projects are also connected with sound, in varying degrees. My inner feeling, something like intuition, helps me to find the right balance. I find it quite easily, sometimes it finds itself. The depth of thought might tend to infinity, but there are always limitations in resources, time and other things. As for the wearable devices, they have their own requirements, for example, portability and the size of tiny which form the practical side of work.

What’s your setup for live exhibitions? How are audiences required to interact with your pieces?

I use DIY electronics and sometimes a computer. The audience should just watch and listen to it. Sometimes they should push the buttons or turn the potentiometers. It is also important to read the work description and try to comprehend the message.

Which other creative medium would you love to pursue?

I would like to pursue some achievement in 3D graphics because it could help me to solve some tasks in my work. I also think about getting welding skills. This process might look cool. I also have to improve my skills in electronics, physics and programming.

Is your network of artists more inclined to support your work with remuneration, or open to trading skills and experiences?

If there is an opportunity to pay for the accomplished work, it is good. If it is not possible to provide a remuneration, we try to support each other exchanging experiences, skills and many other ways for free.

How essential is collaboration in your work?

Collaboration is really important, always and everywhere. Synergy is more effective. Even if you are the only author, it is always important to share your idea with someone else to receive a constructive feedback for finding some alternative ways for realization of your creative goals.

The future of art is unclear. How do you adapt to spaces that depend on emerging technology to create or share?

To adapt to spaces which depend on emerging technologies, you need to be in the context of new technologies.

How does your work plug into this platform?

I am really interested in new trends in the world of science and technology. Some of the new trends seem closer to me and I try to use them as an instrument for creating a work or ideas. It’s quite important in art technologies to express your opinion on relevant topics and to follow novelties.

How does the placement of your piece fit into the context of the space?

The curators, who invite artists to participate in the exhibition, often choose those works which are appropriate to the context of the space. It is very important for the artists to be aware of a place where they are going to display their pieces to choose the right size of the works as well as a way of exposure and light. It is also important to understand, what kind of spectators is expected and how many of them are going to come, especially if your work involves interactivity.

We at The Playground believe that art commands attention when presented with innovation and integrity. What is your responsibility as an artist in this generation?

Artists are often the first to respond to changes in the world and they are kind of guides between the world of scientists and developers and the world of users and consumers. Along with other artists who work with art and technology I am responsible for the quality of the messages that we convey. However, in my opinion, this responsibility is bilateral, as the viewer also should step inside the context and concentrate on the message, rather than take art only as an entertainment.

Anastasya Alekhina on Facebook