Heyyy!!!
My installation, "Scared of the Unknown," has been selected for the Kuvataiteen valtakunta Realm of Fine Arts exhibition! The exhibition, titled "Crossings," will have the official opening this Friday, June 14th, at 17:00.
You’re welcome to join, and I’m very excited to see you there!
@kuvataiteenvaltakunta
Myllyrannantie 5, 35820 Mänttä
14.6.-18.8.2024, every day 10-18
I'll also be sharing photos from the Ambit Degree Show in Himmelblau, Tampere, along with some behind-the-scenes videos from the setup week.
A special thanks to my sound designer for the incredible work @mark_m_m_m
Love,
Your Vicky 💗
There are some aspects of myself that you might not know about, but I’m proud of them nonetheless. Perhaps they’ll help you understand why nature holds such significance for me🧡
1. In high school, I aspired to become a marine biologist, but I moved to Finland right after my final exams and had to change my plans.
2. I am a professional nature and wilderness guide, graduated in 2018. My classmates were absolutely wonderful! We engaged in intense studies, including tests on plants, birds, animal tracks, cooking over open fires, first aid, survival skills, and more. We spent numerous nights in various national parks and forests. Being the youngest in the class, I learned a lot from my colleagues. The entire program was conducted in Finnish, which was slightly challenging for me.
3. I am a certified paddling instructor. For three years, I kayaked regularly in all seasons, practicing in a swimming pool during winter. I even mastered the Eskimo roll! However, I stopped when I moved to Tampere because I lacked kayaking partners and a kayak.
4. I spent a year living in a tiny house in the middle of nowhere, fulfilling a dream. It was fantastic in all senses, especially because I was dealing with social anxiety at the time.
5. I wanted to understand my dogs better, so I became a dog behavior specialist at the Nordic Education Centre for Ethical Dog Training. We studied partly in Tallinn and partly online. The world of animals is magical, and I had the opportunity to bond with like-minded people who shared similar values. I attended seminars, lectures, and workshops, and I continue to read about animal psychology whenever I can.
6. My dogs taught me a looot!! They showed me where to look and how to appreciate the world around me. Mendy taught me how to meditate, she was the one who first taught me to sit and stay present. Fenya taught me how to stay curious and joyful. We spent an uncountable amount of time in the woods. They were the reason I started exploring local forests, and they are the reason I feel comfort and peace whenever I’m outside.
Remember to visit gallery Himmelblau! Open until 7.04!
first video sound design by Mark Malyshev
It’s fascinating how I’ve attempted to change professions several times, yet life has always drawn me back to art. I hesitated, doubted, even tried to run away from it. Art wasn’t something I aimed to pursue professionally. Often, I tried to escape in nature, both figuratively and literally. I changed a country, cities, hobbies, and people... Yet, circumstances always pushed me back toward creative endeavors.
What’s even more intriguing is that, once I accepted my desire to focus on the fine art field, I began to neglect other significant aspects of myself. They had always been present, but I didn’t realize how much they meant to me. I convinced myself that I needed to concentrate on other things, pushing these parts aside instead of embracing and integrating them.
What if I don’t have to choose? I’m letting go. I’m giving up. Whatever happens, happens. My thesis is just the beginning of showing me that I can - and should - bring together all the things I care about in my life.
I don’t have to be a scientist to conduct my own research, an animal behaviorist to understand wolves, or a perfect artist to create my first official moving image installation. At my own pace, feeling, exploring, failing. 🤍
Gallery Himmelblau is open until 7.04. Welcome to check out our Degree show 🧡
Sound design by Mark Malyshev
Finland is home to only around 300 wolves, which raises significant concerns. Unfortunately, many of us lack familiarity with the wilderness, leading to a growing disconnect and reduced understanding of the non-human animals inhabiting our surroundings.
As part of my thesis project, I’ve created an experimental video installation titled “Scared of the Unknown.” This artwork aims to shed light on the critical issue of Finland’s dwindling wolf population, challenging common misconceptions and negative perceptions of these animals. Our impact on nature often goes unnoticed but our actions matter.
By learning about and empathizing with the emotions of animals, we open the door to true understanding. We might realize that we don’t need to control everything that’s been around longer than us - humans. Maybe instead of fear, we should focus on coexisting, respecting, and loving these creatures as they do. They live, they feel, and they contemplate. It’s time we do the same.
Gallery Himmelblau is open until the 7th of April. You can find my installation there.
22.3 I will be in the Gallery the whole day, feel free to come and let’s talk :)
Come to check out a lot of fascinating artworks by my classmates!
Sound design by Mark Malyshev
🧿ARTIST INTRODUCTION🧿
⚪Victoria Fofanova (b.1996) is a Russian Karelia-based artist residing in Tampere. She finds inspiration in uniqueness, curiosity, emotions, and details, focusing on exploring nature, animal and human communication in her artworks.
With her experimental moving image and oil painting, Victoria Fofanova questions the representations of wolves and challenges viewers to reconsider their understanding of this magnificent predator. Through emphasising the emotional lives of non-human animals, these works prompt a deeper appreciation of the complexities and depths of such creatures.
Victoria is also our photographer for all of the portraits taken of our degree show artists! 💓
#tamkfineart#tamkfineartdegreeshow#tamk#wolvesinart#galleriahimmelblau
I’m excited to share that I’ve been accepted into the Master of Photography Arts course, where I’ll be spending the next 6-7 months growing as a visual artist. Because of that and, of course, the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, I’m thrilled to announce my super exclusive giveaway!🔥
A FREE PHOTOSHOOT❤️🔥
It usually costs 150e but for the winner, it will be completely free!
To enter, simply follow these rules:
1❣️Follow my account: Make sure you’re following @vuaru.photos
2❣️Repost on your IG Story: Share this post or any other post from my account on your Instagram story. Don’t forget to tag @vuaru.photos so I can see your entry!
3❣️Comment below: Leave a comment under this post, expressing anything or your possible excitement for this unique opportunity hehe
The winner will be announced on 7th January 2024, and I’ll gladly notify them via direct message. This giveaway is open to all but this particular studio photoshoot will take place in Tampere. We discuss further details and schedule with the winner directly.
Get ready to unleash your creativity👽
Good luck to all participants!
With love💕,
your Vicky (who’s probably happier than you!!)
