Saodat Ismailova's latest exhibition at The Baltic is an unmissable experience that will leave your senses reeling. As you step inside, your heart may almost stop as the surroundings envelop you in a world both eerie and mesmerizing. It's here that four film pieces come together to form a dreamlike atmosphere that transports you into Ismailova's innermost thoughts.
The artist's homeland of Uzbekistan has been at the centre of historical events for centuries, with its strategic location at the crossroads of east and west having led to various trade routes, including the ancient Silk Road. This cultural melting pot is reflected in Ismailova's work, particularly in her use of silk, which pays homage to the country's rich textile heritage.
The exhibition features four film pieces that are woven together like a tapestry, with each one singing its own unique melody. The first piece, "As We Fade", showcases Ismailova's fascination with the void and the unknown. The title is self-explanatory – it's about something disappearing into thin air. This piece is projected through 24 silk sheets suspended in mid-air, creating an ethereal atmosphere reminiscent of a mystical world.
Another striking piece, "Swan Lake," delves into Ismailova's memories of watching hypnotist Kashpirovsky on Soviet state television. The film is woven with ideas about power and propaganda, but the artist's intention is to explore how we hold onto the past and let go. The cinematography is breathtakingly beautiful, capturing a mesmerizing dance between life and death.
The show also explores Ismailova's work on female realms in Central Asia, particularly through her series "Zukhra," which was first shown at the 2013 Venice biennale. This piece consists of a single shot of a woman sleeping, soundtracked by archival news recordings and a narration of the legend of Venus. It's a beautiful exploration of the confines and possibilities of women's inner worlds.
Throughout the exhibition, Ismailova masterfully weaves together historical allusions, creating universes of their own that are richly layered with magic and feeling. While meanings and contexts may be clear, they take a backseat to the enchantment of her films. The experience is like staring into the darkness – unsure what emerges, yet mesmerized by its beauty.
Overall, Saodat Ismailova's As We Fade exhibition at The Baltic is an unforgettable journey that defies boundaries between reality and fantasy. It invites you to step into a dreamlike world where magic reigns supreme, forcing you to confront your perceptions of time, power, and the past.
The artist's homeland of Uzbekistan has been at the centre of historical events for centuries, with its strategic location at the crossroads of east and west having led to various trade routes, including the ancient Silk Road. This cultural melting pot is reflected in Ismailova's work, particularly in her use of silk, which pays homage to the country's rich textile heritage.
The exhibition features four film pieces that are woven together like a tapestry, with each one singing its own unique melody. The first piece, "As We Fade", showcases Ismailova's fascination with the void and the unknown. The title is self-explanatory – it's about something disappearing into thin air. This piece is projected through 24 silk sheets suspended in mid-air, creating an ethereal atmosphere reminiscent of a mystical world.
Another striking piece, "Swan Lake," delves into Ismailova's memories of watching hypnotist Kashpirovsky on Soviet state television. The film is woven with ideas about power and propaganda, but the artist's intention is to explore how we hold onto the past and let go. The cinematography is breathtakingly beautiful, capturing a mesmerizing dance between life and death.
The show also explores Ismailova's work on female realms in Central Asia, particularly through her series "Zukhra," which was first shown at the 2013 Venice biennale. This piece consists of a single shot of a woman sleeping, soundtracked by archival news recordings and a narration of the legend of Venus. It's a beautiful exploration of the confines and possibilities of women's inner worlds.
Throughout the exhibition, Ismailova masterfully weaves together historical allusions, creating universes of their own that are richly layered with magic and feeling. While meanings and contexts may be clear, they take a backseat to the enchantment of her films. The experience is like staring into the darkness – unsure what emerges, yet mesmerized by its beauty.
Overall, Saodat Ismailova's As We Fade exhibition at The Baltic is an unforgettable journey that defies boundaries between reality and fantasy. It invites you to step into a dreamlike world where magic reigns supreme, forcing you to confront your perceptions of time, power, and the past.
the way ismailova weaves together her homeland's history with silk and film is like nothing i've ever seen before. it's like stepping into a mystic world that's both eerie and mesmerizing. "zukhra" is so hauntingly beautiful, it gives me chills every time 
. silk everywhere, mystical vibes, all that jazz... it just feels like a bunch of overhyped nonsense to me. what's the point of makin' a film piece about somethin disappearin into thin air? its just gonna make me think bout how pointless life is anyway 
. and dont even get me started on them archival news recordings in "Zukhra"... sounds like a snooze fest 
. all i can say is that if u wanna waste ur time watchin weird art stuff, be my guest 
! Saodat Ismailova's use of silk is like a masterclass in textures and emotions - I loved how it evoked the rich history of Uzbekistan 
. The way she weaves together these four film pieces, each with its own unique vibe, is pure genius 
. "As We Fade" had me feeling all the feels, suspended in this ethereal atmosphere that's just so dreamlike 
. And can we talk about the cinematography in "Swan Lake"? It's like a work of art on screen 
. What I love most about Ismailova's work is how it challenges our perceptions of time and power - she's got us questioning what we hold onto from the past and what we let go of 
. Overall, this exhibition is an absolute must-see for anyone who loves art that pushes boundaries 
!
i'm not buying all this "dreamlike atmosphere" hype... sounds like they just threw some silk sheets in the air and called it art 
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