Dina's works have garnered recognition through prestigious exhibitions at renowned galleries including Didi Gallery ("Urman" exhibition, 2022), Belova Art Gallery ("Reasonable Coexistence" exhibition, 2022), the State Tretyakov Gallery ("Living Matter" exhibition, Moscow, 2021), and the Gallery of Contemporary Art of the State Museum of Fine Arts of the Republic of Tatarstan ("Noise of the City" exhibition, Kazan, 2020).
In her artistic endeavors, Dina delves deep into the intricate relationship between humankind and nature. She raises profound questions about the potential unity or divergence of humanity and nature in the future. Intrigued by the mystical aspects of our interaction with the natural world, Dina contemplates whether our connection with nature extends beyond the physical realm to encompass the spiritual dimensions. Through her art, she also explores the concept of a cyber future and the profound impact of technology, pondering whether it will enable humanity to discover new dimensions and facets of our reality.
The 19th century witnessed an imaginative and functional approach to sculpture, reflecting the growing materialistic tendencies on both sides of the Atlantic. Many sculptural works during this era aimed to commemorate prominent figures, such as the iconic Albert Memorial in London. Ironically, the increasing emphasis on functionality within art paved the way for the emergence of abstraction. Sculpture as a medium underwent an evolution from Cubism to organic abstraction and surrealist fantasy, exemplified by Jean Arp's captivating work, "Demeter" (1964). This particular piece served as a profound inspiration for Dina Salqin, spurring her to create her own compelling series titled "Falling under her Feet" in 2022.
Throughout history, the perception of the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature has undergone countless transformations. Nature has perennially served as a boundless source of inspiration for artists across generations. Primitive art, characterized by ancient rock paintings and stone carvings, bears witness to humanity's enduring fascination with capturing the essence of natural forms. Over the centuries, humanity has embarked on a path of autotrophy, creating a parallel form of nature. In our contemporary era, the environmental agenda has emerged as a response to the catastrophic consequences of consumerism, prompting a fresh understanding of the intricate "man-nature" system.
Dina Salqin derives her primary materials from natural forms and objects, utilizing them as the cornerstone of her artistic expressions. These elements serve as prototypes for her creations or become integral parts, seamlessly synthesized with other materials to give rise to new entities. By employing organic materials, Dina crafts unique objects that exist at the intersection of art and nature. They not only become an integral part of the human environment but also retain their inherent autonomy and integrity.
During the creative process of her series "Falling under her Feet," Dina contemplated various mediums and ultimately settled on ceramics. "I wanted to reproduce them in the physical world, not in the digital space," she asserts, highlighting her desire to bring her creations to life within the tangible realm.
Among the prominent influences shaping Dina's artistic vision is the creative methodology of Francis Bacon. Drawing inspiration from his masterful construction of context through the interplay of cross-cutting themes, specific narratives, dialogues with old masters and contemporary artists, and the significance of preparatory processes involving auxiliary materials like photographs and preliminary drawings, Dina finds a parallel approach in her own artistic practice. Like Bacon, she manipulates form by deconstructing the silhouette, leading to captivating and thought-provoking outcomes.
Furthermore, Dina ventures into the digital realm, translating her distorted forms into a mesmerizing fusion of physical and digital worlds. This amalgamation, made possible through the aid of cutting-edge technologies, dismantles the barriers of reality. "By combining these different environments into a single digital composition, I use fiction and exaggeration to create all-encompassing worlds of dreams," she explains, shedding light on her process of crafting realms where realism and imagination coexist in harmonious tension.
Dina Salqin's artistic journey serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication to exploring the intricate dynamics between humanity, nature, and technology. Through her compelling works, she invites viewers to embark on a transformative voyage where the boundaries of perception are expanded and new dimensions of reality unfold before our eyes.
25.02.2023
Sarah Cerasi