“Look me in the face”

Yelena and Oleksiy Kikteva

07/20/2024 — 08/16/2024
Photo, video art, installation

The curator of the project is Daria Gerasimova @gerasimova.dariia
Alex Kiktev @alexkiktevlive
Yelena Kikteva @kikteva_e_lena

What is the first thing that comes to mind when faced with the horror that is happening around? I want
cry, hide or run? How has your world changed? Our world has turned to
unrecognizable Values ​​were reconsidered, and more and more ideas were born in the head.
We want to share with you our project, which exposes those feelings that do not give
let’s take a deep breath. The created images show the world as we see it
we feel They show that we are in pain, but this pain is familiar to each of us. We
united, and because of this we all become stronger.

Does it end there? No.

Is it possible to find your strength? We found the answer by looking it in the face.
A face that shines. Why is it like that? Because it reflects the indomitability of people. IN
in the face you can see the soul of everyone who, despite all the suffering, continues
to live, believe in the best, support others and create new things.

look me in the face What do you see? Yes, the soul shines there.

About the artists:

Oleksiy Kiktev, Kharkiv.

Graduated from the Kharkiv State Technical University of Construction and Architecture
an architect by profession.
His projects were implemented in various regions of Ukraine and beyond. Alexei
repeatedly took part in architecture and interior design competitions, took
winning places Competition among architects and interior d

esigners RIMINI 2010 –
winner. He has repeatedly participated in Salone del Mobile exhibitions. Milano. Cersaie.
He has fifteen years of experience in artistic conceptual photography and videography. WITH
In 2022, he is engaged in social and artistic projects on the theme of war. Since 2022, a volunteer at
in the city of Kharkiv.

Elena Kikteva, Kharkiv.

Education Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts
Grand prize in the Start fashion 2017 competition of young designers in Kharkiv
2017 – participation in an exhibition with an art collection in the Yermilov Center art gallery in the project “Night
Museums”.
Since 2018, a teacher of professional disciplines in fashion design (Composition, Form-making,
Designing).
She taught at the Kharkiv Academy of Design and Arts, currently a teacher at
Ukraine Fashion Education Group
Since 2022, he has been engaged in social and artistic projects on the theme of war.
Since 2023, he has been developing his own brand of conceptual clothing in the style of urban fantasy.

There are a total of five series in the project and there is a description for each series.

“Look in my face” (photo)
look me in the face What do you see? Yes, the soul shines there. Can we find
your inner strength? Definitely. It is hidden in our own
reflection, in every wrinkle, every glint in the eyes. Radiant face. Why is it?
is this Because it reflects the indomitable human spirit, endurance and hope. In it
you can see the soul of everyone who, despite all the trials, keeps
humanity, continues to live, believe in the future, love, give warmth to others
and to show compassion through sadness and pain. Our face is a symbol of strength that
permeates us all, unites and inspires us to new achievements.
“Minute” (photo and video art)
In memory of the dead children
“Shadow” (photo)
A person is not only a body, but also a soul that shines from within. Why is it sometimes dark?
At first there is always darkness, because without shadow the

re is no light. If there is no shadow, everything appears
dead, because there is no light that gives life meaning. The shadow helps reveal the strong
sides of a person, to reveal his true essence. When you look at your face
the shadow side, you become stronger, you begin to perceive the world around you more deeply and
more multifaceted. Knowing and accepting both sides of your nature, you can
to open up completely, to open new horizons of self-discovery and self-development.
By accepting your shadow, you find harmony and can step out into the light that illuminates
the way to a true understanding of oneself and the world around.
“Pause” (photo)
Sometimes you need to take a break to rethink, clear and accept the important things
decisions about their future path. Fear and stress throughout life
accumulate, forming a dark mass that envelops and binds you. To move
forward, it is necessary to free yourself from this burden. Everyone has their own cleaning methods.
Some may choose a gentle wash or a gradual release, but we decided to “kill”
this dark mass. But it’s not about violence. It’s just a metaphor for determined
getting rid of everything superfluous. In order for the new to be born, the old must go. Such a process
allows you to open new horizons, find inner strength

and keep moving
forward with ease and confidence.
“Hug Me” (installation)
Special date and time.
06/05/2023, 11:30 p.m.