Young French artist Alexandra Pavlovskaya-Lokchine, currently pursuing her craft at the Royal Academy of Arts in The Hague, Netherlands, unveils her versatile force through the exhibition “INVOLUTIONS,” gracing the walls of Vere Gallery in Tbilisi, Georgia, from January 30 to February 3, 2024. In an intimate conversation, Alexandra shares insights into her creative process, from the intricate printmaking techniques she employs to the emotions and mysteries she seeks to evoke in her audience.
Metaphysical Inspirations
The genesis of “INVOLUTIONS” lies in Alexandra’s insatiable curiosity for the non-real and the imaginative. Immersed in the captivating narratives of literature and entranced by the deliberate, unhurried pace of cinematic masterpieces like those crafted by Bela Tarr and Andrei Tarkovsky, Alexandra articulates her artistic vision, saying, “I always try to show something ungraspable, something which is not visible in general, or something which doesn’t exist.” This quest for the intangible becomes the guiding force behind her exploration of the subconscious mind, fostering a unique perception of the world that transcends the confines of conventional reality.
Printmaking Techniques
The etchings primarily featured in this exhibition undergo a meticulous and time-consuming process that involves the delicate manipulation of metal plates. As Alexandra says, “You lose yourself a bit. You lose the perception of time, and your hands already know what to do, and it becomes a part of your movement, part of your body and mind.”
Using metal plates, predominantly zinc, she embarks on a journey that demands both patience and precision. The artist meticulously polishes the plate, a reflective act mirroring the reflective surface it will soon bear. Delicate manipulation and shaping follow, where the plate becomes a canvas for Alexandra’s imagination. As Alexandra delves into the intricate dance of printmaking, she immerses herself in the alchemy of creation. The etching plate, now prepared, is grounded and introduced to the transformative embrace of acid. It is in this chemical embrace that her vision takes form, etched into the very essence of the metal. Through the delicate dance of a needle on metal, Alexandra breathes life into her creations, each stroke a testament to her artistic vision.
The hours invested in the creation of a single etching become an immersive experience for Alexandra. The repetitive yet intricate steps in the process allow her to lose herself, transcending the boundaries of time and space. As she passionately describes, the hands become an extension of her thought, seamlessly translating the ethereal into the tangible. This intimate connection with the material transforms the act of creation into a symphony of time and movement. Printmaking, for Alexandra, is not merely a technique but a personal journey. Working alone in a workshop, she forges a deep connection with the material. The solitude becomes a canvas for self-discovery, where hands instinctively navigate the plate, and the artist becomes one with her creation. The act of printmaking ceases to be a mechanical process; it becomes an intimate conversation between the artist, the material, and the envisioned artistry.
Spatial and Geometric Exploration
“INVOLUTIONS” is not a static visual encounter but a dynamic journey through space. Alexandra’s etchings, bathed in compelling light and stark contrast, invite viewers to embark on a profound exploration. Drawing inspiration from classical masters like Goya and Durer, as well as contemporary artists like Anthony Tapies, Alexandra skillfully integrates geometric shapes with abstract elements. “It’s like a journey in space. I’m interested in incorporating geometrical shapes and at the same time, some abstract stuff, and I try to combine them all together.”
Emotions and Mysteries
Beyond the visual spectacle lies an emotional depth, as Alexandra aims to evoke feelings of mystery, darkness, and a sense of the forgotten. “For me, it’s always about some kind of mystery, darkness, and maybe something forgotten, like the feeling of forgotten, which never existed.” Her acknowledgment of the subjectivity of art emphasizes the viewer’s role in interpreting and experiencing the enigmatic quality of her creations. Darkness, a recurring theme in her work, is not merely an absence of light but a catalyst for introspection. It serves as a metaphorical canvas where emotions can be explored without the constraints of explicit definition. The shadows within Alexandra’s art become an invitation to reflect on the darker corners of human experience, a journey into the emotional recesses often left unexplored.
Central to her artistic philosophy is the concept of the forgotten, a feeling she infuses into her creations. This sentiment, she suggests, is not rooted in historical or tangible events but in the elusive and subjective realm of emotions. The feeling of forgotten takes on an ethereal quality, hovering between existence and non-existence, inviting viewers to confront the intangible aspects of their own memories and emotions. Her acknowledgment of the subjectivity of art underscores the unique relationship between the artwork and its observer. Alexandra recognizes that each viewer brings their own subjective lens to the experience, interpreting and experiencing the enigmatic quality of her creations in a deeply personal manner. In this acknowledgment, she grants agency to the audience, allowing them to become active participants in unraveling the emotional tapestry she has woven.
Collaboration with Reach Art Visual
The collaboration between Alexandra and Vere Gallery unfolds as a symbiotic dance, a harmonious union that brought “INVOLUTIONS” to life. Alexandra expresses gratitude for the opportunity to showcase her work in her first solo exhibition, underscoring the importance of initiatives that champion emerging talents. “I’m really happy that it had happened because it’s my first solo show, and I never showed my work anywhere. It’s really impressive that people believe in young artists, especially when you’re still studying.”
Educational Journey and Future Aspirations
Amidst the creative fervor of Alexandra’s artistic endeavors, her current educational journey at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague emerges as a pivotal chapter in her development. The academy, known for fostering an environment that encourages experimentation and individual exploration, aligns seamlessly with Alexandra’s multifaceted artistic approach. Reflecting on her educational trajectory, she articulates, “I genuinely find enjoyment in my school. We have access to numerous facilities, and it’s highly receptive to any experimental endeavors. Currently, I am engaged in various forms of expression, including experimental paintings and videos. I also have plans to explore installations in space. So, for me, it marks a promising beginning.” Her experience unfolds as a delicate balance between structured learning and the freedom to carve her artistic path. As she navigates the corridors of academia, Alexandra contemplates future aspirations, hinting at a potential exchange program in Paris, a city where her half-French roots lie unexplored.
“INVOLUTIONS,” a profound exploration into the unknown. Beyond an exhibition, it unfolds as a poetic journey through layers of inspiration, meticulous craft, and emotional resonance. Alexandra’s work stands as an ode to the limitless possibilities of art, inviting viewers to traverse the metaphysical, where imagination and emotion converge in an ever-evolving dance with the mysteries of existence. The exhibition becomes a mirror reflecting the subtle nuances of human sentiment, where each piece becomes a vessel carrying the weight of unspoken emotions and forgotten memories. “INVOLUTIONS” is not merely an exhibition; it is an immersive experience, a profound exploration of the infinite.
By Kesaria Katcharava
