_{Image courtesy of Nargisa Usmanova}

Interview: Nargiza Usmanova

Luca Curci talks with Nargiza Usmanova during VISIONS of ANIMA MUNDI in Venice.
Nargiza Usmanova is a designer & visual artist based in Toronto (Ontario, Canada). Nargiza’s career has spanned different fields of visual art, including light installations, performances, interior and wall arts, exhibit design, graphic design, illustration, and painting. This broad experience provides her a base for her passion of art lighting. Nargiza works with light in art and architecture, including designing light in public areas, interior spaces, performances, and installations. Nargiza’s art is in private collections in Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Finland, Turkey, and Canada. Member of the Belarusian Union of Designers since 2002.

 

_{Image courtesy of Nargisa Usmanova}

 

Luca Curci – Do you agree with our vision of art and what you think about the theme of the festival?

Nargiza Usmanova – One of the main reason why I decided to participate in this festival is because I support the vision of ANIMA MUNDI and wanted to represent the multicultural country Canada and my project at this venue in Venice.

 

^{Video courtesy of Nargiza Usmanova}

 

L.C. – In which way the artwork presented in our exhibition is connected with the festival’s theme?

N.U. – At the VISIONS event we presented video of pendant art installation Canada 150. It’s dedicated to Canada’s 150 anniversary and reflects the multicultural face of the country. Numerous colourful pieces stand for various cultures, nations, religions, races and historic backgrounds that unite into one entity – Canada. It shares the ANIMA MUNDI concept of “intrinsic connection between all living entities” on a scale of one country.

 

^{Video courtesy of Nargiza Usmanova}

 

L.C. – What role does the artist have in society? And the art?

N.U. – In the past art was a means of transferring information, of passing it on to following generations. Modern photography made this function redundant. Nowadays art serves to inspire and stimulate future generations, to move forward our consciousness.

 

 ^{Video courtesy of Nargiza Usmanova}

 

L.C. – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?

N.U. – I am a contemporary visual artist based in Toronto, Canada. Originally I come from Belarus where I graduated from Belarussian Academy of Art. During my career, I have worked in various fields of visual art: Painting & Decorations, Interior & Exhibit Design, Installations & Product Design,
Graphic Design and Illustration. My motto is that Art should be accessible to everyone. The integration of light, natural surroundings and man made structures, sounds, ideas, people and objects, sculptures, life and cultural experiences is the driving force behind my work. This fusion influences my work the most.

Link for the custom hand made lights: Nargiza Usmanova #2 series (KNITTED)

 

_{Image courtesy of Nargiza Usmanova}

 

L.C. – How do you find creative inspiration?

N.U. – Whenever I work on a project I treat it as a task that requires a solution. It is affected by such factors as budget, time frame, materials and my vision or client’s wishes. All of these creates a special sort of impulse to my brain and I focus on finding that optimal solution. It comes naturally and to be honest quite fast to me.

 

^{Video courtesy of Nargiza Usmanova}

 

L.C. – What is the most challenging part about creating your artworks?

N.U. – The most challenging part is the production itself. The ideas come easily to me, so the hard part is actually realizing my vision. Many of my installations are on a rather large scale, anywhere from 3 to 15 meters in length and up to 5 meters in height. I use different techniques in assembling it all together.

Links to two events: Belarus at the parade of Nations, Canada 150 and Belarusian Kupalle 2017

 

_{Image courtesy of Nargiza Usmanova}

 

L.C. – What is your idea about ITS LIQUID GROUP?

N.U. – It’s an effective international platform that gives exposure to artists, a chance to stay up to date in current trends.

 

_{Video courtesy of Nargiza Usmanova}

 

L.C. – Did you feel comfortable cooperating with us?

N.U. – I was impressed by how efficient and straight forward the whole process was. I would love to cooperate with you in the future.

 

^{Video courtesy of Nargiza Usmanova}

 

more. www.nargiza.net