Natasha Cherkashin on Digital Transition and Global Art Practice

In an interview with Sven Spieker, published on September 17, 2005, Moscow artists Natasha and Valera Cherkashin reflect on their changing artistic journey. Their installation 'Real and Unreal' (2005) will be showcased in three upcoming exhibitions: 'Futurism and Nostalgia' at the Great Neck Arts Center, NY, starting September 24; a collaboration with Jorg Coblenz at Schneider Gallery, Chicago, opening October 21; and participation in the International Festival of Photography in Bratislava in November. Since 2003, they have shifted their emphasis from 'Mirages of Empires' to digital technologies, with works acquired by the Boston and Houston Museums of Fine Arts. Their 1998 project with the World Bank led to 'Goodbye European Portraits, Hello Euro.' They began traveling internationally in 1994 and have a positive outlook on the Russian contemporary art scene. Their digital endeavors commenced in 1999 at the School of Visual Arts, resulting in works like 'New York Square 1.' They intend to merge still images with video and print on bronze, discontinuing handwork altogether.