Assia Ermolova
27 DECEMBER 2024
A contemporary artist from Russia, Rostov-on-Don. Asya specializes in exploring social and political themes. Based in Paris
A contemporary artist from Russia, Rostov-on-Don. Asya specializes in exploring social and political themes. Based in Paris
I enjoy not being limited to a single medium. Coming up with an idea without knowing how to execute it becomes a challenge—a game to solve. You try, abandon, rework, and eventually reach a result. For now, audio and video interest me the least, though I’m not ruling them out.
What is your medium?
Ideas, emotions and themes in your work
I often feel like a psychologist of my creativity: I look for unhealthy relationships and try to uncover something. I use humor and laughter to cope—laughter is good for mental health. My work focuses on political and social themes. I highlight absurdities, misunderstandings, and violence.
Born in Rostov-on-Don, I studied in art schools from an early age and won a nationwide art competition. Later, I studied in Moscow. After that, through the Campus Art program, I got into the art school in Clermont. A letter from them turned out to be the most lively and personalized. Now I live in Paris.
Tell us about yourself
Putsch, 2022
For me, success is doing what you love and living off of it. It’s important for an artist to be honest with themselves and with those they share their work with. The artist and their work should also be connected, and they must stay true to themselves.
What makes art successful?
I met Adelita Husni-Bey in New York, and her approach inspired me. She’s involved in many social projects, including one about building a society on an uninhabited island. I also admire Ilya Kabakov— he was powerful and his project How to Meet an Angel is truly remarkable.
What artists inspire you?
— Coming up with an idea without knowing how to execute it becomes a challenge—a game to solve.
La suite, 2024
What music do you listen to while working?
Covers, album by Justice Der.
What places in Clermont inspire you the most?
Puy de Montaudoux — a hill I’ve climbed at different times of the day and in various weather conditions. I’d also like to highlight the La Tôlerie gallery, the La Brasserie Clermont brewery, and Stade Philippe Marcombes.
It’s a tough question; I’m planning a podcast on this. I don’t think all artists need a gallery. What’s important is the quantity and quality of your work, defined by you, your social network, and the international agenda, as well as the awareness of your creativity.
What does a young artist need for development?
3. Un matin dans une forêt de pins, 2021.
2. Tendre l’oreille, 2023.
- Aire de jeux, 2023.
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