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..don't replace true joy with brainless pop culture,
don’t replace intelligence with limited attention span,
don’t replace depth with quantity,
don’t replace experience of human interaction with excessive technology usage…
Wishing you all next year to be able to pause, to detach yourself from the crowd, to create some space to look at yourself from a distance and ask yourself a question: “What do I value most in my life and why?”
..ponder, explore, go out there and live it, experience it, embrace the instant because it’s all we’ve got.
Happy New Year everyone!
WANTED from all visitors of my show your explanation & interpretation of the storyline
As you experienced “K.REATURES – battle with dichotomy” in New York for the past two weeks, I am curious to read your interpretation of the film's storyline or the book (whichever you had a chance to see), your comments or just personal experience of dichotomy: who are the protagonists, what's happening between them, what is the ending of the story, what is the moral of the story, etc.
Submit your story in comments to this k.log entry.
Every contribution will be acknowledged and included in my World Tour album script that I will issue in the end of this project, and you will get a free copy!
Go ahead and submit your version of the K.reatures' battle script!
My New York launch show "K.REATURES - battle with dichotomy" was fully SOLD OUT!!! Thank you for your tremendous interest, for believing in me and for appreciating aesthetics of this narrative photography movement!
The book orders were well received too; and soon we will start distributing them - thanks so much for your curiosity about this story of dichotomy!!!
As we go around the world, this limited collection of prints and books will be available for further sale- though keep in mind, the edition is limited to maintain its originality.
Stay tuned for more interactions... The battle must go on!!!
At my art show opening in New York quite a lot of people came to me with questions about the opening scene of my film “K.REATURES – battle with dichotomy” featuring a cup being filled with black gooey like liquid. The questions were all around its meaning and connection to this collection.
So here’s my idea behind it-
This clip (one part of it is shown in the very beginning of my film, and another – at the very end) is based on a Zen Buddhist story. A scholar visited one Zen Master (I believe, whose name was Nan-in – a Japanese master during the Meiji era) inquiring about teachings of Zen and meaning of life. That scholar studied and practiced Buddhism and was already quite acquainted with the tradition. So that Master greeted the scholar and began to serve him tea. He poured his visitor's cup full, and then kept on pouring until it began to overflow and run all over the floor. The scholar saw what was happening and shouted out: “Stop, stop! It’s overfull. No more will go in!” "Like this cup," Nan-in then said, "you are full of your own opinions, views and speculations. You come and ask for teaching, but your cup is full. So how can I teach you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"
To me personally, this story is very powerful, and it constantly “played out” in our daily life. Often times we are trapped within our own conditioned realities, and no matter how strongly we want to improve, develop and grow, before we empty ourselves from preconditioned opinions, we won’t learn anything really. So the idea of using this story as a metaphor for learning about your inner self, for discovering who you really are resulted in that video clip. I wanted to encourage viewers to free up their minds, to see beyond the obvious on the screen, to go deeper.
Also, the cutting it into two parts and showing it in the beginning and in the end of the film demonstrates that we continuously have such states of “knowing it all”, but sometimes we actually do have an open mind as well; so this is really an infinite “movie” that plays out in our lives and plays a crucial role in our growth as human beings, in the process of learning about ourselves (the clip is overlaid with the background sound of someone pronouncing an ancient Japanese phrase – process of knowing who you really are within).
This clip is also a hint about my next project where I will focus on beauty and importance of emptiness and void.
So here’s the deal – I’m going to start revealing some key symbolic elements from “K.REATURES”, so please feel free to ask me anything and also share your own ideas and interpretations – I would be very excited to learn your inner worlds!
How did you become an artist?
K:
I have not thought of becoming a professional artist per se, though since a very young age I have been fascinated by Russian paintings and illustrations in books. I was a very imaginative boy, and every picture I faced with unfolded in my mind into a very complex and playful reality. My curiosity evolved into a professional interest in human psychology, which I then studied at University (along with finance, economics and management). In parallel, I practiced photography as my main hobby (since I was 12 years old). I loved developing black and white photographs in my dark room; I played with layers and overexposures, experimented and added my own elements in the process. Over the time I realized that any visual form of art is a fantastic way for me personally to express my feelings, emotions and concepts (which was quite challenging for me to express verbally). So I chose to advance as a visual artist using media of photography. There were no artists in my family as such, but a lot of my family members are very "artistic characters", especially on my Mom’s side. Whether it’s singing, performing, or poetry, I adored the passion and intensity my relatives invested in their work. My Mom, for instance, superbly performed and also directed shows in the drama theater in our local community.
Who are your favorite artists and why?
K:
(that is besides me?!?)
There are numerous great artists in the world, whether amateurs or professionals. I love some of their works and some I don’t. Art is a very subjective substance. I have favorite creations, rather favorite artists.
In general, I admire artists (photographers, painters, architects, performing artists and other forms of individual expression) who dare to dare. I like edgy, risqué, yet meaningful.
Well, if I really have to name a few, I’d say – Marc Chagall, Shomei Tomatsu, Pablo Picasso, Eikoh Hosoe, Irving Penn, Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, Tamotsu Yato, Madonna. They are (were) pioneers, they created something rebellious that stands out time.
But all in all, my favorite artist of them all is human unconsciousness.
Why do you think art is important for the world, and why is it important for you as an individual artist?
K:
To me the importance of art is an axiom.
Regardless how much we want to talk and debate about it, the significance of art is and will be there.
For me personally, it is an unconditional channel to express and share my vision in order to challenge and inspire people for continuous change and growth.
It is one of the safest ways to access our unconsciousness and experience its messages.
For the world, art is a state of uncluttered from mundane garbage life. And this is also a form of very lucrative financial investments. ;-)
What you hope to communicate to the viewer and how does this specifically effects the final result?
K:
In general – I want viewers to be inspired for change in themselves. Go out there and “re-title your life” the way you truly want. Be fearless, daring yet considerate.
With my project “K.REATURES – battle with dichotomy” specifically, I want the viewers to accept that eternal battle within themselves, reflect on it, understand its importance; and develop element of forgiveness inside – the key to knowing who you really are and becoming fully aligned human being.
When people see this body of work, I really would like them to ponder, to be at times confused, to notice, explore and discover symbolism in these photographs, create their own meaning, and reflect on themselves.
All that stir about "K.REATURES - battle with dichotomy" in New York generated such a demand, so now I am happy to announce yet another special event on October 10th!
Celebrate my new work at a party with live DJ Julian Cavin, free drinks and food, my book signing and an art show guaranteed to rock your world.
RSVP today - space is limited!
Imagine a naked Caucasian man dressed in kabuki make-up, leaning next to a Japanese hieroglyph. The picture is fascinating, but how do we translate the subject and the mixed cultural symbols as a viewer? To understand the conceptual gears of photographer Alex Koddrip and his photo series “K.reatures - battle with dichotomy,” Resource Magazine asked him to “re-title life.”
What is the concept behind your most recent photo series, “K.Reatures”?
K:
This project represents dichotomy, which means duality within human beings. This set of pictures is divided in two different sets: the burlesque style and a very clean, white Japanese style set. It’s all about the intensity between our dark side and bright side. This internal battle goes on throughout our lifetime for the purpose of knowing ourselves.
How did you find the link from psychology and business to fine art photography, and where do you find yourself in these converging worlds?
K:
I had the opportunity to study psychology and business in California. For the first time in my life, I was exposed to art-world photography, and I became very interested in it. So I did a lot of research and I started attending some Art and photography classes. I take photographs of people, because I am interested in human existence. Over time, it evolved into this process of working with people and understanding them—taking their photographs and representing their emotions.
Does your psychology background, in anyway, help you pull out the emotions of your subject matter?
K:
Absolutely. It helps me relate to people to make them relaxed, allowing them to express who they really are. I use pseudo-psychology methods, such as having proper eye contact and mirroring body postures. For instance, if I were to do a portrait of a naked model, I would probably also be naked. I typically adjust my body posture and my voice tone to people that I am working with, and I ask a lot of questions.
Can you talk about the props used in the shoot?
K:
Models make use of some props that play very important symbolic roles in the set. There’s one female model who carries a doll in most of the scenes. In particular scenes, it symbolizes the element of nurturing something. At the same time, it represents her childhood complexes. You see her interacting with people, but she remains attached to the doll. From observing the character’s evolution through several stages of the story, you can understand how the subject gets rid of her childhood complexes, and evolves beyond them.
What is the purpose of the Japanese symbols in the photographs?
K:
I blended western and eastern cultures in the set. Some of the elements include a Japanese character with kabuki make-up, and also the Japanese hieroglyph, which means forgiveness. Emphasizing the element of forgiveness is critical in accepting both sides of human being, to be free of one’s complexes.
Do you find your symbols personal, or universal?
K:
My concept behind the symbols is that they would be generally universal. But at the same time, I know that people relate to the symbols differently in different cultures, and that’s also the purpose of it.
When I showed some of my photographs to a Japanese person, she was stunned and fascinated at the same time. Actually, she was very confused. On one hand, she understood the symbolic representation of kabuki theatre make-up. But the man who wore the make-up is photographed naked, which is something that would never happen in Japan. A Japanese person looking at the Japanese symbols can relate to them, but at the same time, they generate very different thoughts because of the context it’s placed in.
What’s next for you?
K:
After “K.reatures” world tour, I am thinking of doing something very different both visually and conceptually, focusing on emptiness and the beauty of the void.
The screening and the launch party for “K.reatures” will take place on October 2nd at Go Studios from 6pm till 11pm, with an exhibition to follow the next day at White Space Chelsea gallery. “K. reatures” will be traveling from New York to LA, Paris, Japan, and Zurich.
My launching event on October 2nd in New York is SOLDOUT!
We have a waiting list available - hurry up, though, it's getting filled up like crazy.
If you can't make it, there will be another exhibit-pARTy at White Space Chelsea gallery - the date will be announced shortly; and people on the waiting list will have priority to get in.
The show lasts until October 15th - come battle with dichotomy!!!
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Wednesday evening, gorgeous penthouse studio in midtown Manhattan, visually mesmerizing art photography and short film screening, auditory rocking hip DJ, hardcover fine art designed book signing, mouthwatering Italian food and soothing drinks, emotionally moving story and mystery of human existence—all blended in this avant-garde launch event (and I’ll be present, too;).
Alternatively (or rather additionally), in the heart of Chelsea art scene discover the showcase of my blended body of work: “K.REATURES – battle with dichotomy”.
Spread the word and share your insights…
"K.REATURES - battle with dichotomy" project is about to be launched in New York City!
A party not to be missed!
To register for the Kreatures Launch Party, on October 2nd, 2013 click here.
It takes place at Go Studios Penthouse on 318 West 39th street.
The artist is present.
Please RSVP by September 27th, 2013, 5:00 PM (EDT).
As of October 3rd, the art-show "K.REATURES - battle with dichotomy" opens at White Space Chelsea gallery (530 West 25th street) and will last until October 15th, 2013. Come by and see the battle for yourself!
The artist will be signing the Kreatures art-book at the premises during this time.
Teaser, Kreatures Launching Party, NYC Oct 2. from koddrip on Vimeo.
Being who I truly am…
Knowing what genuinely drives me…
At times I am confused…
I am overfull with opinions and speculations…
It’s like I’m in a movie: heroes, villains, sets, props, learned lines, climax...
Feeling vulnerable today but entirely secure the day after; wanting to love yet not really caring about anything deeply…
These opposing sides inside me are like uncanny creatures, who forever coexist and fight for my pure inner self…
I battle with this dichotomy…
I strip off layers of my outer character to my bare core…
I want to know who I really am…
Letting one part of me overtake the other and fight till death does not answer this question, though…
Even when one creature is killed, the victorious creature cannot exist alone, so it destroys itself in order to bring this battle back to life. And while this story goes on and on, I experience something strange, something bigger, something beyond my comprehension…
I reflect on my life, on my choices, on the image of my ideal self…
And I realize—accepting this intense battle in itself is the answer…
Forgiveness of both sides reveals my true inner self…
In subconscious of bright personalities lie dark spots of edgy fantasies. Equally, dangerous characters have spiritual light concealed within their defensive shells. Forgiveness is the key element that enables us to acknowledge this everlasting duality, respect it, and accept the asymmetry of human nature.
I notice devolution of people from "human beings" to "human doings"... Constantly engaged in smart-phone surfing, planning their days and vacations, non-stop thinking of decision making, mechanical TV-watching and pointless blabbing with acquaintances coupled (at times) with food and/or drinks consumption (or other seductive substances) or with other consumerist activities… Not for me! So here I am declaring my manifesto for cultivating mindfulness through:
> Paying careful attention to what I see, hear and feel every moment;
> Authentically expressing my true values;
> Moderation in everything;
> Being calm and focused as a monk;
> Forgiving;
> Simplifying;
> Being nonjudgmental (unless I’m paid to judge;-);
> Continuously evolving spiritually & physically.
