Yelena and Viktor Vorobyevs
Yelena Vorobyeva was born 1959 in Balkanabat (former Nebit Dag), Turkmenistan. Viktor Vorobyev was born 1959 in Pavlodar, Kazakhstan
They live and work in Almaty.
Yelena Vorobyeva and Viktor Vorobyev have been working together since 1990s. Their usage of different genres and techniques results in multilayered, often ironic, works focussing on Post-Soviet realities of constant change, disorientation and their effects on everyday life. The artists have been compiling a precise record of the ephemeral and quotidian details of daily life, local particulars, subjects that have been often overlooked and are not exactly photogenic. They do so in series, sorting images according to their typology. While seemingly insignifcant, these details (of objects, colours and customs) are integral to the creation of the new symbols of power, and serve as poignant social metaphors. The pair engages deeply with the environment they live in, examining its socio-cultural underlining, using a light and humorous approach.
Notable recent exhibitions include 14th Sculpture Biennale of Carrara (2010), Central Asia Pavilion at the 53rd Venice Biennale (2009), Time of the Storytellers at Kiasma Museum in Helsinki (2007), Progressive Nostalgia at Luigi Pecci Centre in Prato (2007), Central Asia Pavilion at the 51st Venice Biennale (2005), 6th Istanbul Biennial (1999)
Photo for Memory, The Vorobyevs
Provincial Hole, The Vorobyevs
Bazaar, The Vorobyevs
Postal Sculpture, The Vorobyevs
Self-portrait in Islamic Style, The Vorobyevs
Art (Immortal), The Vorobyevs
One of the Ways of Leveling of the Horizon, The Vorobyevs
Necessary Additions. Home Archive, The Vorobyevs
Ruler of the Stars, The Vorobyevs
Kazakhstan. Blue Period, The Vorobyevs
Quoting the Street, The Vorobyevs
Mutating Object of Love, The Vorobyevs
The Artist is Asleep, The Vorobyevs