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)