Mascha Illich
Mascha Illich, born 1978 in Kiev, Ukraine
lives and works in Linz
Residency at the Schafhof: winter 2023/24 and summer 2024
Mascha Illich
"The recurring themes of my work are the diverse aspects of the search for and construction of identity in the attempt to meet the demands of modern society in terms of professional realization, gender positioning, social and cultural integration.
My works "willhaben", "Verhaltensmuster", "noch ein gestell", "uniform identity", "approaching self" and "digital autism" deal with social integration, adaptation through status symbols, the perpetual construction of the self and the challenges of the current political, economic and ecological situation.
My Eastern European origins come to the fore through my fascination with raw urbanity and are increasingly reflected in my choice of sculptural materials, metal and concrete. The architectural impressions, the rawness and carelessness of Soviet construction inspire my restless, intuitive, erratic way of working. The discipline and rationality of the Western culture demand a stricter self-criticism and restraint. The mixture of different professional and cultural influences has a decisive influence on my artistic work.
I am currently working on the subject of living. For me, the focus is on looking at everyday situations and objects, their form and function, which reflect the many facets of human existence.
Objects of daily use are associated with the most intimate and personal activities: sleeping, eating, dressing, and so on. Their form is inextricably interwoven with their function as well as with cultural imprints.
Fashion, status, use, fetish, utility, value, design, character, age are just a few ways of characterizing everyday objects and their owners. We are a product of our everyday environment just as much as it is our product."
www.maschaillich.com
Dates in Freising
Residency Program
