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Rachele Frison on art, identity, and everything in between

By /ART/, /INTERVIEW, /NEWS/

Rachele Frison (b. 1995) is an emerging Italian artist based in Milan. A graduate of the Brera Academy of Fine Arts (2023), her practice is rooted in drawing, which continues to inform the structure and texture of her oil paintings. Frison’s work draws heavily from folklore, fairy tales, and art history—blending mythic symbolism with a contemporary visual language. Her compositions are intimate and dreamlike, often inhabited by ambiguous feminine figures and ritualistic natural elements.

She has participated in group exhibitions in Switzerland, Italy, China, and Denmark.
Follow her on Instagram: @rachelefrison

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Interview with art photographer Andrey Makalkin

By /ART/, /INTERVIEW, /NEWS/

In an age where high-definition clarity dominates photography, Andrey Makalkin deliberately embraces distortion, digital noise, and soft focus to create an alternative visual language. Born in 1997 in the Moscow region, Makalkin’s journey began with a passion for photography and digital collages, leading him to study cinematography at VGIK, one of Russia’s most prestigious film schools. His artistic evolution took an unexpected turn as he fused his love for art history, painting, and experimental techniques to redefine contemporary photography.

Through series like „Unsettling Things“, which explores childhood fears through an eerie yet poetic lens, and „Myths“, where he reinterprets ancient narratives through fractured reflections and vibrant hues, Makalkin challenges our perception of reality. His works, shot on a mobile phone and meticulously altered in post-production, blur the line between photography and painting.

In this exclusive interview, we dive into Makalkin’s creative process, his fascination with imperfection, and the symbolic layers hidden within his work. How does he see digital noise as an expressive tool rather than a flaw? What myths does he believe deserve a contemporary visual revival? And if he could photograph an emotion rather than a subject, how would he bring it to life?

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Interview with Nikita Nomerz

By /ART/, /BLOG/, /INTERVIEW, /NEWS/

Text Irina Rusinovich

Nikita Nomerz transforms urban decay into vibrant, living canvases. Known for his unique approach to street art, this Russian artist breathes life into abandoned structures by turning them into expressive faces and characters, often using windows and cracks to form eyes and mouths. Nomerz’s journey, which began in Nizhny Novgorod, has taken him around the world, where his work interacts with the environment in ways that blend art, architecture, and storytelling. His internationally recognized Living Walls project is a testament to his ability to fuse street art with the history and spirit of the spaces he occupies.

In this interview, Nomerz talks about his creative process, his philosophy on bringing forgotten spaces back to life, and how street art serves as a dynamic conversation between artist, architecture, and the public

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Reflections of light and identity – an interview with GIRLISTHISSILK

By /ART/, /INTERVIEW, /NEWS/

Interview  by Irina Rusinovich

Interview with artist Katherine Silk

Art is often a mirror—reflecting not just the artist’s vision but the world around them. For Katherine Silk, known as GIRLISTHISSILK, this philosophy extends beyond metaphor. Her work quite literally plays with reflection, utilizing industrial materials like steel to create ever-changing compositions that blur the boundaries between space, viewer, and emotion.

With a growing global audience and exhibitions in Vienna, Warsaw, and Graz, GIRLISTHISSILK continues to redefine how we experience contemporary art. In this exclusive interview, we delve into her creative evolution, inspirations, and the deeper narratives behind her work.

Katherine Silk

You have lived in 14 countries and studied in multiple prestigious art institutions. How have these diverse cultural experiences shaped your artistic vision and creative process?

Living in 14 countries has taught me how different cultures see the world in ways that can be completely opposite but equally valid. It’s like hearing one myth retold in countless versions — each perspective adds something new. This experience showed me that blending diverse views creates richer, more layered results. On a personal level, this diversity helped me hear myself more clearly. When you interact with so many different people and places, you start to see what resonates and what doesn’t. It’s become easier for me to separate the noise from the truth. That clarity means every decision in my creative process feels more deliberate and grounded.

Your early work focused on painting human figures, particularly your “ Jack“ series. What led you to transition from figurative painting to working with industrial materials like steel?

I began with traditional subjects: portraits, still lifes, and classical themes. Over time, these evolved into the “ Jack“ series, where Jack became more than a figure; he was a friend, a source of support. Even now, he appears in some of my sketches. Jack was unusual — too elongated, almost alien — but his actions were deeply human. He gave people the freedom to be themselves, like a reassuring voice that says, „It’s okay.“ And in that moment, you can breathe freely again. Eventually, all my works started to merge into one, blurring into something abstract and universal. That’s when I felt the need to find a new medium to carry these ideas forward. Steel allowed me to do that: it’s a material that feels alive, constantly shifting with its surroundings. It gave me the freedom to explore unity and transformation in a way that figurative painting no longer could.

Katherine Silk

Steel is a unique and unconventional artistic medium. What drew you to explore its reflective and transformative qualities, and how do you see it shaping your future works?

In myths, there’s the concept of the „magic mirror”. These mirrors reveal truth, forcing you to confront yourself without illusions. In today’s world, it’s harder to lie to ourselves. Steel, to me, is like a modern version of this mirror. Its reflections are sharp and honest, making you see yourself as you are. Steel also challenges the way we think about art. It reacts to light, movement, and space, creating a dynamic relationship with its surroundings. Looking forward, I want to experiment with combining steel with resin or glass to create works that feel layered — almost like portals that shift between solidity and fluidity, offering a sense of depth and transformation.

Your works have been featured in international exhibitions, from Vienna to Warsaw and Graz. Which exhibition experience has been the most impactful for you, and why?

Two exhibitions stand out. The first was in Germany in 2016. It was my first time presenting my art internationally, and it showed me that I could connect with people through my vision, no matter the culture. That experience expanded my understanding of what art can achieve. Everything in the exhibition sold out, and the feedback was incredible. Despite not speaking German, I saw how art could transcend language and create meaningful connections. It was a turning point that opened my eyes to the global potential of work. The second was in Warsaw, where I worked with microbiologists in a large laboratory. When I first walked in and proposed using bacteria to show the beauty of our environment, they were surprised — wide-eyed, even. For them, bacteria were something to study, not something to present as art. I explained that we could experiment with colors and growth patterns to create something visually stunning rather than the typical beige or black Petri dishes they were used to. In the end, the results were vivid and alive, and the collaboration turned out to be as rewarding as the final pieces.

Katherine Silk

With a significant online following, how do you balance the digital space with your physical exhibitions? Has social media influenced your artistic direction or the way you connect with your audience?

Initially, I trusted physical spaces more, believing they were the foundation for sharing my work with the world. Over time, as I gained more experience in the digital sphere, I realized its potential. The digital world allows for greater reach with less effort: connecting with people in different countries and enabling unique collaborations through social media. This scalability is unmatched. That said, I still value physical spaces. If I find an interesting gallery, coffee shop, or venue that resonates with my audience, I organize exhibitions to create a more tangible connection. Digital platforms are perfect for broad outreach, while physical spaces add depth, allowing people to engage with my art in person.

 Your art challenges conventional ideas about industrial materials, transforming them into symbols of resilience and beauty. What message do you hope viewers take away from interacting with your work?

I want viewers to realize that anything is possible. Patterns and boundaries are constructs we can break, and our energy and thoughts can manifest in any medium. My art serves as a mirror for those willing to look deeper, reflecting their courage to explore new dimensions. It’s about transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary, showing that even industrial materials like cold steel can hold emotion and beauty if we allow it to. It’s not just about the material itself but what it reveals in those who engage with it.

You have already explored a wide range of artistic forms and media. Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or new materials you are excited to work with in the near future?

I want to explore how materials like steel, resin, and glass can work together to create pieces that feel immersive. By layering textures and reflections, I aim to make art that interacts with its environment in unexpected ways — pieces that feel both solid and fluid, present and ephemeral. I’m also drawn to collaborations with industries like fashion and beauty. These fields have so much potential for integrating art into daily life. Whether it’s through wearable designs or objects that transform spaces, I see these partnerships as a way to bring art closer to people in personal ways.

 

Thank you for the interview, and good luck with everything!

OBSCURA

By /ART/, /NEWS/

OBSCURA

Photographer | AlainEgues @alainegues

Muse | Karolina Wasik @karolinaawasik

Model Agency @modelwerk

Art Direction & Make up: Basil Prinz @prinzmakeup

Hair: Nadine Carla Marti @nadine.carla.marti

A Garden Of Her Own

By /ART/, /FASHION/, /NEWS/

A GARDEN OF HER OWN

Photographer: Maren Nordtorp Larsen  Instagram: @marennl
Website: www.marenphotography.com

Production Assistant
Mariangela Wong Aguilar @mangoooooou

Hair & Makeup Artist: Pascal Winter  Instagram: @pacquo
Website: www.pacquo.art

Models:Daniela Dominique / m4 models
Instagram: @da.do.di.du / @m4models

Bernadette Musubika / m4 models
Instagram: @basic.bena@m4models

Haby Barry / izaio modelmanagement
Instagram: @officialhaby / @izaio.modelmanagement

Rosie Bettin
Instagram: @rosiebettin

Creative Direction Vivi Capurso
Instagram: @vivicapurso

Retouch Elina Tur @fairetouch

Production Assistant Mariangela Wong Aguilar @mangoooooou

Suqqu @suqqu_europe Fenty Skin @fentyskin Eye patches & Lip Oil: Charlotte Tilbury @charlottetilbury Face Color: Charlotte Tilbury @styleheads Pat McGrath Labs @patmcgrathreal Typology @typologyparis Danessa Myricks Beauty @danessamyricksbeauty MAC Cosmetics Mascara @maccosmeticsHair: Schwarzkopf Professional GOT2B Glued Hairspray 

Look left | Suqqu @suqqu_europe Fenty Skin @fentyskin Eye patches & Lip Oil: Charlotte Tilbury @charlottetilbury Face Color: Charlotte Tilbury @styleheads Pat McGrath Labs @patmcgrathreal Typology @typologyparis Danessa Myricks Beauty @danessamyricksbeauty MAC Cosmetics Mascara @maccosmeticsHair: Schwarzkopf Professional GOT2B Glued Hairspray Look right | Suqqu @suqqu_europe Fenty Skin @fentyskin Eye patches & Lip Oil: Charlotte Tilbury @charlottetilburFace Color Charlotte Tilbury @styleheads Pat McGrath Labs @patmcgrathreal Typology @typologyparis Danessa Myricks Beauty @danessamyricksbeauty MAC Cosmetics Mascara Hair: Schwarzkopf Professional GOT2B Glued Hairspray 

Look left |  Suqqu @suqqu_europe Fenty Skin @fentyskin Eye patches Charlotte Tilbury @charlottetilbury Face Color:Charlotte Tilbury @styleheads Pat McGrath Labs @patmcgrathreal Typology @typologyparis Danessa Myricks Beauty @danessamyricksbeauty Eyeshadow Dolce & Gabbana Eye Dare You! Multi Finish Eyes & Cheek Palette Hair: Schwarzkopf Professional GOT2B Glued Hairspray Look right |  Suqqu @suqqu_europe Fenty Skin @fentyskin Eye patches Charlotte Tilbury @charlottetilbury Face Color: Charlotte Tilbury @styleheads Pat McGrath Labs @patmcgrathreal Typology @typologyparis Danessa Myricks Beauty @danessamyricksbeauty MAC Cosmetics Mascara Hair: Schwarzkopf Professional GOT2B Glued Hairspray 

Look left | Suqqu @suqqu_europe Fenty Skin @fentyskin Eye patches & Lipoil Charlotte Tilbury @charlottetilbury Face Color: Charlotte Tilbury @styleheads Pat McGrath Labs @patmcgrathreal Typology @typologyparis Look right | Suqqu @suqqu_europe Fenty Skin @fentyskin Eye patches & Lip Oil: Charlotte Tilbury @charlottetilbury Face Color: Charlotte Tilbury @styleheads Pat McGrath Labs @patmcgrathreal Typology @typologyparis Danessa Myricks Beauty @danessamyricksbeauty MAC Cosmetics Mascara Nose ring: Maria Tash

look left | Face Prep: Suqqu @suqqu_europe Fenty Skin @fentyskin Eye patches & Lip Oil: Charlotte Tilbury @charlottetilbury Face Color: Charlotte Tilbury @styleheads Pat McGrath Labs @patmcgrathreal Typology @typologyparis Danessa Myricks Beauty @danessamyricksbeauty Il Makiage eyeliner @ilmakiage MAC Cosmetics Lipstick Limited Edition FROST – CHINTZ and mascara Nose ring: Maria Tash Look right | Suqqu @suqqu_europe Fenty Skin @fentyskin Eye patches & Lip Oil: Charlotte Tilbury @charlottetilbury Face Color: Charlotte Tilbury @styleheads Pat McGrath Labs @patmcgrathreal Typology @typologyparis Danessa Myricks Beauty @danessamyricksbeauty MAC Macximal Sleek Satin Lipstick Accessories: Beretkah @beretkah

Look left | Suqqu @suqqu_europe Fenty Skin @fentyskin Eye patches & Lipoil Charlotte Tilbury @charlottetilbury Face Color: Charlotte Tilbury @styleheads Pat McGrath Labs @patmcgrathreal Typology @typologyparis Look right | Suqqu @suqqu_europe Fenty Skin @fentyskin Eye patches & Lip Oil: Charlotte Tilbury @charlottetilbury Face Color: Charlotte Tilbury @styleheads Pat McGrath Labs @patmcgrathreal Typology @typologyparis Danessa Myricks Beauty @danessamyricksbeauty MAC Cosmetics Mascara Nose ring: Maria Tash

Team Credits:

Photographer: Maren Nordtorp Larsen Instagram: @marennl Website: www.marenphotography.com

Hair & Makeup Artist: Pascal Winter Instagram: @pacquo Website: www.pacquo.art

Models: Daniela Dominique / m4 models Instagram: @da.do.di.du / @m4models Bernadette Musubika / m4 models Instagram: @basic.bena /  @m4models Haby Barry / izaio modelmanagement Instagram: @officialhaby / @izaio.modelmanagement Rosie Bettin Instagram: @rosiebettin

 Creative Direction Vivi Capurso Instagram: @vivicapurso

 RetouchElina Tur @fairetouch

SPOTLIGHT | photographer Marta Ulatowska

By /ART/, /NEWS/
Spotlight on photographer Marta Ulatowska

My name is Marta Ulatowska and I’m from Poland, Warsaw. I have over 10 years of experience as a model, so as they say – photography is my life for a very long time 🙂

Why? Well, I see myself as an artist, I used to perform a lot in the theatre and sing on the stage. I’ve dreamed about being an actress, then writer but life has its own scenarios, so here I am – a Marketing Specialist with the ambition to be a professional photographer.

Mostly I’m focused on fashion and portraits.I think I’m still in the process of developing my style, but for sure – I have my style in the themes and topics I’m interested in. Every time I ask myself: how can I do it differently? I love doing things driven by passion and inspiration, sometimes spontaneously. I’m an extrovert and empathic person so working with other artistic souls makes me grow.

I’d love to be seen as a photographer who can catch beauty, fashion and stories with emotions. And I would be very glad if people who could see them could feel like “I can be that beautiful and strong”.

Edward Steichen said: “A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it” and this is my motto.

© Marta Ulatowska

© Marta Ulatowska

© Marta Ulatowska

Interview with TKV – The Kraljica Vila

By /ART/, /INTERVIEW, /NEWS/

Aleksandra Petković, known as TKV or “The Kraljica Vila,” is a Serbian street artist who has transformed the streets of Belgrade into vibrant spaces filled with meaning and emotion. Since starting her career as a teenager in 2004, she has used murals and stencils to explore themes of feminine identity, empathy, and the power of community. Her work often features striking female figures, blending aesthetics with social commentary and aiming to reshape perceptions of women in public spaces.
TKV’s art extends beyond visuals; her murals foster dialogue between viewers and their environment, breathing life into forgotten urban areas. As the founder of the All Girls Street Art Festival, she is dedicated to empowering female artists and encouraging collaboration. In this interview, TKV reflects on her artistic journey, her evolving views on identity, and the intersection between public art and personal expression

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AddSalt | Jiayan Wu’s fashion editorial collaboration with digital artist Tao Jingying

By /ART/, /INTERVIEW, /NEWS/

Producer: Yihan Shao
Photographer: Tao Jingying
Model: AddSalt

Interview with AddSalt

What was the catalyst that made you start being a fashion influencer?

At first, it was really simple — I just loved fashion. I enjoyed styling outfits, taking
photos, and sharing them. I realized that clothes aren’t just something to wear; they’re a
way to express emotions and attitudes. One day, I posted a few outfit pictures on social
media and unexpectedly got a lot of likes and encouragement. That’s when I realized I
could inspire others with my style, and that made me feel recognized. So, I decided to
take this more seriously.

How has your life changed since becoming a fashion influencer?

My life has become busier and more challenging. I’m constantly coming up with new
ideas and content; every day is filled with planning, shooting, and editing. My life has
also become more public, and with that comes more attention and expectations. But it’s
also taught me time management and how to deal with pressure.

What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion is a form of free expression for me. It allows me to present different sides of
myself through various styles and outfits. Fashion isn’t just about following trends; it’s
about finding an attitude and lifestyle that suits you.

How do you define your style? Has it changed over time?

My style is probably best described as ‘mix and match.’ I like to combine minimalist
pieces with bold elements. Over time, my style has evolved with my mood and growth. I
used to favor a sweeter, edgier style, but now I enjoy combining vintage and modern
elements. My style changes, but staying true to myself remains constant.

AddSalt

What gives you the most sense of accomplishment when maintaining your
image on social media?

The most fulfilling part is when I see that people are inspired by my content or that my
posts give them confidence. I get messages from followers saying that my outfit posts
helped them step out of their comfort zone or try new styles, and that’s what keeps me
going!

What do you think your audience expects from you?

I think they expect to see authentic and creative content. They want not just
fashionable outfits, but also a glimpse of my everyday life and my thoughts on fashion.

Do you ever change your content based on feedback from followers or trends?
Why or why not?

AddSalt

Have you ever felt that it’s difficult to show your ‘true self’ on social media?
Why or why not?

Sometimes, yes. Social media tends to show only the glamorous side of life, but the
real me isn’t always perfect. I worry that if I show my vulnerable or tired side, people
might think I’m not ‚inspirational‘ anymore.

Do you think the ‘perfect persona’ is something influencers must maintain?

I don’t think it’s a must, but the pressure can be real. People tend to appreciate a
positive and flawless image and that can make us feel like we need to keep up
appearances all the time.

 What’s the most stressful part about maintaining the identity of a fashion
influencer?

The biggest stress is the constant need to create high-quality content while also
keeping up with your image and maintaining your own personal brand. Sometimes, I
feel creatively drained or physically exhausted, but I still have to stay active online.

How do you handle stress when it gets overwhelming?

I give myself a ‘short break,’ even if it’s just a few hours without my phone or social
media. Sometimes, I’ll hang out with friends, go to an exhibition, or take a walk to reset
and find new inspiration.

Do you think the image you project on social media is different from who you
are in real life?

Not a lot, actually. I try to stay true to myself. But I do tend to be more polished and
planned on social media, whereas in real life, I’m a bit more spontaneous and casual.

AddSalt

Have you ever doubted your choice to pursue this path? What kept you
going?

Definitely, especially when I feel creatively blocked or face negative comments. But
every time I get a message from someone telling me they were inspired by my work or
liked my outfits, I remember why I started. That keeps me going.

Have you ever felt ‘trapped’ by social media?

Sometimes, yes. For example, when I’m out with friends or traveling, I often think about
how I can capture content for social media, which can take away from just living in the
moment. That can feel like being ‘trapped’ by the platform.

What’s the most tiring or difficult part of content creation for you?

The hardest part is keeping the content fresh and creative. Fashion trends change so
quickly, and audience preferences shift, too. It’s always a challenge to stay true to
myself while continuously innovating.