International artist from Yakutia showcases work at exhibition in Seoul, South Korea
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Meet Olga Tomtosova, the 27-year-old Yakutian artist gracing the international art scene. Starting June 9, Olga's artwork will be displayed at Hongik University's campus museum in Seoul, as announced by Yakutia 24. Olga's enrollment in a master's degree program at this prestigious university kicked off her venture into the "Way Point" exhibition, a special project that recurs every four years.
"I showcased a mix of two oil paintings and four intaglio prints—an uncommon technique in Russia but one I learned on Korean soil," Olga divulged, explaining the process. In her words, the intaglio technique implies etching designs onto a metal plate using acid, and subsequently printing them. This method is obscure in Russia, yet Olga chose to experiment with it during her current semester. This semester's body of work revolves around a common theme of anxiety, symbolized through silent, emotionless fish.
While ethnic themes and traditional Sakha tales are not present in Olga's work, she expresses a keen fascination with shamanism, olonho, and indigenous art. Instead, her work embodies her personal experiences and emotions, and those of her friends.
A tight-knit circle of Yakutian artists in South Korea isn't extensive, but Olga's collaborations with filmmaker Petr Nikolaev, a student at Chunnang University, have opened up avenues in film production. Recently, Petr directed a short film called "Rainy Evening," featuring an international cast, among whom were students from various countries.
"Collaborating with Petr was an enriching experience, drawing me closer to the world of cinema," Olga said, mentioning her interest in remaining connected with Yakutian artists and possibly mentoring budding creatives in Korea.
mastering Korean—a crucial skill in her academic development—has been one of Olga's key priorities. After a decade of studying the language, she acknowledges that it's opened numerous opportunities and smoothens communication with professors and staff. However, Olga advises newcomers that the learning journey can be arduous when first starting out.
As for Olga's educational environment, she finds it to be progressive, creative, and absorbing. "The painting department I'm in fosters an open atmosphere, with empathetic and innovative professors and students," she emphasized. With ambitions ranging from realizing personal projects to a documentary film production, Olga is actively engaging in competitions and refining her skills in writing grant applications.
Olga's advice for fellow Yakutian artists is candid: "Navigating this path can be challenging and confusing, but it opens doors, connects you with valuable contacts, and paves the way for future artists. Let your work represent Yakutia and help others learn more about our republic."
- Olga's pursuit of a master's degree at Hongik University not only provided her the opportunities to showcase her artwork in the "Way Point" exhibition but also introduced her to lesser-known techniques like intaglio printing, which she incorporated into her current semester's body of work.
- Apart from mastering Korean, which Olga considers a key part of her self-development and academic growth, she also invests time in mentoring fellow Yakutian artists in Korea, hoping to foster a community of Yakutian creatives in the land of the morning calm.
