Individual residencies / Olot
HANNA TROFIMOVA
From Wednesday, 13 September 2023 to Thursday, 21 September 2023
Bio
Hanna Trofimova, a Ukrainian director and artist, was born on September 1, 1986, in Vinnytsia, Ukraine. She pursued her education at The Kyiv National I. K. Karpenko-Karyi Theatre, Cinema, and Television University, specializing in TV directing from 2003 to 2008. Hanna has participated in various Ukrainian and international exhibitions and film festivals. Her artistic endeavors primarily revolve around themes of social justice, individual rights, and the acceptance of corporeality. However, in response to the current challenges faced by her country, Hanna's work has evolved to address the war and aggression inflicted by the russian federation upon Ukraine. Through her art, Hanna Trofimova aims to reflect on her own experiences and emotions.
Project
Installation “Numbness” Recently, I have caught myself thinking that living through this time of full-scale war in Ukraine, I have become less sensitive to the events that are happening. All my senses seem to have frozen. Psychologists explain this condition as the desire of our psyche to protect us from constant negativity and stress, such a protective mechanism. Unfortunately, this mechanism works not only to block negative emotions, it also turns off positive feelings. Human life is a constant feeling and reflection of our emotions. But what to do when your emotional state has turned into a lump of solid rock? Are you living a conscious life when you feel almost nothing but momentary reflexes?
When I was heading to the Faberllull residency, I didn't know what to expect.
Perhaps, it's the best approach - not to expect anything and simply embrace the circumstances and the place where you find yourself.
Olot, the town where the residency was located, turned out to be a beautiful and tranquil Catalan town. I spent a lot of time exploring it.
There were four other Ukrainian artists with me at the residency, and I was incredibly delighted to get to know them.
It's wonderful to have the opportunity to meet and learn from the practices of other artists; for me, it's always about inspiration and broadening my horizons.
I especially enjoyed the experience of conducting a workshop at the local art school. It was my first time giving lectures to students, and it excited me so much that I now plan to continue this activity.
Overall, everything was organized excellently, with understanding and support. I am very grateful to the residency team for this.
Even though there were many events during the week, I felt a sense of peace and the ability to trust this space.
As I strolled through the city, I reached an inactive volcano, and I thought - if a volcano can be in a relaxed state here, so can I.