In 2015, the Project START of the 2014-2015 season of the SRC WINZAVOD collaborated with INSTITUT FRANCAIS, which results in the final exhibition provided an opportunity for one author to take part in the international residency program for artists in Paris. The winner of the prize was Zina Isupova, the author of the exhibition “Included” (April 2015) and the participant of group exhibition Leaving Tomorrow.

Zina agreed to share with us their experiences in the form of diary entries.

two. First impression.

If formally run through the residence and its structure, it is a large area called “Cite des arts», located right on the banks of the Seine, opposite Notre Dame Cathedral. Geographical location is incredibly convenient for daily trips to Paris.

 

the territory is the case with workshops that can be obtained for a fee at the Union of artists of his country. I live in the main building, on which in large letters so it is written: «Residence for 320 artists”. I royally never cry and see the Eiffel tower from the window.

 

Perhaps the only drawback is the lack of a common space where they could unobtrusively get to know other residents. While I was able to determine only that one of my neighbors pianist, second – a violinist, and the third plays the clarinet from 11 am to 9 PM. Periodically in the building are activities which are called here "Open Studio” is “show in my room”. I visited several of these events and I'm tired. Maybe I was just unlucky, but the exhibition was not from the category of “modern experimental art”, “new technology”, “unpredictable exposure”. No.

 

the Selection of artists in residence very strange, very unpredictable.
But do not despair, the main thing – it is possible. Again, I repeat, here you choose your leisure time and cultural program. At the exhibition of the same awkward and shy artists like you, no one to walk does not make.

At the Palais de Tokyo, surely, there is something stunning, and a video archive of the Centre Georges Pompidou will always be a couple or three works which you have never seen and which, perhaps, will awaken in you the enthusiasm and immediate desire to make a performance in the cemetery of Pierre Lachaise or total installation from your separated garbage.

 

the French Institute: www.institutfrancais.tu