"I always felt
as a model I'm playing
a key role in the
creation process"
FV-Magazine
ART + CULTURE
ART + CULTURE
MASHA RUDENKO
MASHA RUDENKO
11.23.2023 – By Sandra Benbaruk
11.23.2023 – By Sandra Benbaruk
ART +
+
ART
VISIONARY MAESTRO
“Once she started being a Muse,
she could not stop
being a MUSE.”
“Once she started being a Muse, she could not stop being a MUSE.”
The reflectionary and illuminatory nature of Rudenko’s Art aims to transcend all societal issues.
As a Multidisciplinary artist, Masha Rudenko experiments with the amalgamation of photography, modeling, and large-scale collage. Her large-scale collages birthed from her humble Ukrainian/Russian roots, her mind of a visionary maestro, her serendipitous modeling career, and the dominance of emotions to destroy and rebuild the world with the beauty of her soul.
The reflectionary and illuminatory nature of Rudenko’s Art aims to transcend all societal issues.
As a Multidisciplinary artist, Masha Rudenko experiments with the amalgamation of photography, modeling, and large-scale collage. Her large-scale collages birthed from her humble Ukrainian/Russian roots, her mind of a visionary maestro, her serendipitous modeling career, and the dominance of emotions to destroy and rebuild the world with the beauty of her soul.
caption for photo and name
Early Life: Development of self
You are of Russian and Ukrainian origins. Can you tell us more about these influences in your childhood and upbringing?
My father was born in Taganrog, a historical city in Russia and my mother was born in a small Ukrainian village. They met in Ukraine on the Black Sea when my father was a soldier serving in the Ukrainian army and my mother was studying culinary. They fell in love and he took her back to Russia.
As I was born and raised in Russia, my family and I would travel to Ukraine to visit my grandparents over the summer. Now looking back, my family roots gave me a strong sense of love, wisdom, and morality. Even though my husband has a very beautiful last name, Marconi, I decided to instead keep my maiden name to preserve my family’s.
What was your social background?
I grew up during Perestroika (1985 – 1991). As a child I remember, around 1989, how families suffered – the system collapsed causing bankruptcy in the old USSR for many. As we spent time between Russia and Ukraine, both countries suffered from food shortages and recession to the point that my mother and I would stay in line for hours just to get food at the supermarket. Thank God for my mother being from a village in Ukraine as we would bring food and cattle that we raised on our farm. Although it was a harsh time for the population, my sister and I still experienced a beautiful childhood.
Both my parents had two jobs. As I did not go to kindergarten, my older sister (4 years older than me) watched me until I was able to go to school. She did not do a good job at it but then again, I was more of an angel with horns – but that’s another story…
What is one significant memory you keep from your childhood?
My father had an old car. The five of us including our Dobermann, Lloid, would drive out to see our grandparents in Ukraine. I loved traveling around with my father – he would take us to different places. It was such a privilege to receive that much of love and appreciation, that’s what the meaning of family is.
What kind of child were you?
Outside of school, I was very enthusiastic and creative. I would create shows and perform for neighbors at the age of 9 with my best girlfriends, make religious icons for churches, and smoke cigarettes behind the garage afterward. I was quite a character. :))
But some days I would come back home with a black eye from all the bullying I had to deal with at school. My peers would call me “dinosaur”, “ostrich”, “giraffe” or any name to mock my height, but I would always fight back.
Was Art one of your hobbies growing up? If yes, how did it come to you?
I tried everything but never stuck with one thing. I played ping pong, bayan (accordion), practiced karate, and did a survival boot camp… and when I started drawing, I found it to be something I really loved and wanted to continue doing. But in my schooling, I was nearly held back due to my poor grades. This caused my parents to not allow me to go to art school. Looking back at all the art and performances that I did as a child, it shaped who I am and what I do today. How interesting is that?
"I always felt
Modeling Career: Sense of self
How old were you when you started modeling?
I was 15 exactly. Back in my hometown, Taganrog, I used to attend modern dance classes with my schoolmate at the time. Let’s call her Natasha. Natasha was very competitive at everything she did, and honestly, all I wanted was to have friends, not rivals. F**k, I was really the tallest girl around, I was often bullied for my height and appearance.
One day, Natasha told me to go with her to the Elite Model Look Contest. Obviously, this was all about her. At the time, I couldn’t picture myself being beautiful enough to model. It truly never crossed my mind that I could participate in such a contest… the bullying was real. There were around 300 girls at this theater in Taganrog, each sitting in the chairs, and only 15 would make the first round. All of the girls have gone in front of the jury members, including my friend who was the last contestant to go – she was not selected.
Believing that I was another contestant, the jury called me up to the stage. I was shocked and replied: “I’m not here to compete, I’m just here to support my friend.” They said that I was very pretty and fit the competition’s requirements. I was the 15th girl to be chosen to move on. Afterward, I moved to the top ten, then the top seven, the top five, and finally the top three. There were three finalists left – I, unfortunately, was not the one, but it was such an unexpected life experience.
“At the time, I couldn’t picture myself being beautiful enough to model. It truly never crossed my mind that I could participate in such a contest… the bullying was real.”
What did modeling look like at the beginning? What was your work routine?
At the age of 17, I went to Moscow. The first year was pretty bad, but once I changed agency I got booked for L’Officiel, Elle Magazine, and local Fashion shows. Then I was discovered by an agency in Paris and started to travel around the world.
Which agencies did you work for?
I worked at so many agencies. City Paris, Elite Milan, Elite Barcelona, Major Models, M4 Berlin, Photogenics LA, Tokio, Istanbul. Unfortunately, I don’t remember all the names, but I worked for so long and I changed agencies so many times.
Was there any room for creativity in this line of work?
There was a lot of creativity. Bearing in mind this fact, the success of an image transcends the “concept” and is highly dependent upon the supporting cast of a photographer, a stylist, a makeup artist, hair, and most importantly a model with the ability to perform accordingly… It truly takes a village to construct an image.
I always felt as a model I’m playing a key role in the creation process. I would look at the clothes they had me wear, the location that I’m at, and create a character out of it.
Fashion photography may certainly be one of the most exciting Art forms that I work with because it’s not just about me; it’s as precise as composing music – it does not allow for one wrong note. It was a lot of fun.
“I always felt as a model I’m playing a key role in the creation process.”
“Art allows me to escape
from the world every time
to my own like a rebirth.”
“Art allows me to
escape from the world
every time to my own
like a rebirth.”
Caption for photo and name.
Transition to painting: Self-revelation
Has being the muse of multiple photographers encouraged your transition from being their Art subject to your own Art subject?
It definitely did. I learnt to blend rare personal character and vision that allowed me and my art to transcend language, culture, societal beliefs, spirituality, so that my work viewed in broader strokes has a universal impact easily understood and appreciated by all people despite their political, religious, and social differences. It came naturally to implement the creative process of fashion photography in my daily life.
My first art project was called Mashpit. The mastery of this project is apparent even to an untrained eye. Using my body as the canvas, I would alter my appearance with the support of a talented team that I discovered. The uniqueness of this project invites its viewers to a very subtle and unpretentious presentation of iconic public figures such as Woody Allen, Grace Jones, Frida Kahlo, Jimmy Hendrix, Tarantino, and others. It was during those days that I decided I will make art.
Any role models?
I take inspiration from some great minds. I would look up to Veruschka when starting out, she had the biggest influence on me. When I saw her body Art series, Trans-Figuration, and her Vogue covers, I was entranced by how someone so beautiful was humble enough to prioritize transforming herself to blend with the environment over maintaining that top model standard. If a model like Veruschka can be recognized as an Artist, then I can declare I am an Artist as well.
“ If a model like Veruschka can be recognized as an Artist, then I can declare I am an Artist as well.”
Does it instruct your vision or taste for composition?
Absolutely! I think people respond positively to my work now as they like the images I create and the stories I tell. When producing a Fashion editorial, you tell a story, and that’s exactly what I’m doing with my large-scale collages.
“ When producing a Fashion editorial, you tell a story, and that’s exactly what I’m doing with my large-scale collages.”
Did it give you a greater sense of yourself as a performer?
Yes, but I’m constantly learning new ways to compose with my body. There is always more room for growth and possibilities.
“There is always more room for growth and possibilities.”
The Themes: The psychology of art
Where is your mindset when creating artwork? What influences it?
My mindset is typically an observer of other stories. The role I enjoy the most in my creative process is to intertwine these diverse tales and birth new amalgamations of meanings from them.
The last show I attended was called “Conference of the Birds” by Suffic Port Atar, which inspired me to present a fresh perspective of the world through my own lens. My new upcoming show in Vienna is called “The Woman Without The Shadow’”. It is inspired by a Viennese poet from the early 1910s. I was led to have a conversation with this piece through an introspection of my role as a woman in this world. I am a woman, I have a shadow, and I go deep into my wounds through art.
“I am a woman, I have a shadow, and I go deep into my wounds through art.”
Many of your creations surround the body as a theme, mainly nudes. Do they have any subliminal messages?
For me, art was an escape from modeling. The industry tends to have a weight obsession and enjoys repeating to models “You’re fat, you’re fat, you’re fat” like a broken record. That’s how I end up seeing my body. It was a painful subject that I had to face. I wanted to find an escape from that mindset, and art paved the way for me. My body was my instrument. Unlike other artists, I was/am my own model and can work whenever I want. Each large-scale collage carries a message inspired by a specific concept such as the title of a book or an observation from my daily life. My large-scale collages portray the emotions reflecting on the events occurring in the world, coded to my own personal language.
You are known for your engagement with humanitarianism. How do you picture it in your art?
It’s just a natural inclination for me. My art has been sold at multiple auctions, one of which occurred at Indixia Friends of Arts for India Inc. to support young Indian underprivileged students. Some other pieces were donated to Her Clique to aid refugees from Ukraine as well as Ethan Cohen Gallery in New York, NY to support victims of the Syrian and Turkish Earthquakes. I created a family portrait called Mother’s Love – a mother and her two handicapped sons sitting on her knees. The image of my large-scale collage of them was featured as the cover for a lifestyle magazine in Russia, Good Housekeeping. It spoke on allocating resources to give more access to handicapped people and their families. Furthermore, I did a recycling collaboration with young designers and sold items to support the homeless community in Los Angeles. It means a lot to me that my art can benefit others, and in knowing that enhances its meaning.
“It means a lot to me that my art can benefit others, and in knowing that enhances its meaning.”
“I am a woman,
I have a shadow,
and i go deep
into my wounds
through art.”
The media: Carrying a vision
Collage is a work of art formed by pasting together fragments. Why did you choose this modern artistic technique for your art?
I enjoy working with all mediums. During a trip, I covered a part of the painting I did not like with a piece of paper. It was so amusing, I could not stop. Eventually, I experienced a wide range of styles – from painting, figurative painting, minimalizing shapes, to photography, mixed media, video art, etc… all of these mediums became useful.
Using a collage is like a self-psychoanalysis for me, very therapeutic. When I tear a piece of paper, it feels like deconstructing the world first to construct a new world again. My colleagues definitely saw my tears during heartbreaking world conflicts the past year and art allows me to escape from the world every time to my own like a rebirth.
“When I tear a piece of paper, it feels like deconstructing the world first to construct a new world again.”
“Art allows me to escape from the world every time to my own like a rebirth.”
What other projects do you have?
I have collaborated with several fashion brands to use my paintings on clothes. Trust Me Studio and Vestiaire. Both used my large-scale collages to design the clothes. I just finished a packaging for a Russian beauty brand, The Act. I did video art for a cubic digital display organized by the Public Digital Art Fund in Moscow. My 3min video art was played on its four facets for three months.
I used to work for an iconic architect and designer, Gaetano Pesce, and it is with him that I was able to discover how to work on a large scale and go beyond my own limitations. I want to continuously experience new things.
“I just finished a packaging for a Russian beauty brand, The Act.”
Which materials, in particular, do you like working with?
Nowadays, I mainly focus on large-scale collages and video art. In both mediums, my body becomes my instrument. When I create a collage, I develop an image of my body first and then transfer it as a drawing on the canvas. Once I select my color palette, the paper is then selected accordingly. The paper used is called Canson, it’s already colored paper that comes in many hues and shades. I am often inspired by Tuscan colors, many blues, browns, and greens. Whilst maintaining the essence of harmony, I select the color palette by simplifying and shaping the forms of the Canson. I use a medium called Gel Matte, so it looks like I don’t use anything at all and it has a matte finish. I don’t use any paint. That’s what surprises people. This was a unique style I developed that no one has done before and I’m known for now. It’s like a mosaic technique and sculptures at the same time. The paper’s shape acts as my brush stroke that creates an illusion and looks like paint. For my love of traveling the world and making art – this technique was a game changer for me.
My other favorite medium that I mentioned earlier is video art. I love being able to share invisible worlds by projecting on my body and my face. I love using what I learned about the art of editing. My latest work is called Mockingbird, Close Your Eyes and See. It’s political and poetic, yet dreamy and symbolic at the same time.
Work Reception: Accomplishing a goal
How many exhibitions did you participate in?
I did a couple of group shows including two museums and five solo shows as well as international art fairs.
How do viewers typically engage with your art?
I love to attend my exhibition openings and extend my stay for an additional week to personally be at the gallery and meet people. It’s a very unique experience to be able to share my art and feelings with others. People often say the art feels like a mirror of how they feel along with a sense of harmony. For some reason, most of my buyers tend to be women. What really blows my mind is to hear someone thanking me for the art I create. It seems as though my art speaks for itself and people respond to it.
Has being a model in the past been a gift or a curse to achieving new goals in life?
Both. I’m trying to find my own answer and not listen to what others think. What I know in my core is that God created the path I am on. And to question it is admitting that God’s master plan is flawed. If I did not model, then I would probably not be living the life I currently have and making art the way I do. Often people look down on models and it can take away opportunities. Being a model could make others around me feel uncomfortable. Nonetheless, I was supported and given even more opportunities today, not because of my beauty, but because of my art. Just recently, Missoni invited me to model for their Missoni Spa. It is a rarity for brands to offer models that have taken such a long break from the industry.
It is not my intention to change people’s minds. Must admit, I limit my interest in debating politics or positioning myself as an activist – instead focusing my attention on enjoying the experiences of both life and art. Both are great support to heal my inner conflicts. The journey transformed my emotional pain with expressive Art.
Caption for photo and name.
WHAT DOES LOVE MEAN
TO
YOU?
LOVE
I have to think about this one. It’s easy to say I love my husband, my family, and my friends… love is bigger than I thought, but in life, it gets harder with practice. I don’t think we really know how to love. I don’t! In these past years, the world has become so divided. It’s so easy to judge, but it’s hard to love. We need to reset life somehow so we can learn how to love and live together.
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