In the realm of contemporary art, installation artists like Ksenia Lankina stand out for their ability to transform spaces into immersive experiences. Lankina’s work, characterized by its innovative use of light, sound, and even scents, invites viewers into a world where art intersects with technology to explore complex themes like perception, nature, and industrialization.

"Light Bath" at the Outline Festival

From July 6th to 9th, 2023, the Taldom District near Moscow hosted the Outline Festival, a vibrant celebration of electronic music and art. Among the highlights was Ksenia Lankina’s "Light Bath," a light and sound installation that served as a teaser for the upcoming "Museum of Light" in Moscow. This installation offered festival-goers a philosophical journey through sound and light, providing a sneak peek into the multimedia "Museum of Light" slated to open in 2024 at VDNKh.

"Light is one of the most complex and encompassing concepts," says Alexander Us, creative director of SilaSveta and the "Museum of Light." "It’s hard to find a field it doesn’t touch. We decided to tell viewers about this amazing phenomenon through art and the latest technologies, combining all the main spheres of light’s presence under one roof."

The "Light Bath" immerses visitors in sound and light, allowing them to lie back on a soft surface and experience the sensation of floating in weightlessness, observing the changing colors and intensities of light accompanied by meditative sounds. Like the transition from day to night, the light changes the perception of the environment, offering visitors new and unforgettable emotions.

"Scents. Sounds. Factories." — An Ephemeral Exhibition

Before "Light Bath," Lankina’s exploration of sensory experiences took her to the PERMM Museum with the "Scents. Sounds. Factories." exhibition. This project was the culmination of a journey by Russian artists through major factories in Perm and the Perm region. Instead of traditional art objects, the exhibition focused on smells, sounds, and light, based on both empirical experiences and data collected by the artists.

The exhibition was divided into three parts: a "sound library" featuring unique "sound portraits" of each factory, "light casts" of factory workshops created by Lankina using a unique technology, and a section dedicated to scents, where special devices allowed visitors to experience the smells of different factories.

"This exhibition was an experiment for the museum," says Naila Allahverdiyeva, art director of PERMM. "It significantly enhances the museum’s competence in displaying complex multimedia projects. It’s crucial for us to establish connections with major Perm factories, as each is part of our culture and identity."

Initiated by Katya Bochavar, a Russian artist and curator, the exhibition was a result of her years-long research into industry and manufacturing. Bochavar’s approach shifts from physical objects to intangible substances, believing that smells and sounds drastically reduce the distance between the artist and the viewer, engaging with pure emotional perception.

"I want the viewer to see a unique portrait of each factory we visited," Bochavar says. "I hope to continue this story, perhaps even museumifying the colors or fonts found in these factories. It’s fascinating and romantic to capture what we have now before it vanishes."

Ksenia Lankina’s installations, including "Light Bath" and her contributions to "Scents. Sounds. Factories.," highlight her innovative approach to art. By combining technology with sensory experiences, Lankina not only challenges traditional perceptions of art but also opens up new avenues for exploring the relationship between humans and their environment. As she continues to push the boundaries of installation art, Lankina’s work remains a testament to the power of art to illuminate, engage, and inspire.

Author: Jenya Stashkov, artist and art critic, Sheffield, UK