SCARED OF THE UNKNOWN
Wolves, enigmatic creatures of the wilderness, ignite a kaleidoscope of emotions within us. They are venerated as the embodiment of untamed existence, revered as the ethereal spirits of nature, and idolized as the paragons of social behavior. Yet, lurking beneath this admiration lies a dark undercurrent of fear and animosity. We have to unravel the enigma, unravel the essence of the wolf, and illuminate the path toward acceptance through knowledge.
Fofanova’s experimental video installation, Scared of the Unknown, addresses a controversial issue by bringing attention to the limited wolf population in Finland and challenging our misconceptions and negative attitudes towards these animals, our interference and control over nature that often goes unnoticed.
The artist has a deep personal connection to the emotional world of non-human animals, which is reflected in her work. The video installation includes some old footage from years of observing forests across Finland.
With abstract ink visuals resembling blood vessels and microscopic views of bacteria, the installation highlights the interconnectedness of all organic life forms and calls for a more compassionate and harmonious coexistence between us and predators.
Wolves provoke strong emotions, both positive and negative, but true understanding
comes from learning about their complex behaviors and the impact they have on
humans and the natural environment.
My thesis, ”Scared of the unknown: human-animal connections in contemporary art” included this work as well. Thesis
Directed by Victoria Fofanova
A 3-channel moving image installation,
Direction 11.35 min
Sound design by Mark Malyshev
2024
This istallation was a part of ”Kuvataiteen Valtakunta”, Realm of Fine Art, Crossings, Mänttä.
and Degree Show ”AMBIT”, Galleria Himmelblau, Tampere
Coexistence
Coexistence is a 360° video performance in which I share time with my dogs, Mendy and Fenya. Dogs have always been a deeply personal subject for me. They have been the reason for my inner emotional growth, my empathy and gratefulness, my guilt and shame, my most genuine happiness and love, my pain, tears, struggles, and worries, as well as my greatest sense of pride. They embody two of my biggest dreams that came true. I have never been more deeply attached to anyone than to my dogs.
The ink drawing of a dog symbolizes a meditative state — a moment when one does not need to constantly interact with non-human companions, but can simply share a space, read their signals, and let them guide the rhythm of being.
Fenya was almost fifteen years old when the video was made, several months after she had passed away. Both dogs have had challenging health conditions that required patience and love. The video explores interspecies connection through time, care, and vulnerability, revealing coexistence as both a physical and emotional state.
