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Ahmad Nadalian
Thanks to Oleg Buryan, Antony Malolin, Marina Moiseenko, Elena Malozyomova, Alexander Eremina, Nikolay Petrov, Simona Ermina, Yaroslav Misonzhnikov, Maria Aprasidi, Marina Tsay, Nikita Timoshenko and Nastia Titova.
A German philosopher said: "The fish that flow the tide is death"
My fish swim against the tides, and they are alive. They cross borders. I am artist and for me it is important to expand my art beyond space and time.
The border
where I live cannot define me. I am trying to define my personal border
myself. Still water has a bad smell, and flowing water tends to be purer and is cleaner. ***
In September of 2009 I traveled to Russia and was able to meet people and perform a collection of environmental art projects in several regions of this vast country.
During the flight to Moscow I saw the Volga River, which is one of the longest rivers of Europe.
The name of Moscow itself is derived from the name of a river. My fish enjoy swimming in a new territory.
Russian artist Oleg Buryan helped me to find my way. He welcomed my arrival, showed me Moscow, its biennial and told me all I needed about history, life and present situation of this environmentally rich but challenged country.
In this world everywhere I see new landscape, new perspective...
My new frog also jumped into the water of a pool.
Cherta River At this location, I installed some fish in the river and carved three fish on the rocks by a holy spring. For me these tree fish, were a reference to the Miracle of Jesus
In Moscow Antony Malolin and Marina Moiseenko accompanied me, and we visited several museums and exhibitions.
I continued my journey to the north and in St Petersburg, where I met artist Alexander Eremina, his sister, and their friends.
Russian artist, Simona Ermina accompanied me and suggested some location for my environmental art.
I gave one of my carved stones with the image of a fish to Simona. She promised to install this fish on the frozen river of Nava in winter. I have already done this project in Finland. It is very exiting to imagine that this spring, when the ice melts, my fish will carry my memory to the bottom of Finland’s Gulf. In my environmental art, I always try to involve local artists, and I am happy that the order of universe and changing seasons will complete the process of my art.
In St. Petersburg I visited The Hermitage Museum. Beside visiting arts of different nations, I studied the holiness of the female figures in the art of ancient Persia. There I met Elena Malozyomova. She is very kind scholar who sent me some images that I needed.
One night Simona Ermina invited me to an art event. There I painted faces.
Nikolay Petrov accompanied me we went toward to North St. Petersburg, near the border of Finland. There I carved my designs on large stones and rocks.
My
hammer and Russian sickle.
I extended my journey towards the north of Russia, and I dropped more fish.
Nastia Titova is from Murmansk, the most northeast part of Russia.
When I came back to St. Petersburg, I installed and dropped fish on a little island in the middle of the Neva River.
Young artist Yaroslav Misonzhnikov come there and assisted me. Very soon his friends joined us.
Yaroslav Misonzhnikov, Maria Aprasidi, Marina Tsay, Nikita Timoshenko
We had wonderful day. After I finished my work, we had launch. We also visited the city and Russian museum. Finally they took me to the local Academy of Art. They were very kind to me, and at the end of day I said good-bye
This was the last day of my stay in St. Petersburg.
I went to a supermarket. When I wanted to pay, my purse (all of my money) was stolen. I ask the manager of the supermarket to review the security camera. The one who rubbed me was a girl who was wearing boots.
While on the street I decided to take photos of all girls who were wearing boots. This was all I could do. The same night I come back Moscow.
 Fortunately I had my passport, ticket and I have already had already paid for my accommodation in Moscow. During the last three days of my trip, I had no money to pay for meals, nevertheless I continued my works.
In nature I saw a pigeon that was dead and more pigeon that alive I carved a bird on a stone. I ask Oleg to suggest a nest for this bird in the nature of Russia.
I have already sent birds to USA and UK
I
told the story of my stolen money to Oleg. He referred to this saying of
Kazanowa (17-18 Century) who said: If you are invited by the Czar (king) to
Russia, you are well paid for everything. If you take a risk to come by
yourself, be ready for troubles.
I travel to most countries across the globe after invitation, though I decided travel to Russia by myself. I had good reason. How I can be land artist and not see the largest country who is a neighbor?
It doesn't matter what can be the cost and risk of a journey. It is important that I am trying to suggest a better world. We always can find solutions.
I collect some coins on a rock in forest and near a Church in Moscow and could buy bread.
What can be difficulties; can also be a ladder for more progress and good memory. Now I am happy that I could use this story to make a new art project.
When I returned home some coins were left. I made art works to remember my time in Russia. I know that my art and my life are truly linked together.
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