Falling into Virtual Reality

(Blokhin B. 1987, Krasnodar, Russia) (Kuznetsov B. 1985, Krasnodar, Russia) Recycle Group, formed by Andrey Blokhin & Georgy Kuznetsov in 2006, explore the realm of ‘Virtual Reality’ using both recycled imagery and materials. Their work aims to bridge incompatible subjects such as the classical with the contemporary, Western artistic traditions with Russian domestic realities. Since 2008 the artists have regularly participated in various group shows in Moscow, St Petersburg and other Russian cities. The year 2008 marked their first exhibition under the title Recycle. In 2010, Recycle Group won the prestigious Kandinsky Prize in the nomination “Young Artist” for their Reverse project. From 2010 works by the art group have been showcased on a regular basis in international galleries and various contemporary art spaces in France, Italy, Great Britain, USA and Belgium. In 2012 Multimedia Art Museum, Moscow hosted their grand personal show Paradise Network, which attracted a wide audience and was widely covered by the mass media. The artists participated in the programme of la Biennale di Venezia in 2011, 2013 and 2015. Their large-scale installations, made of plastic mesh, have decorated the facade of Grand Palais during the international art fair Art Paris 2013 and the facade of London School of Economics in 2014-2015. Currenlty, Recycle Group are representing Russia at La Biennale di Venezia 57th International Art Exhibition with their exhibition 'Blocked Content'. Works by Recycle Group are part of the public collections of Glasstress, Royal Museum of Scotland, Multimedia Art Museum, Moscow among others. Both Andrey Blokhin and Georgy Kuznetsov live and work in Krasnodar. Some info on the Recycle Group works : Site-specific installation Jengapolis is a megapolis built using the principle of the "Jenga" game, by transforming the blocks of the game into office buildings. The other works included compare the globalisation of information networks and our need for new technologies to the historic conversion of Christianity. Proposing the Internet as a new vehicle for faith, a belief system where advice on everyday problems, health and assistance with technical issues is sought online. This kind of ‘virtual archeology’ is a topic that they are continuously debating and trying to understand within their works. Through the use of recycled materials, polyurethane, plastic mesh, rubber, polyethylene, and wood, combined with new tools, the duo create sculptures that portray our culture’s adoration for new technologies. The artists seek to give their viewers an idea of the future traces to be left by the paradoxes of our own age, of what will be marked in history. Turning to history to illustrate relevant issues and shocking aspects of contemporary lifestyle, their sculptures take on the appearance of ancient monuments that display the ravages of time.