InTime (St. Peterburg)

InTime (St. Peterburg)

Joint Swedish-Russian art project
2011
Sergey Katran (Russia) Ekaterrina Sisfontes (Sweden)
nominated for the Art Award of Kurehin 2012

As we traverse the globe, a conscientious awareness of local time prompts us to adjust, effectively resetting our internal clocks. Yet, local time extends beyond numerical calibration; it permeates the very fabric of how we perceive and engage with time within a specific geographical locus.

This intricate interplay is intertwined with temperament, experience, psychology, and individual worldviews. When amalgamated with local customs, the essence of local time becomes a conduit to comprehend the core of a nation’s identity. Thus, delving into conversations about time and embarking on an endeavor to apprehend its significance across diverse cultures becomes a captivating pursuit.

This is precisely the focal point embraced by two artists – Sergey Katran from Russia and Ekaterina Sisfontes from Sweden – in their collaborative project “InTime.” Drawing inspiration from the Russian literary tradition, the dichotomy between rational and irrational temporal orientations finds resonance. This interplay is akin to the contrast between the contemplative daydreams of Mr. Oblomov and the methodical pursuits of engineer Stolz, as depicted in Goncharov’s novel. Notably, this tension is particularly palpable within the context of Petersburg.

Ultimately, it rests upon the audience to discern which artist more aptly encapsulates these nuanced trends, as both Katran and Sisfontes embark on an artistic journey that unveils the intricacies of temporal perception and its multifaceted role in shaping cultural ethos.

Curator: Dmitry Pilikin

Sergey Katran and Ekaterina Sisfontes
Sergey Katran and Ekaterina Sisfontes

Sergey Katran, a distinguished Russian artist, operates at the intriguing intersection of art and science. Hailing from Nikopol in the Dnipropetrovsk region, he was born in 1970 and has been based in Moscow since 1993. Katran’s artistic repertoire predominantly comprises three-dimensional creations that, in contrast to convention, remain decidedly dynamic. These interactive artworks seamlessly engage with their viewers, enacting his strategic vision aptly named “Random Art.”

His artistic journey has seen significant milestones, including participation in the third Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art. He contributed to the biennale’s special project, “sleeping area,” and further marked his presence through the international endeavor, “Night of Museums 2010,” hosted by The State Tretyakov Gallery within the exhibition titled “Art Sanatorium.” A notable highlight from his portfolio is the inaugural rendition of his creation “Gravitational Time Seal – 1,” first unveiled in 2010.

Furthermore, Katran’s expansive creativity materialized into the comprehensive exhibition installation titled “the sleeping area. Open class.” His recent endeavors culminated in the realization of “The Chairs of Fibonacci,” a captivating installation showcased in the exhibition “Visual Scores for the Anniversary of the Composer Vladimir Martynov.” This exhibition found its home at the esteemed State Center for Contemporary Art of Russia.

The chosen venue for the exhibition resides within the illustrious heart of St. Petersburg’s historic center.

Notably, the historical narrative and architectural composition of this locale are intimately intertwined with the concept of time. The present-day Round Hall of the Library and Cultural Center in honor of Mayakovski (BIKTsiM), situated at Nevsky 20, bears a legacy reaching back to its origins as the Dutch Reformed Church. Erected during the years 1830 to 1833, this structure chronicles a past where the adjacent regions in proximity to Big Stables Street once harbored Dutch settlers, while the District Minor housed Swedish inhabitants in this vibrant corner of St. Petersburg.

Library and Cultural Center in honor of Mayakovski
Library and Cultural Center in honor of Mayakovski