AES+F is a collective of four Russian artists: Tatiana Arzamasova (born 1955), Lev Evzovich (born 1958), Evgeny Svyatsky (born 1957), and Vladimir Fridkes (born 1956) [1], [2]. The group was initially formed as AES Group in 1987 by Arzamasova, Evzovich, and Svyatsky, with Fridkes joining in 1995 to complete the current formation [2].
Working across various media, including photography, video, installation, animation, painting, drawing, and sculpture, AES+F is known for creating grand visual narratives that explore contemporary global values, vices, and conflicts [2]. Their work often combines elements from art history, pop culture, and current events to create complex, multi-layered spectacles [4].
Notable Works and Achievements
- Islamic Project (1996-2003): A provocative series imagining Western culture under Islamic influence [2].
- Last Riot (2005-2007): A computer-generated animation presenting a dystopian scene [3].
- Allegoria Sacra: This work won several prestigious awards, including the Kandinsky Prize (2012) and the Pino Pascali Prize (2015) [2].
- Turandot: A recent operatic production exploring themes of female authoritarianism and the #MeToo movement [4].
AES+F has exhibited at numerous international festivals and biennales, including Venice, Lyon, Sydney, and Moscow [2]. Their works are featured in major collections worldwide, such as the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris and the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow [2].
The collective describes their practice as a form of “social psychoanalysis or collective catharsis,” addressing collective fears, anxieties, and desires through their art [4]. Their unique approach and visually striking works have established AES+F as one of the most successful and commercially viable art groups in Russia [5].
Key Works and Achievements
| Year | Project/Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Last Riot | Gained global recognition at 52nd Venice Biennale. |
| 2009 | The Feast of Trimalchio | Debuted in Venice, second in Liminal Space Trilogy. |
| 2011 | Allegoria Sacra | Completed trilogy, shown at 4th Moscow Biennale. |
| 2015 | Inverso Mundus | Presented at 56th Venice Biennale. |
Awards and Honors
| Award | Year | Project |
|---|---|---|
| Sergey Kuryokhin Award | 2011 | Allegoria Sacra |
| Kandinsky Prize | 2012 | Allegoria Sacra |
| Pino Pascali Prize | 2015 | Allegoria Sacra |
Collections and Exhibitions
| Venue/Institution | Location |
|---|---|
| State Tretyakov Gallery | Moscow |
| Tate Britain | London |
| Centre Georges Pompidou | Paris |
| Museum of Fine Arts | La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland |
| AGSA / Art Gallery of South Australia | Adelaide |
| MONA | Tasmania |
Citations
[1] https://aesf.art
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AES+F
[3] https://www.artnet.com/artists/aesf-group/
[4] https://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/aes-plus-f-art-230819
[5] https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%90%D0%95%D0%A1+%D0%A4
[6] https://www.instagram.com/aesplusf/
[7] https://www.facebook.com/AESplusF/?locale=en_GB
