Tamkovich-Friske, Ian
Ian Tamkovich-Friske, known for his provocative and controversial presence in the contemporary art scene of Moscow, has garnered attention for his unique approach to art and social commentary.
Background and Artistic Journey
- Birth Name: Yan Ginzburg (Тамкович).
- Education: He studied at the Russian State Social University and the British Academy of Design, eventually graduating from the Institute of Contemporary Art Problems.
- Artistic Identity: Tamkovich-Friske emerged as a significant figure in modern Russian art around 2015, creating a dual identity with his alter ego, the “Individual Entrepreneur,” which represents a critique of contemporary art institutions and societal norms[1][5].
Notable Works and Themes
- Controversial Exhibitions: His works often reflect the darker aspects of contemporary life in Russia, including themes of betrayal, identity theft, and social injustice. One of his notable exhibitions titled “Faît Accompli” showcased a singular object—a passport—symbolizing identity and existence within the art world[1].
- Public Perception: Tamkovich-Friske’s art has sparked mixed reactions, eliciting both fascination and disdain from audiences and critics alike. He has been described as embodying the struggles of modern artists against bureaucratic and institutional constraints[1].
Recent Developments
As of January 2025, Ian Tamkovich-Friske continues to be an influential figure in the art community, actively engaging with contemporary issues through his work. His Instagram presence indicates ongoing projects and personal reflections on his artistic journey[2].
In summary, Ian Tamkovich-Friske stands out as a complex character in the realm of contemporary art, challenging societal norms while navigating the intricacies of personal and artistic identity.
Citations: [1] https://knife.media/tamkovich-friske/ [2] https://www.instagram.com/my.darkest.light.will.shine/ [3] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD5QEeE5XCVCPhsAfoXknOA [4] https://www.facebook.com/my.darkest.light.will.shine/ [5] https://artguide.com/people/1728-ian-tamkovich-1722 [6] https://www.art4.ru/show/yan-tamkovich-friske-idi-i-smotri/ [7] https://kinoglaz.fr/personne_ru_18945.html [8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyfBui3dIyo
Also known with his series of provocative photos that includes images of symbols of celebrities having died or killed recently, among them a Russian actress, singer and model Zhanna Friske and scientist, statesman and liberal politician Boris Nemtsov. Ian working and living in Moscow.
Exhibitions
| Year | Exhibition | Place |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Bound to Death. Equal Marriage | Center “Red” |
| 2015 | Immortality Certificate | Center “Red” [2] |
A charschter of Ian Tamkovich-Friske in 2017
Photo: Afisha.yuga.ru
The figure of Yan Tamkovich-Friske
He is familiar though in different incarnations. Appeared for the first time in 2014 as Individual Entrepreneur, in the course of workshops run by artist Anastasia Ryabova and critic Alexandra Novozhenova in the Rodchenko School in 2015 and 2016, a concept emerged that artists are not who they say they are. Through discussions with students it turned out that they considered themselves but rather “small business owners”. The “real” Tamkovich persistently resisted, even called himself the “original” but nothing helped. As a result he began introducing himself as Yan Ginzbourg at every possible opportunity. The imitator was victorious. The “original” and the “copy” even had an altercation at one of the “Nights of Vernissages” at the Vinzavod Contemporary Art Center, the video of which was a hit in artistic circles for a while. In November 2016 Tamkovich-Friske and Individual Entrepreneur held a gay-wedding in Center “Red” “Bound to Death. Equal Marriage”.
Завещание (2022) [5]
Photo: Facebook.com
The Merge
In the early summer of 2016, a case occurred that finally tipped the scales in the direction of Tamkovich-Friske. An employee of the NCCA called him and asked if he could come and sign an agreement for the transportation of Tamkovich’s work from one gallery to another, which he did. Thus, one of the largest Moscow institutions – the NCCA – has officially recognized that there is no difference between Tamkovichi. For the blind bureaucratic machine, they became one person.
See also
- Russian сhthonism
- Ян Тамкович-Фриске, I’m one of the few people who live what’s called a lowlife. (Vk.com)
- Theme: Psycho (DI #6-2017)
- Ян Тамкович-Фриске — поучительная история о том, как в 25 стать самым парадоксальным и ненавидимым современным художником Москвы (Knife)
- Ян Тамкович-Фриске «Faît Accompli. Выставка одного шедевра» (Facebook)
Image credits will be appear here if included https://iy.kommersant.ru/Issues.photo/WEEKEND/2024/033/KMO_121188_13011_1_t218_234234.webp
