SIMULACRA
In “Simulacra”, Nika Kupyrova explores the blurred boundaries between what is real and imaginary, virtual and non-virtual, organic and mechanical. The multimedia installation encompassing video, painting, sculpture and digital aesthetics was partially created in collaboration with the artist’s mother, Irina Kupyrova.
By incorporating set pieces from mythology, literary modernism, pop and internet culture, the exhibition provokes feelings of euphoria and malaise that are characteristic not only of the humanistic history of technology and the internet, but also of dreamscapes. Within a pseudo-organic construction composed of sunset, corals and mycelium, Simulacra unfurls a stage for a digital, animist cosmology composed of screenshots and avatars alongside several white dogs. The latter [serve as guides in this treacherous, digitally enhanced reality.]
The boundaries between what we perceive as real or fictional are perpetually shifting. This is a phenomenon that is currently exemplified by images generated by deep learning models – a method that the artist consciously chooses not to employ, but at best to imitate.
Denise Sumi (2025)
In “Simulacra”, Nika Kupyrova explores the blurred boundaries between what is real and imaginary, virtual and non-virtual, organic and mechanical. The multimedia installation encompassing video, painting, sculpture and digital aesthetics was partially created in collaboration with the artist’s mother, Irina Kupyrova.
By incorporating set pieces from mythology, literary modernism, pop and internet culture, the exhibition provokes feelings of euphoria and malaise that are characteristic not only of the humanistic history of technology and the internet, but also of dreamscapes. Within a pseudo-organic construction composed of sunset, corals and mycelium, Simulacra unfurls a stage for a digital, animist cosmology composed of screenshots and avatars alongside several white dogs. The latter [serve as guides in this treacherous, digitally enhanced reality.]
The boundaries between what we perceive as real or fictional are perpetually shifting. This is a phenomenon that is currently exemplified by images generated by deep learning models – a method that the artist consciously chooses not to employ, but at best to imitate.
Denise Sumi (2025)
papier-mâché,
organic and synthetic fibres, glass beads, imitation gold leaf,
acrylic and watercolour on wood, plaster,
bi-resin,
varnished
and unvarnished steel, fibreboard, found organic and inorganic
objects, digital
print (2024 - 2025)
“Simulacra”, 2024
Video (dual screens), 6 min 28 sec
Directing and art: Nika Kupyrova
Performers: Teuta Jonuzi, Trin Alt
Make up: Dragana Suljic
Camera: Ulrich A. Reiterer
Editing and post production: Patrick Topitschnig
Music: Ai fen
photography by Janine Schranz
exhibition views at Lentos Kunstmuseum Linz
“Simulacra”, 2024
Video (dual screens), 6 min 28 sec
Directing and art: Nika Kupyrova
Performers: Teuta Jonuzi, Trin Alt
Make up: Dragana Suljic
Camera: Ulrich A. Reiterer
Editing and post production: Patrick Topitschnig
Music: Ai fen
photography by Janine Schranz
exhibition views at Lentos Kunstmuseum Linz
