Foliage Fire was a sight specific installation commissioned by Pushkin House for the exhibition I curated in 2015 KUPALA NIGHT COUP - OPEN CALL.

This exhibition was the first open call with a jury that selected artists submissions on the subject of Ivan Kupala – the pagan ritual relating to the summer solstice: As the primary elements of water, fire and flora coexist in harmonious symbiosis with earthly laws and its cycles artists around the world are encouraged to attempt proposals considering the role of these building blocks of all manifest creation in divination, purification, foresight and prosperity.

Coup in its 8th show running. On the night of Kupala in Slavic countries girls make and wear flower wreaths over their heads as well as other decorations made from summer flowers, when lovers jump over a a bonfire holding hands.

As a curator and an artist I took a liberty in adorning the space predominantly the stairs, weaving wreaths for participators and a special one for winner of the show and installing the bonfire all from rescued foliage found at the flower market in London.

To see the list of participating artists and their works click here