POLENOVO has a new resident this winter – Israel Sofia, artist, potter and ceramist, art teacher. She moved from Russia to Israel at the age of 18, there she graduated from Bezalel Academy of Arts (Jerusalem) in 1997 and then came back to Moscow. Passionate about arts she took part in a number of group and solo exhibitions of contemporary arts. She has taught ceramics and pottery to kids, adults and kidults at various Moscow venues for the past 15 years.
Her recent projects are: “The Model of a Molecule” at Transatlantic Gallery (2009), “Ceramic Pockets” at Coat Gallery, group exhibition “The Life between the Volga and the Danube” (2015–2016), “Multy-Storey Prophanity” at Tolk Gallery (2015), “Museum of Brain” and many others.
With encouragement from friends and colleagues she first joined the team of Nikitskaya JCC , later she launched her own course of Potterу and Ceramics at Moscow Gymnasia #1567.
Spending winter at AIR Polenovo (from December to February) Sofia will be working on a new project, rooted in the Vassily Polenov’s philosophy and mysticism. Also she will provide a number of master-classes for kids at Polenov’s School in Strakhovo village as well as at Bolotov Dacha (www.bolotov.life).
This particular residence is organized in respect of the forthcoming Summer Festival 2017, which aims to expand the awareness and appreciation of Vassily Polenov’s journeys to the Holy Land.
