Zinaida LIKHACHOVA: Ethnic modern art for me is a worldview rather than a style

The main theme of the collection “More” is guelder rose. Red coral necklaces on white shirts bring to us Ukrainian rituals with all their antiquity and homeliness.

Why guelder rose has become the main theme of your new collection of accessories? Some would say the theme is more than little worn out…

“Firstly, the guelder rose was a symbol of majesty for me, and secondly, it symbolized not just the collection but also the season when it was created. Only guelder rose gains energy in winter, when the soil falls asleep, and so this plant becomes the embodiment of femininity. In addition, the guelder rose symbolized the heart in the collection, as necklaces were worn closest to the heart by fashion models at the presentation. Finally, the color of blood symbolized love, of course.”

This is your fourth collection in the ethnic modern art style. What is your approach to it?

“Ethnic modern art for me is a worldview rather than just a style I use. Most importantly, it includes the traditions which I respect. On the other hand, it is influenced by the time we live in and cannot abstract ourselves from. So, the ethnic modern art consists of accumulated knowledge and traditions of clothing, holidays, and rituals, which I transform into modern form. Our time dictates me what projects to do. I am motivated by my inner feeling and strive to rely on it whenever I create paintings, clothes or accessories.”

Watching your presentation, I was transported mentally to folk youth parties on the St. Andrew’s Day…

“Actually, the scenario of the collection’s presentation was developed quite spontaneously, because when we worked on it, we did not know yet when and how it would be presented. Suddenly, when we got the exact date, it turned out to be the St. Andrew’s Day, and then we decided without any hesitation to use best customs and rituals of the St. Andrew’s Day parties when presenting the collection. In this way, our performance was born. Design of the premises was an unusual one, too, as its most prominent detail was a ‘snowman’ made from seven felt balls (the felt itself was made according to an ancient technology). It symbolized the seven energy centers in the human body.”