Cynthia Madansky (Brooklyn, NY) will spend her time exploring St. Petersburg and its arts organizations, conducting research, creating new work, and sharing her art with the local community. Below is information about the participant and her proposed residency project. During her stay, Cynthia will share her experiences and observations as visiting artist in St. Petersburg in the Back Apartment Residency Blog.
Cynthia Madansky (Brooklyn, NY)
Working in 16mm, super 8 and video, Cynthia Madansky’s films and videos integrate hybrid forms and traditions including experimental tropes, cinema verité, scripted narrative, ethnographic observation and dance and performance while interrogating the concept of personal responsibility and national accountability. She addresses cultural and political themes and illustrates the consequences of politics on the daily lives of individuals.
Proposed project
Madansky plans to work on preproduction for ESFIR a 16mm film of Women, a script by Esfir Shub. Shot in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Siberia, ESFIR examines the current status of women in Russia, the influence of poetry on Shub’s editing practice and the phenomenon of women film editors in the Film Factory in Russia. During the one month residency, she will also scout locations in St. Petersburg for the film and conduct interviews with local feminists about the status of women in Russia. During her residency Cynthia is going to show her videos Viva Agua (2016) and E42 (2015) at the New Stage of Alexandrinsky theater on July 28. The screening will be followed by a discussion with a local art professional. Also Cynthia is conducting a workshop for students of the School of Engaged Art Chto Delat on July 12.
Back Apartment Residency 