Photo: Courtesy of ‘Ethereal Echoes’
This week, the realms of art and fashion converge in a celestial collaboration between international contemporary artist Marina Fedorova and Saudi Arabian fashion designer Yousef Akbar. Titled ‘Ethereal Echoes’, the collaborative exhibit has been organized by design house Sputnik Partners, and curated by Authenticité by Hateem Alakeel, and aims to take over Riyadh’s FWD by MOKSYZ Boutique at Centria Mall between November 25 and December 9.
Photo: Courtesy of ‘Ethereal Echoes’
Ethereal Echoes is more than just an exhibition. It’s multifaceted conversation between art and fashion, elevated by digital reality and a shared vision between two distinct creative minds. Marina Fedorova and Yousef Akbar embark on a journey to redefine traditional and conventional narratives in art and fashion by showcasing their creations side by side.
Photo: Courtesy of ‘Ethereal Echoes’
In Marina Fedorova’s captivating “Cosmodreams” series of artworks, each painting serves as an exploration of space, philosophy, and ethereal elements. Augmented reality elevates these pieces, allowing viewers to transcend the two-dimensional canvas through a specially developed mobile application, Cosmodreams: Art in AR.
Photo: Courtesy of ‘Ethereal Echoes’
Complementing Fedorova’s celestial canvases are Yousef Akbar’s “Couture Constellations.” His contemporary dresses intertwine seamlessly with the paintings, blurring the boundaries between the tangible and the celestial. Each dress becomes a bridge, connecting the two mediums together, offering a visual experience that extends beyond fabric. However, the exhibition is not merely a visual experience but a multisensory immersive one. Digital content, including augmented reality and virtual reality, transform the act of viewing into an enchanting journey through dimensions and cultures.
Photo: Courtesy of ‘Ethereal Echoes’
For this project, Fedorova and Akbar drew inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, breathing new life into the nation’s cultural legacy. The enchanting Al-Ahsa Oasis served as muse, guiding the creation of masterpieces that resonate with the spirit of the land. “It’s a unique collaboration between two artists from different media — painting and fashion — and from different cultural and heritage backgrounds. ‘Ethereal Echoes’ embodies our common visions of peaceful coexistence between nations, awareness of our planet’s future, pushing the boundaries of self-expression, and chasing dreams.” says Ferdorova.
Read Next: All the Highlights from the Inaugural Riyadh Fashion Week 2023
