tatiana antoshina Born in 1959, Tatiana Antoshina lives and works in Moscow. Antoshina’s work often makes reference to allegorical works found throughout art history. While historically these works were produced by male artists mostly for male consumption, Antoshina creates images in which the gender roles have been reversed. Where male figures are historically portrayed as powerful and heroic, the artist renders them languid and subservient. Male figures often occupy the places in the composition usually reserved for the female nude. Conversely, the female figure is placed as the subject of the image and in traditionally male ‘places.’ The female subject often gazes at the viewer, confronting the gender inequity directly while simultaneously subverting the male gaze. While Antoshina specifically addresses the current male-oriented climate in modern Russia, her use of allegory and references within the pantheon of art history help generalize the work, allowing it to function on a global scale.

In self-portrait with Aliosha, the artist has positioned herself as the dominant figure. Aliosha is the name of a Russian soldier and liberator of Bulgaria during the Second World War. Aliosha’s position has been transmuted by Antoshina, who now enjoys the spoils of war. The hero offers a toast to victory accompanied by her subordinate male companion. The male figure, now repositioned on Antoshina’s lap, feels both awkward and out of place. However, this awkwardness only exists because gender stereotyping has trained our eyes to see it as such.

--Brian Twilley, Associate Director, Conner Contemporary Art; M.F.A, Studio Art, George Washington University