Vella Akhtimer

The artwork presents a dress and scarf ensemble inspired by the artist’s exploration of dance as a form of transcendental liberation and physical control. Influenced by Chuvash mythology and traditional costume, the dress incorporates vibrant red hues symbolising vitality, while white represents purity. Embroidered motifs of magical creatures such as “Pireshti” and winged horses called “Urhamahs” adorn the dress, serving as spiritual guides.

The scarf, embroidered with elements inspired by the Chuvash headdress “surban,” features the figure of Severbi, a superheroine symbolising a spiritual avatar. The artist employed machine embroidery exclusively, evoking a connection between dance and ritual.