Heavenly Bodies

Heavenly Bodies I

2019


UHD Video with dolby 5,1 sound
13 min, 22 sec


Digital c-prints






Through Instagram I encountered fitness instructors, bodybuilders and MMA professionals during a recidency in Riga, Latvia. Their profiles show pictures and captions that convince you that all your goals are within reach, you can take controll and overcome fear.


Through selfies and motivational captions, they build their personal brands on social media. The monologue is based on these captions. The film follows their communication and training which subtly questions the iconic image of the strong, independent man. To subvert the normative image of training in the gym, the fitness instructors are filmed in natural landscapes. Surrounded by greenery, their bodies may be read in light of ritual and holy practices. Reminiscent of religious communities, their path is marked by discipline and dedication.

Heavenly Bodies I, excerpt from video

Installation view: 8 name for sten på is, dressing room at Osby's ice skating hall, Osby, Sweden, 2019

On Insta. digital c-print

With

Andrey Kovalev (andrey_deepfly)

Vadim Perevertailov (vadim_vipi)

Vitaly Perchilo (fittpepper)


Narrator

Andrey Kovalev


Translation

Bogusław Kalestyński


Sound design and mix

Niklas björklund


Location

Victory Park/ Uzvaras Parks/

Парк Победы, Riga, Latvia

Made with support from

ISSP Riga Residency, 2018

Climbing, digital C-print

Heavenly Bodies II

2019


UHD Video 5 min loop

With

Hasan Mezhiev (xacmm)


Location

Great Cementary/

Lielie kapi, Riga, Latvia

Heavenly Bodies II, excerpt from video

Installation view: 8 name for sten på is, sauna at Osby's ice skating hall, Osby, Sweden, 2019

Installation view: The Ring Beyond the Mat, Riksidrottsmuseet, Konsthall 16, 2023