Ksti Hu
Ksti Hu

KOMI NIV

2021, Video, 2:54min

KOMI NIV is an animated artwork. The character is partly an alter-ego of an artist and partly a gaming figure who is fiercely determined to combat the derogatory attitudes prevalent among the majority of the Komi population towards their ethnicorigin.

‘Are you a Komi, or what?’—a phrase commonly used in Russia—was akin to asking ‘Are you stupid or what?’, recalls the artist. ‘As a child, I always wanted to be seen as Russian because being Komi implied being uncivilised and uneducated. Russians would refer to us as “Komjak” (комяк), suggesting someone who cannot speak proper Russian and is very stubborn. It took me a long time to accept and proudly identify as Komi.’

The Two of Swords from traditional tarot signifies the need to make overdue decisions while blindfolded, symbolising imbalance.

KOMI NIV is determined to advocate for notions previously unfamiliar to her: self-determination and self-esteem. She aims to redefine Komi identity to live it freely. ‘I had to be thousands of kilometres away from home to reconnect with my NIV and I’m still on the path to understanding her.’

Exhibited:
2023 screen on the wall, group exhibition OMЭ in Kunsthaus Bethanien, Berlin, GER
2022 screen on the wall, group exhibition Balance Club/Culture Festival, Garage Ost, Leipzig, GER
2022 ARTBYTE Gallery London, GBR
2021 big screen, Unicorn DAO showcase: Art Basel Factory Miami, Trippy Labs, CH

3D Sculpting: Ksti Hu
Animation: Ksti Hu
Sound: IXXF

KOMI NIV

2021, Video, 2:54min

KOMI NIV is an animated artwork. The character is partly an alter-ego of an artist and partly a gaming figure who is fiercely determined to combat the derogatory attitudes prevalent among the majority of the Komi population towards their ethnicorigin.

‘Are you a Komi, or what?’—a phrase commonly used in Russia—was akin to asking ‘Are you stupid or what?’, recalls the artist. ‘As a child, I always wanted to be seen as Russian because being Komi implied being uncivilised and uneducated. Russians would refer to us as “Komjak” (комяк), suggesting someone who cannot speak proper Russian and is very stubborn. It took me a long time to accept and proudly identify as Komi.’

The Two of Swords from traditional tarot signifies the need to make overdue decisions while blindfolded, symbolising imbalance.

KOMI NIV is determined to advocate for notions previously unfamiliar to her: self-determination and self-esteem. She aims to redefine Komi identity to live it freely. ‘I had to be thousands of kilometres away from home to reconnect with my NIV and I’m still on the path to understanding her.’

Exhibited:
2023 screen on the wall, group exhibition OMЭ in Kunsthaus Bethanien, Berlin, GER
2022 screen on the wall, group exhibition Balance Club/Culture Festival, Garage Ost, Leipzig, GER
2022 ARTBYTE Gallery London, GBR
2021 big screen, Unicorn DAO showcase: Art Basel Factory Miami, Trippy Labs, CH

3D Sculpting: Ksti Hu
Animation: Ksti Hu
Sound: IXXF