Lyubov Matyunina
Rietveld graduate
1. What are you currently working on?
“Now everyone is locked down at home, we all are united in our isolation. To make life more joyful during these self-isolated times, we decided to open a “stay home” gallery. HOMESTER is a virtual platform where one can see work by contemporary artists and musicians. It’s artist-run and used to (co)-create, exhibit, promote and reflect. We are receiving a lot of proposals, so this keeps me very busy.
This week I will also release my first YouTube episode, where I’m sharing my research on the gentrification process in Amsterdam. You’ll see interviews I took over past two years and also new information about housing during Covid-19!”
2. What has changed for you now that most of us are working from home?
“My daily routine has changed. I’m not biking to my studio anymore. I never talked so much on the phone as nowadays; it reminds me of when I was a teenager and my parents didn’t let me go out, so I phoned my best friend and we talked hours and hours. What I really do miss is hugging my friends!”
3. And what is the same?
“I work on my art projects as usual, doing a lot of research and writing. I have collected enough material to make masks and costumes. I would say my artist routine stayed the same.”
4. Do you have a tip to make these times more joyful?
“I think it’s a good time to rethink your practice and focus on the things you really want to do. Make a realistic plan and follow it, so you can manage to go forward with your practice and study. Don’t be harsh on yourself if you feel sad or unproductive, we all feel this right now. It’s totally fine to be frustrated, just don’t let this emotion take you over completely. Limit the time you dedicate to news reading and social network scrolling, and you will feel much better! And drink more water!”
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