Masha Tatarintsev

I am a video and production designer and installation artist. In my most recent work, I have been exploring issues of mixed immigrant self identities, and women rights. I am fascinated by intimate miniature work for the audience of one as well as large spectacles for stadiums. Born in St Petersburg Russia, I spent my formative years in Pittsburgh, where I spent a lot of time playing make-belief about becoming a cowgirl, being a cross cultural ambassador and all the improbable things I will grow up to do

My love for physical movement and open spaces has shaped me into the artist that I am. This love started when I developed a bond with my dad as he taught me how to ski and skate. My mom taught me how to draw nude figures of Greek athletes in museums and public parks. And I strengthened the bond with my twin brother through getting beat up in games of wrestling. I believe that tapping into one’s physical intelligence is a way to strengthen one’s creativity and problem solving abilities.

As a first generation immigrant to the United States I grew up in the American Midwest with a weak sense of identity. I never felt fully Russian because I was Jewish, but never fully American because I spoke with an accent and did not have a typical all American childhood. This flux has proved to be one of my greatest strengths. It made me flexible and understanding towards those who were different. It fueled my curiosity about other cultures. As a result, I became literate and sensitive to the needs of culturally diverse communities. I recently created and premiered a one-and-a-half woman show inspired by Nikolai Barishnikov’s InParis, and a collection of short stories by Ellen Litman. The piece uses ideas of immersive story telling, live video animations, physical movement, and personal connection with the audience to tell the story of a Russian-Jewish-Female immigrant’s experience in contemporary America.

This summer I completed a new body of work. I projected old family portraits on to my parents’ bodies and photographed them. In this process, I wanted to explore and visualize my DNA as well as the complex and strained relationships that both of my parents had with their mothers. I am currently working on a solo installation to show this body of work.