ZLATA BEORD
art, design
Art Residency at the Museum of Contemporary Post-Totalitarian Art, Tolon Museum
This page presents a series of exhibitions developed during a year-long residency at the Tolon Museum. The projects explore the concept of space as an integral part of art, where the artworks and their environment form a seamless dialogue. Each exhibition transforms the space into more than a backdrop, creating an immersive experience where art and surroundings coexist as a unified whole.
Faceless Heaven. Installation.
"At first, we planned to place just a few cardboard angels above a city, but the city grew—spreading from one wall to the floor, taking over the entire room. The angels refused to stay confined, so we had to break through the walls and give them space to move. By the way, I want to thank everyone who helped me collect cardboard, assemble, and curate this work.
This piece is dedicated to wars and the cities left in ruins. May the day come when such tragedies have no place in our world," - says Zlata.
To the faceless them.
Rustle of night, whispers of streets, trash’s murmur, sorrow-row,
Emptiness of windows, curtains in dust, spurs cast aside, storming sky-high.
Rustle of wings, whispers of night, streets’ hush, scarred wings—disgrace,
Spiraling thoughts, skeletons in closets, silk of a pen, a useless shrine.
Rusty light, shattered roof, moon’s gleam on their faceless gaze,
Wings tear fiercely through the silence, crimson trail, memory to ash-ash.
In the pulse’s rhythm echoes tremble: blasts, screams, the scent of dark-ark.
Headless, helpless, voiceless eye of war.
DARK MIRROR. Attention!
Face Lost. Kindly Report if Found...
What Does the Internet See in You?
The internet is our most unflinching mirror, but its reflection isn’t always kind. Behind the curated personas and endless scrolls, it reveals distorted truths — flashes of anger, forced smiles, and fragments of identity shaped by algorithms.
Dark Mirror turns this reflection into art. On Apple monitors, grotesque faces emerge — unsettling yet familiar, pieced together from memes, headlines, and toxic comments. Some wear traditional kokoshniks, nodding to how symbols can be weaponized in moments of conflict and control.
These faces don’t just stare; they demand answers. What has the internet amplified in you? And what has it erased? Look into the Dark Mirror — if you dare.
The vitrails of a Phantom Temple
of Modern Sins.
Sins 2.0
Old windows, seemingly plucked from ruins, take on new roles in The Sins 2.0. Instead of shedding light, they deliver a sharp dose of irony. Modesty? Add filters and become unrecognizable. Humanism? Obsolete — robots are the future. Naturalness? Too messy for modern tastes.
Each pane acts as a mirror, slyly poking fun at the absurdities of our time. It’s both amusing and slightly unsettling, as we catch glimpses of ourselves in the reflection—struggling to keep up with a world that never stops demanding more.
The Seven Deadly Sins.
1. Modesty.
Speak up! Louder! Add some embellishments! And don’t forget to slap on enough filters so even your mom won’t recognize you. Modest people don’t make it far in life!
2. Unfashionable.
The latest trend of the century! Be the best version of yourself, right now! Because by next week, you’ll already be outdated. Still thinking about it? Time’s ticking. Congrats, you're officially out of the loop.
3. Humanism.
Technocracy is the new power! People are so last century. Automation is perfect. Artificial intelligence, drones, robots—that’s our future. Trust in them and enjoy a world free of human error and emotions. They’ll tell you exactly what you should do and feel.
4. Moderation.
More! Consume! Buy! Use! The whole world of goods is yours. Running out of
space? Buy more. Can’t afford it? Take out a loan! Consumerism isn’t just a lifestyle; it’s your duty.
5. Honesty.
Sincerity is for the naïve. Today’s golden rule: smile, nod, and say whatever’s needed to avoid uncomfortable situations. Better to fit into expectations than waste time on inconvenient truths.
6. Naturalness.
That’s just not pretty. Ew, how gross. Filters, plastic surgery, perfect emotions—this is your new nature. Smile, even when everything’s falling apart, because what matters most is showing that you're happy.
7. Realism.
Why bother with the real world when the virtual one is so much better? A million friends and zero responsibility! Want to be a knight or a unicorn? Easy! There’s no pain here, no risk, no struggles.
