"MONO" takes viewers on a journey into the depths of meaninglessness and absurdity

On September 28, the contemporary art world was introduced to "MONO," a personal exhibition by multimedia artist Maxim Tatarintsev. Hosted at the "ARTIM project space" in Baku, the exhibition offers a thought-provoking exploration of the perception of a rapidly changing reality, guided by artificial intelligence. Curated by Zahra Mammadova, the show takes viewers on a journey into the depths of meaninglessness and absurdity in a world marked by post-immigration dynamics.

The title of the exhibition, "MONO," hails from ancient Greek, meaning "alone" or "lonely," setting the stage for a deeply introspective experience. Spanning two floors, Tatarintsev's exhibition incorporates artificial intelligence, video, and photo materials to deliver its message. At its core, "MONO" grapples with the surreal experience of navigating an increasingly absurd world.

The artist's work serves as a personal monologue, inviting viewers to contemplate the futility of existence in an era defined by post-immigration challenges. Throughout the exhibition, Tatarintsev engages in a continuous dialogue with artificial intelligence, which serves as both a guide and an interrogator. This collaboration between human and machine forces spectators to confront a critical question: "Should we passively surrender to uncontrollable events or resist them?"

The first floor of the exhibition features a video installation titled "silence speaks," entirely crafted by artificial intelligence. This thought-provoking piece questions the accuracy of information in our modern information-saturated environment, drawing inspiration from Franz Kafka's work, "In the Penal Colony."

On the second floor, visitors encounter a photo stand adorned with various videos playing on TVs, surrounded by inscriptions. This immersive display further reinforces the artist's exploration of the human experience in the face of an increasingly absurd reality.

"MONO" promises to be a captivating and thought-stirring experience for art enthusiasts and those interested in the intersection of art, technology, and existential questions. The exhibition is set to run until December 30, providing ample time for visitors to engage with Tatarintsev's unique perspective.

Maxim Tatarintsev's artistic journey has been marked by his exploration of the social environment's influence on personal development. Graduating from the Moscow State Art and Industrial Academy and the Bakstein Institute of Contemporary Art, he has exhibited his work in various cities since 2009.

"MONO" stands as a testament to the power of art to challenge our perceptions, spark conversations, and offer new ways of understanding the world we live in.

It should be noted that Maxim Tatartsev's works were also presented at the SAFEZONE group exhibition on November 10, 2022 in the ARTIM art space. Since 2009, he has exhibited his works at exhibitions in different cities.

Maxim Tatarov graduated from the Faculty of Environmental Design of the Stroganov Moscow State Academy of Art and Industry in 2014, and from the I.Bakstein Institute of Contemporary Art in 2018. The main theme of his work is the social environment as a source of personal development.