Rust The Way You Are
2022

The exhibition entitled “Rust the way you are” by artist Anna Snegina presents a series of works that invite reflection on the destructive nature of both rust and human beings. Snegina takes inspiration from a quote by Giordano Bruno (“Nothing is more hostile to iron than the rust that originates from it”)  and explores the theme of self-destruction, which is as characteristic of humans as it is of corroding metal. The artist challenges the idea of violence as an internal need or response to external influences through her rusty metal objects, which she presents in an attractive form within the space of a white exhibition cube. By doing so, Snegina engages in a discussion about the normalization and aestheticization of corrosion.

In addition to the metal objects, Snegina also incorporates rust in a series of works on paper. In these works, she leaves prints of each finger of her right hand, thus personalizing the image of the trace of destruction. The exhibition also features the concept of “Guest, ” in which the works of another artist, Anastasia Bogomolova, are integrated into the space. In dialogue with Snegina’s works, Bogomolova’s sound fragment from her project “Under the Dome” features the sounds of a meteorite disintegrating in flight and the aftermath of this destruction.Overall, “Rust the way you are” is a thought-provoking exhibition that encourages visitors to consider the destructive tendencies of both nature and humanity. Through her use of rust and the presentation of her works in a pristine white space, Snegina challenges viewers to consider the normalization and even aestheticization of destruction in modern society.