The project began with a general interest in what usually remains on the periphery of the creative process: tests, errors, traces, and accidental discoveries. During our third year at the HSE Art and Design School, we noticed that after nearly every module, there were supplementary materials left behind that typically didn’t make it into the final project.
These supplementary materials became the starting point for the project—Vo-da, a creative studio that focuses on the process. We explore errors, chance findings, technical tests, and strange artifacts, developing a meticulous attention to the working process.
Series No. 1: The Moon’s Other Side
The first series explores the byproducts of the creative process. Graphics emerge from accidental print marks: when working with linocut, ink remains on the protective paper beneath the press—thus creating a new, unique impression. These prints became the basis for the series and have appeared on T-shirts, shirts, accessories, and postcards. All prints were created using linocut in the «Vlipli» workshop.
82×50mm business cards
postcards 173×114mm
Series No. 2: Europe
The second series—a photographic project from a trip to Europe. Over 19 days, we photographed urban landscapes and details of the urban environment, searching for strange artifacts. We captured frozen moments in random locations, hidden and subtle narratives unknown to tourists. This series was crucial for the project’s self-definition. While working on it, we refined our focus and once again realized how captivated we are by the search for chance and imperfection.
Series No. 3: Construction Site
The third series translates this interest in the urban environment into an object form, engaging with the aesthetics of temporary city structures. Five objects, 3D-printed, visually reference construction materials: these include stands shaped like bricks, corrugated sheeting, and tiles, and a keychain shaped like a containment cone. The pieces are printed in luminescent plastic that charges under ultraviolet light and glows in the dark. This acidic glow makes the objects visible in darkness and establishes the image of a haunting, toxic city.
On the Voda website, you can read about the studio, view projects, and purchase merchandise. The site is structured as both an archive and a project showcase (sections 01, 02, and 03); it compiles texts, process snippets, photographs, and videos. The shop page features items available for purchase.