Photo: Lucas Christiansen.
Women in the art world have long-suffered from underrepresentation, and given the lack of dialogue on the issue, adidas Originals have introduced the female-focused XCHANGE project to combat unequal representation. To celebrate International Women’s Day, adidas Originals opened the XCHANGE Space studio in Berlin’s Kreuzberg neighbourhood, so that young female artists could collaborate in a studio setting.
In a series, SLEEK spoke to a selection of the project’s participating artists including Lithuanian visual artist Kristina Suvorova.
On the diversity within her own artistic catalogue
“I’m originally from Lithuania where I grew up around nature and life moved at a slower pace. I could describe my art, but mostly not in words. I have developed my artistic signature so that you can recognise my characters and elements in my work. My artwork can be influenced by whatever I am mostly sensitive to at the time. This can range from existentialism to solitude.”
On the adidas XCHANGE project
“I’m excited about the XCHANGE female platform because the collective goal and togetherness of the project displays an understanding that everyone needs to be involved, which is crucial.”
On Berlin as a creative hub
“When surrounded by others, we can exchange knowledge, and the sentiment of ‘you are not alone’ becomes a very tangible reality. I am still getting to know Berlin, but what I have been struck by is the openness here to new input – it’s the attitude which is fundamental to creating new material.”
The health of artists, adidas partners and fellow human beings is a top priority for adidas. In light of the global spread of COVID-19 and the need to protect the adidas family, the team have had to close the XCHANGE space in Kreuzberg until further notice. Even though the studio will remain closed, adidas will continue to support the artists and remains committed to increasing the visibility of women in the art scene by working together.
CREDITS
Photography: Lucas Christiansen
Styling: Leonie Volk
Hair and makeup: Victoria Reuter
Photographer’s assistant: Max Zimmermann