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The Malta Biennale (maltabiennale.art), under the patronage of His Excellency the President of Malta, showcases a riveting collection of art and culture from around the globe. Among its featured pavilions, the Sea Pavilion stands out, commissioned by the Ta(r)dino 6 Art Platform (tardino6.art). This unique exhibition, titled “Tales of the Sea,” is a testament to the platform’s commitment to fostering artistic expression and dialogue. Curated by Ali Hassanzadeh, produced by Samir Belasri and featuring the compelling work of artist Nikolay Koshelev, the Sea Pavilion offers visitors a deep dive into maritime narratives and environmental contemplation.

Tales of the Sea: A Journey Through Art

Hosted in the historical Fort St Angelo in Birgu, “Tales of the Sea” engages audiences with Koshelev’s exploration of the sea’s mysteries and its relationship with humanity. The exhibition begins with a powerful painting of a multidimensional mainsail, where Koshelev employs a palette of blurred colors to draw viewers into an abstract, immersive experience. A shadowy figure of Venus, hinting at Malta’s mythological heritage, oversees the narrative, adding depth and intrigue.

The exhibition evolves with a collaborative sculpture representing a boat, a poignant symbol of the present and communal endeavors on the island. It culminates in a personal ceramic sculpture, reflecting Koshelev’s intimate connection with Malta’s natural landscapes, shores, and terrains.

Behind the Scenes: Curator and Artist

Ali Hassanzadeh, born in 1992 in Tehran, Iran, brings his background in anthropology and his curatorial expertise to the forefront of the Sea Pavilion. His prior work, highlighting emerging artists and the underground music scene, sets the stage for a nuanced representation of painting and contemporary art. Hassanzadeh’s vision, in partnership with Ta(r)dino 6 Art Platform, emphasizes the dynamic and evolving art landscape.

Nikolay Koshelev, the artist featured in the Sea Pavilion, is celebrated for his unique blend of game design elements, post-Internet aesthetics, and traditional artistic mediums. Since 2021, after 10 years of living and working in New York, he is based in Paris, France. His recent works, including notable exhibitions  “The Moon Pool: Archive” at the State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow (2020), “The Moon Pool: Paris Period” at Atelier 11, Paris (2021) and “Silver Dust” at Oregon Contemporary, Portland (2023), showcase his talent for creating immersive, narrative-driven art. Koshelev’s contributions to “Tales of the Sea” invite viewers to ponder their relationship with the marine world, through a lens that is both modern and deeply reflective.

Samir Belasri studied in France and India, lived in Australia, Morocco, visiting many other regions; in each, finding the unique languages of Aesthetics, rooted in local history and culture. Inspired by the DADA theorists, e.g., Tzara and Duchamp, Samir never came closer to feeling deep in the guts that beauty is nowhere and everywhere at the same time. The point of view of the observer is what matters! Now based in Paris, Samir has supported and exhibited numerous promising artists such as Apolinaria Broché, Denis Davidov, Nikolay Koshelev, Lisa Boostani, and others.

Ta(r)dino 6 Art Platform: Commissioning Innovation

Ta(r)dino 6 Art Platform, the commissioner of the Sea Pavilion, has been instrumental in bringing “Tales of the Sea” to the Malta Biennale. As an independent art initiative with roots in Baku, Azerbaijan, and an international outreach, Ta(r)dino 6 has a rich history of supporting art professionals from the Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia regions. Its collaboration with Hassanzadeh, Belasri and Koshelev for the Malta Biennale highlights its ongoing commitment to cultural exploration and artistic excellence.

The Malta Biennale, with its diverse array of exhibitions, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with the complex narratives and artistic expressions shaping our world. “Tales of the Sea,” through the visionary efforts of Ta(r)dino 6 Art Platform, Ali Hassanzadeh, and Nikolay Koshelev, stands as a beacon of artistic innovation and cultural dialogue.

For more information on the Malta Biennale, “Tales of the Sea,” and other participating pavilions, visit www.maltabiennale.art or follow the event’s updates on social media.