Synchrodogs Talk About Their Solo Show Experience at PhMuseum Lab

Working together since 2008, Synchrodogs is an artistic duo formed by Roman Noven and Tania Shcheglova. The exhibition Slightly Altered explored up to what extent it is possible to perceive human intervention in nature, provoking alterations that can extend in time. This body of work is set during a trip through the Carpathians and combines performative aspects with photography. Besides their artistic career, Synchrodogs also collaborates in producing campaigns for major fashion and cosmetic brands. In this interview, we ask them about their experience of working with the PhMuseum team and find out more about their practice and perception.

Ciao Tania & Roman, what do you think a solo show can represent for an artist and how did it impact you in this moment of your career?

Solo shows are important as they can show a broader perspective of the artists´ vision of the World. They put the viewer into an artist’s reality to some extent, as we all live in different realities. Some people are into an urban lifestyle, some are social, some work with computers, some go to nature - we all lead our lives in absolutely different directions, and a solo show is the best way to place the viewer into other perceptions of life, and at the same time make an important message come across.

Can you tell us about the professional and curatorial collaboration with the PhMuseum team?

We loved the experience a lot, PhMuseum indeed is a well-known and respected organization. They offered us their way of presenting works, including video projections of the moving images we made recently, so the exhibition had a really fresh vibe and got a lot of positive feedback.

Is the possibility of showcasing your work already affecting you while still in the process of producing work? If yes, how?

As we said before, showcasing works both online and in physically existing spaces is important, art needs to be seen and heard, only then its main function has a chance to be fulfilled. At the same time, it´s a way of introducing to other professionals working in the field, galleries, and curators. 

We notice that you are moving towards a more digital approach to art where you incorporate CGI in your work and create NFTs. With regards to this, could you tell us something about any new projects that you are working on or would like to engage with in the next future?

We are multidisciplinary artists in general, we do photography, but also art direction, work with video, CGI, music. We like generating ideas, and CGI gives us a broader choice of instruments. Recently we released a series of 3D animations called The Point of No Return, they are now being presented on Superrare platform as NFTs superrare.com/synchrodogs/creations  And several months ago we started working on our first movie, which will consist of 10 short stories.

What does art embody in critical times and how do you rely on it to discuss and visualise social themes?

Art is a new way of educating people, as old schemes don’t seem to work on a full scale anymore. People get to know how to become more eco-friendly, they develop empathy, they become socially aware of contemporary issues that need a solution - all via art and the messages it conveys. 

After the opening at PhMuseum Lab in Bologna, you also attended the opening weekend of the Photo Vogue Festival in Milan. What are your perceptions about the Italian photographic scene?

Photo Vogue Festival is a very interesting experience gathering so many talented people together, indeed worth coming. It shows such a wide range of visions, beauty is in diversity, and we love to see fashion photography blooming. 

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The photographers Tania Shcheglova (1989) and Roman Noven (1984) are a Ukrainian duo who work under the name of Synchrodogs. Their production is often characterized by the combination of naked bodies, landscapes, manufactured goods and installations that give rise to performative photography that deals with issues such as the relationship between man and the environment. During their career, they have exhibited their works in galleries and museums such as Benaki Museum (Greece), Boston Museum of Fine Art (USA), Annenberg Space for Photography (USA), Palais de Tokyo (France), Somos Gallery (Berlin), Guy Hepner Gallery (USA) and Galerie Blanc (Canada).

Inaugurated in September 2020, the PhMuseum Lab is a multifunctional space that functions as a meeting and educational juncture. It is the result of the 10 years of online experience by PhMuseum which serves to stimulate a dialogue between digital opportunities and physical interactions by pursuing the same mission, that is to discover new work, train and promote photographic talents while disseminating visual culture.

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The PhMuseum Photography Grant has established itself as a leading prize in the industry over the past ten years, renowned for celebrating the importance of contemporary photography and supporting the careers of emerging artists through monetary prizes and various opportunities across international festivals and online media. You are welcome to present your work before 17 February 2021 at 11.59 pm (GMT). Learn more and apply at phmuseum.com/g22.