When I first show a Michael Zajkovs’ doll I was amazed by how real it looked. The artist, that pays attention to littlest detail, creates dolls that look so alive that you think they stare right at you.
Michael Zajkov studied the art of sculpture at the Kuban State University in 2009 and he started working at a puppet theatre. He indulged into the puppets crafting after studying the work of Laura Scattolini at the Moscow Doll Gallery. He was inspired by her work and created his first doll in 2010.
The Artist talks about his work at Vesper.
“A dolls creation is a symbiosis of sculpture, painting arts and crafts. I work with different types of Polymer Clay. A dolls height is usually 75 cm, while the 14 movable joints allow mobility. I sew the clothes by myself as I have the experience after working with fashion designer Irina Kuzёmina. For the manufacture of clothing I use antique and vintage fabrics and lace. I also make the shoes with fine genuine leather. The eyes are hand painted made by german glass while the wigs are made by french mohair. The creation of a doll may last from 2-3 weeks up to a month.
My work was widely known after participating at the exhibition of “Art Dolls” in Moscow in 2013. My dolls may look a little more realistic than usual. I upload in Istagram photos of the different phases of creating a doll that might look a little creepy but in the end the viewers and the exhibition visitors are so excited with the outcome, and this pleases me so much.
In April I exhibited my work in Amsterdam and the International «Art & Dolls» exhibition of DABIDA. You can find my work in a lot of private collections in Russia, England, America, Britain, Saudi Arabia and Europe. I do not take orders for the manufacture of dolls to make them look like specific persons, from photos of people for instance. I am inspired by interesting people. The fact that currently, all my dolls are sold its for me the highest satisfaction and recognition of my work.
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