Rinrio-Sikh Artwork from Russia with Love
Rinrio is an artist based in Chelyabinsk, Russia she undertakes traditional artwork and 2D Digital work. She has undertaken portraits of the Sikh Gurus and other Sikh related portraits. Her depictions of the Gurus and a ‘Defender’ Sikh Woman can be seen at the Contemporary Sikh Art exhibition. She was interviewed by Sikh scholar and head of the Sikh Museum Initiative Gurinder Singh Mann.
What is your background?
I graduated from the Russian-British Institute of Management in the specialty of costume design. Then was educated as an interpreter. But for many years already I work as a graphic designer. Among my directions of work there is also a motion design and 3D design. In addition to direct work and drawing, I am fond of photography, sculpture, the creation of collections of clothes and so on.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get inspiration from the world around, from people who are capable of great deeds, from the history of our world. The main purpose of art, on my opinion, is the transfer of the author’s feelings and emotions, that’s why I pay attention to the semantic side of the picture more than to the technical side. In my works I constantly try new painting techniques. I try not to focus on a single method of transmitting my ideas, so experiment from one work to other work, discovering new facets of opportunities for myself.
What got you interested in Sikhi?
My acquaintance with Sikhi happened several years ago. I personally believe that everything that happens in our life is not accidental. And people, who come in our lives, are also Waheguru’s plan. Thanks to one person, I have met Sikhi and then I began to study it, to penetrate into its meaning, because it is all very close to my sensations and perception of the world.
At the moment, Sikhi is an integral part of my life: listen to Kirtans, Gurbani, do meditation, read text from Guru Granth Sahib and so on …
When I was traveling in India, I wanted to buy a Kara … But I was told that since I do not belong to Sikhism, I do not have the right to wear it … In my heart, of course, I wanted to get it and wear it so that show my respect and adherence to Sikhism … But of course, I could not go against the “rules.” Then I chose for myself another way to show my respect and reverence for this Sikhi world: dedicate my arts to it. Yes, Sikhi is more for me than a religion … This is the teaching, the way of life, the world perception … this is the world itself.
What response have you received about your work?
I’m very pleased to receive feedback from Sikhs, who consider me equal to them, who see my soul and thoughts, not appearance and origin. Want to thank them from all my heart for that. It means a lot to me.
Defender by Rinrio
You have drawn portraits of the Ten Gurus through to non-Sikh Themes however one of your amazing pieces is that of the woman looking fearless. What were you trying to convey with this piece?
In my work “Defender” I wanted to show the world of a woman. No matter who she is: she can write stories or engage in farming, she can teach at school or be a doctor. But when there is a danger for her children, family, homeland, religion, she becomes a defender with the eagerness of a horse and the courage of a lioness. She is a Woman.
The Sikh Museum Initiative would like to thank Rinrio for allowing us to exhibit her artwork at the exhibition.
The Contemporary Sikh Art exhibition by the Sikh Museum Initiative and ArtSikh can be seen at the The Old Library Cafe and Galleries, 50-54 Belvoir Street, Leicester LE1 6QL Leicester, Th exhibition has drawn numerous visitors since its start on 12th May and ends on 31st July 2018.
Featuring artists from the UK and around the world, visitors have been able to see themes ranging from the Sikh Gurus to the Sikh empire to the abstract.
Visit http://www.sikhmuseum.org.uk/events/contemporary-sikh-art-exhibition/
RinRio can be contacted in the following ways:
Twitter: @RiNnyRiO
Instagram: rinnyrio
artsikh.com/portfolio/rinrio
rinrio.deviantart.com
rinrio.artstation.com
Photo portfolio: 500px.com/rinnyrio