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Can art still change our lives?

Interview with Sonya Akulshina, artist and hope lover

Can art still change our lives? Interview with Sonya Akulshina, artist and hope lover

Have you ever thought that the words of a stranger could be exactly what you needed to hear? Russian filmmaker and video artist Sonya Akulshina helps us reach new levels of awareness: about ourselves, others, and the power of sharing. Her passion for cinematic storytelling drives her to create a poetic documentation of the world around her. On her Instagram community, she shares new content daily, capturing the details and nuances of small things that often go unnoticed. Sonya absorbs the lives of people, the stunning colors of landscapes with her camera, pairing them with sounds or her voice to tell a story.

"For a while, I put aside my passion for videos and images. I went to school and chose the safe route, studying marketing. But in 2023, I picked up a camera again, and everything clicked. I started documenting the world around me, and it just felt right. What started as a way to cope with the uncertainties of life ended up resonating with others, too. It’s been almost two years since I made the decision to put myself out there, and that choice has completely changed my life, bringing me to where I am today" she tells us. Her words sound like a hopeful invitation, inspiring us to believe in our dreams, even if the path seems challenging.

Sonya Akulshina's art on Instagram

"The stillness of a photograph—how it captures a moment, an emotion, or a story in a single frame—deeply inspires me" Sonya explained. "That same sense of quiet observation influences much of my filmmaking. In many of my videos, the camera remains still, almost like a silent observer, allowing the scene to unfold naturally in front of the lens. I’m fascinated by how this approach creates space for the viewer to reflect and immerse themselves in the moment. When I shoot on the streets I always try to leave the camera rolling just for a few extra seconds. There’s something magical about the unpredictability of real life".

It's not just an objective recording, but rather a programmatic manifesto, almost hopecore: "Life is often challenging, and while there is so much hardship and darkness in the world, I choose to stay optimistic. I actively look for kindness, love, and beauty, no matter how small, in everything I see. I’m constantly searching for those “movie moments” that can be found in the everyday. Those fleeting moments when something truly meaningful happens, even if it’s just for an instant" Without filters, Sonya shares her goals with us: "I'm becoming braver about exploring topics that are often difficult or uncomfortable, but that need to be discussed. Whether it's loneliness, grief, or hope, I want to create spaces where these emotions can be shared without shame or fear. Ultimately, my subjects are driven by my own experiences, questions, and the stories I feel need to be told. Whether through documentary or narrative filmmaking, I want to shine a light on the humanity that connects us all".

The Letters from Strangers project

Her latest artistic project revolves around the exchange of letters between strangers. "In the beginning of 2023, I created a video series called Questions of my 20s, which started as a personal journey where I shared the questions that bothered me the most. When the series resonated with others, I invited strangers to submit their own questions, and hundreds responded. Through that project, I experienced the power of co-creating with strangers and giving a voice to other people. It was incredibly moving to see how deeply connected we all are, even in our most personal struggles. That experience inspired me to create Letters from Strangers—a separate space where people can connect through letters". How does it work? "Anyone can write a letter, scan it or take a picture of it, and send it to me. I’ll integrate these letters into videos and mixed-media artworks as part of the project. This way, the words of one stranger can touch the life of another, creating a chain of connection and empathy".

How to participate and send your letter?

Participating is very simple. Anyone can write a letter and send it to Sonya. She incorporates these letters into videos and mixed-media works. In this way, the words of a stranger can touch the life of another, creating a chain of connection and empathy. The key to this initiative is precisely this: breaking down distances and eliminating any degree of separation between us and others. When we read the words of a letter, we don’t know its author, their culture, gender, religion, or age, yet they might still say something meaningful to us, keeping us company.

Art on social networks

"On one hand, it’s incredible that we now have access to so much creativity from aroundthe world, but on the other hand, the internet has become oversaturated with content. We’re consuming more than ever before, and it can feel overwhelming. There’s so much noise that it’s often difficult to find the works and artists that truly resonate with us" Sonya Akulshina says when we change the subject and ask her about the relationship between contemporary art and social networks. Her response is nuanced and full of insights: "It makes me sad to see how some artists feel the need to sacrifice their unique voices or creative visions in order to appeal to the algorithm. The focus shifts from creating something meaningful to performing for metrics". She admits she’s no exception and often falls into the same trap: "My work is closely tied to social media, and I often find myself thinking about how it will “perform” rather than focusing solely on the idea or craft itself. It’s a difficult balance because while I want my work to reach people, I don’t want to compromise its integrity". Without even mentioning the issue of imitation or copying, a painful topic: "I find it disheartening how acceptable it has become to recreate the same ideas over and over, often without acknowledging the original creator. Maybe we don’t need to turn everything into a trend." Yet, she doesn’t stop imagining (and hoping for) something different: "I hope this dynamic can change soon. I’d love to see a shift where platforms and audiences value authenticity and originality over virality. Art should be about connection, expression, and reflection—not just numbers. I think it’s important for artists to keep pushing boundaries and finding ways to create spaces where their true voices can be heard, even in a system that doesn’t always prioritize them. Also, I think it’s important now, more than ever, to step outside the online world and experience art in real life. Going to galleries, seeing films in theatres, and consuming art in physical spaces allows us to connect with it on a deeper level".

What does it mean, then, to be an artist in the 21st century?

"Being an artist in the 21st century means navigating a fast-paced, ever-changing world. Being an artist today also means taking on many other roles that go beyond just creation. You need to be a marketer, a video editor, a copywriter, and often a businessperson, all in order to promote and share your work. The pressure to constantly market yourself and your art can be overwhelming" the young artist reflects. Consequently, her advice to aspiring artists is: "Be as authentic as possible. In a world where content is constantly being overproduced and the internet is flooded with AI- generated material, we need raw human voices more than ever.  We need art that pushes boundaries and starts conversations, art that does not cater to trends or the ever-changing landscape of pop culture. My advice would be to find your own authentic voice and trust your instincts".