The first association that comes to mind when the word “dolls” is a children's toy, often simple and somewhat naive, perhaps a porcelain figurine with a wadded body in a complex suit. However, some authors may change their attitude to small figures. Alexandra Kukinova’s dolls are not a toy, but a real work of art, which may well compete in beauty and grace with all the famous porcelain girls in beautiful dresses from childhood.
About the art doll
Small figures depicting a person have come a long way from ritual objects of worship to children's toys, however, if you look at them more closely, you will notice another branch of the development of small sculptures. Author's art doll is a young field of arts and crafts. Its principles have not yet been shaped by time, few people know about it, but these dolls are real masterpieces, they fascinate and cause an irresistible desire to touch and watch, without taking off an enthusiastic look.
Puppetry is the embodiment of harmony in many other creative industries. Design, sculpture, theater and literature, sewing, needlework, as well as warmth and coziness merge into one small figure, creating an amazing result. These dolls are something on the verge of a real and magical world.
The secret to perfect creation
A truly beautiful doll must be natural, honest. In any work, falsehood and pretense are immediately felt. The doll should have a context, the idea is important, thoughtfulness. Attention to the image and some meticulousness of the creator - this is what distinguishes an industrial product from copyright. Nothing should be just like that, for no reason. A meaningful work will certainly cause a response in the soul of the viewer.
about the author
Aleksandra Kukinova graduated from the A.P. Chekhov Moscow Academic Art Theater School-Studio with a degree in stage designer and is a member of the Creative Union of Artists of Russia. Passion for dolls and sewing came from childhood. Alexandra's mother sewed clothes for the whole family, and from the scraps she and her daughter created outfits for dolls and baby dolls.
Passion for costume did not pass over time, in school years the craftswoman dressed paper dolls, and later - a real, German analogue of Barbie. Moreover, Alexandra sewed dresses on her right up to the first year of the institute.
Over time, Kukinova went further and, in addition to costumes, began to create models for them, which grew up in the beautiful sophisticated dolls that she is now engaged in. She does not make a secret of her technique and openly shares methods, but whether the author of the dolls by Alexander Kukinov gives master classes is not known for certain.
The main feature of the artist-puppeteer Alexander is considered to be “watchfulness” - the ability to see beauty around him and transform it into a desire to create, create and reflect beauty in his works. She herself draws inspiration from the theater and cinema, literature, painting and art of Russia of the Silver Age.
About everyday life
According to Alexandra herself, she does not have time for additional hobbies, since she is completely immersed in the creation of her amazing dolls. She also collects vintage accessories, likes to take care of plants, to bring comfort to her pets and her pets: she has a cat and two dogs.
For almost 20 years of work as a puppet master, the creation of porcelain beauties did not have time to bore her. The creation of new figures to this day remains the main and favorite hobby of Alexandra Kukinova.
About Gallery
After graduating from the Moscow Art Theater School-Studio, the artist created the Alexander Gallery, Kukinova’s dolls are born there. It was founded in 1989 and is functioning to this day. Physically, she is in the city of Odintsovo, near Moscow, in the residential complex "Da Vinci". Also, Alexandra Kukinova’s dolls can be purchased in other cities in local galleries: in Tyumen, Perm, St. Petersburg and Samara, and they are also delivered abroad.
About dolls
Alexandra Kukinova's dolls are mostly about 60 centimeters in size, depending on the series. They are made by hand from porcelain. Clothing for them is another work of art. The costumes are very different, all tailor-made for a particular doll from natural expensive materials and complemented by a large number of details, for example, semiprecious stones, hand embroidered or painted.
Each doll of Alexandra Kukinova has her own appearance, costume and personality. Their unique feature is associated with the effect of the ominous valley. This is a psychological phenomenon when an individual is uncomfortable with figures or images that are too similar to a person, for example, mannequins, prototypes of robots that look like a person, or wax figures. However, porcelain dolls Kukinova hostility or discomfort does not cause, despite its "humanity". These are very cozy sculptures that give warmth and joy to their owners and spectators, they return a little to bright memories of childhood. Photos of dolls by Alexandra Kukinova are presented in the article.
Series
In addition to art collection dolls, Alexandra Kukinova creates various series of small sculptures:
1. Elite gift figures. Large souvenir dolls. Incredibly beautiful with porcelain "luminous" skin and the finest painting in high-quality historical or carnival costumes.
2. Christmas toys and miniatures. Small (no more than 20 centimeters) figures with an eyelet, thanks to which the toys can be used as an expensive atmospheric Christmas-tree decoration. Released in a limited edition and also divided into categories:
- The Dutch in national costumes of the XVI century.
- Pierrot and Pierretta.
- Girls in costumes of the XV century.
- Christmas kids.
- Ded Moroz and Snegurochka.
- Christmas trees.
- Angels
- Anthropomorphic cats in Victorian costumes.
- Anthropomorphic mice in peasant robes.
- Exotic elephants.
3. Secular dolls. Figures of ladies and gentlemen in clothes of the XIX century with a height of 60 centimeters.
4. Fantasy dolls. Bizarre images and amazing natural phenomena embodied in human form, fabulous creatures and humanized months and seasons in amazing costumes.
5. Theater puppets. Image of ballerinas, dancers, actors and actresses and other theater workers in appropriate costumes with a height of 60 centimeters.
6. Historical characters. Small refined sculptures of men and women that really existed in Russian and world history.
7. Children dolls. Figures of boys and girls in costumes of different eras.
8. Dolls for dolls. Small figures with which you can complement your existing collection, making it more comfortable.
9. Russian collection. A series of dolls in traditional historical costumes with a height of 60 centimeters.
Exhibitions
During her career, Alexandra with her creations participated in many exhibitions. In December this year, she will visit the annual largest exhibition of puppet art "The Art of Dolls" in Moscow. In 2015, she first presented her collection "White Garden" there.
Alexandra Kukina’s dolls also take part in Doll & Teddy Expo and Bear Expo international exhibitions in the United States of America.
Awards and Achievements
- International Puppet Show, 2000, Moscow - "Audience Award".
- International puppet show, 2001, Moscow - winner in the nomination "Best Traditional Doll" and "Grace and Harmony".
- International Puppet Show, 2002, Moscow - winner in the nomination "Best Traditional Doll".
- First International Doll Salon 2005, Moscow - prize "Artist creating masterpieces".
- Audience Award and Prize "For excellence" in the competition of the club-studio "Doll Collection", 2006.
- Fourth International Doll Salon, prize "Mega Star", International puppet show, prize "Golden Star", 2008, Moscow.
In addition, for organizing the exhibition "Puppet Collection" in 2002, in Moscow, Alexander Kukinov received thanks from the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation.
Kukinova’s designer dolls are created in a special unique style, reflect the author’s vision, they show the love and soul embedded in the creation, which makes them so magical. Having overcome all difficulties and hardships, the artist continues to create her own fairy-tale world. It is very difficult to become the real owner of one of the beauties of Alexandra. Their exclusivity, high cost and small circulation make this almost impossible, but at the same time makes them so unattainable-magical. You can even feel the amazing and bewitching magic of fragile sophisticated beauties even through photographs of dolls on a luminous monitor, and you can see them “live” at the annual exhibition “Doll Art”.