Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Iren Kamyshev. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Iren, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Moving to New York wasn’t just a relocation; it was a testament to the power and risk of the desire. New York was a blank canvas, one where I could uncover the forgotten layers of my identity, breathe new life into my creativity, and embark on an uncharted adventure. The risk was unquantifiable, yet I embraced it fully, declaring my presence in this bustling metropolis.
In the shadow of skyscrapers, I arrived in New York a year before the pandemic, in March 2018. That initial year was a chaotic symphony, yet every discordant note played its part in composing my growth. Amidst the whirlwind, three freelance dance productions and an internship at Pentacle illuminated my path. I immersed myself in the city’s pulsating artistic veins, finding solace in different dance and performance art organizations. But then, a tempestuous storm named ‘pandemic’ enveloped all. The lockdown was not merely an external barrier; it felt like a barricade erected within, stifling my soul, chaining my creativity, and leaving me grappling to maintain equilibrium.
The risks I’ve taken are threads woven into my story, testaments to my unwavering tenacity. To traverse the globe and claim New York as my stage, an immigrant forging destiny, is a risk rooted in courage. Standing resolute during the pandemic’s darkness, separated from family, my heart remained steadfast. And in this unyielding spirit, I yearned to emerge from the shadows of choreographers, to reveal the artistry pulsating within me, as I dreamt of a studio in the heart of Brooklyn.
Is risk not the very marrow of dreams? Does vulnerability not cloak the soul’s most authentic notes? To bare one’s artistic truth and to thrive within the vulnerability of a foreign land – each chapter is etched with the ink of risk. And yes, the greatest impediment is often the fear to leap, to grasp the unknown. A life without risk is a melody un-played, a dance unchoreographed. So, let’s unshackle ourselves from the fear of the precipice and acknowledge the bravery that fuels our existence. I, too, journey through each day, daring the unknown. Will you join me in this dance of risk?
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Iren Kamyshev, also known as Art.irkA, is a Ukrainian-Russian-Israeli-Jewish dance and performance artist currently based in the vibrant creative hub of Brooklyn, NY. With her rich and intricate multi-cultural background, Iren’s artistic creations transcend boundaries and conventional categorizations. Her work is a tapestry woven from the threads of her diverse heritage, reflecting the amalgamation of cultures that have shaped her identity. As a double-immigrant, Iren’s journey of integration serves as the beating heart of her art, imbuing it with profound empathy and unwavering optimism.
Rejecting victimhood, Iren finds solace and strength in her odyssey, drawing inspiration from the challenges she has faced and the opportunities they have presented. Her artistic vision manifests as a resounding declaration of empowerment, as she fearlessly explores the depths of human emotions, shedding light on the dissonance that permeates existence. Her performances are a cathartic expression of honesty and vulnerability, where raw emotions and authentic experiences converge to create a transformative experience for both herself and her audience.
Iren’s artistic trajectory has been shaped by a rich tapestry of experiences. She began her artistic journey in Estonia, her birthplace, before finding her artistic roots in Israel, where she grew up. It was during her time in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), where she served as an ‘Outstanding Dancer’, that Iren’s passion for movement blossomed. She further honed her skills and artistic vision through her studies in the esteemed ‘Maslul’ professional dance program, under the tutelage of renowned director Naomi Perlov (Angelin Preljocaj).
Continuing her pursuit of artistic excellence, Iren received a B.A. in dance from the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance (JAMD), alongside a teaching certification. This formal education laid a solid foundation for her career, equipping her with the technical expertise and pedagogical insight necessary to share her artistic knowledge with others. As a seasoned freelance dancer, choreographer, teacher, and producer, Iren has brought her original works to life on stages in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, captivating audiences with her unique artistic voice.
With her multilingual abilities, speaking Hebrew, English, Russian, and Spanish, Iren expands her artistic communication beyond words. Movement becomes her fifth universal language, allowing her to connect with audiences on a deeper level. She bridges the gap between structured movement and improvisation, exploring the primal essence of the human body in motion. As a facilitator of movement research, Iren collaborates with various artistic forms such as music, theater, photography, film, and fashion, fusing them into a harmonious symphony of creativity. Through dance, she becomes a conduit for instinctive expression and communication, blurring the boundaries of traditional art forms and opening new frontiers of artistic exploration. Thus her artistry becomes a testament to the power of resilience, connection, and the universal language that transcends words—the language of movement.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Absolutely, reflecting on my journey as Art.irkA, there are indeed resources I wish I had known about earlier, particularly when it comes to the non-profit sector and the business aspects of my productions as a choreographer and creative artist. Navigating these realms can be quite challenging, and I’ve come to realize that there’s always more to learn.
In the realm of non-profit organizations, I initially found it quite daunting to fully understand the intricacies of setting up and running such initiatives. The knowledge gap in this area often led to uncertainties and missed opportunities. Learning about the legalities, fundraising strategies, and effective ways to communicate the mission of my projects has been an ongoing journey. Having access to resources that provide clear guidance and case studies would have been immensely valuable. It’s an ongoing process, but one that’s incredibly important in order to create a sustainable platform for the causes I’m passionate about.
On the business side of my artistic endeavors, I’ve come to realize that being a successful choreographer and creative artist involves more than just artistic expression. Understanding budgeting, marketing, contract negotiation, and the logistical aspects of producing a show are vital for ensuring the longevity and impact of my work. Early on, I lacked the comprehensive knowledge to navigate these aspects effectively, which at times resulted in challenges that could have been mitigated with the right resources.
In hindsight, I’ve found that mentorship programs for artists have been an invaluable platform for receiving guidance and support. These programs provide insights from experienced professionals who have walked similar paths, helping to overcome creative obstacles and navigate the complexities of the art world. Connecting with mentors who can provide practical advice and share their experiences has been a game-changer for me.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most profound reward in my creative journey lies in the transcendence of boundaries, weaving intricate connections that bridge souls through my art. My heritage, a tapestry of Ukrainian, Russian, Israeli, and Jewish threads, weaves the very fabric of my artistic identity. It is within this fusion that I find the essence of fulfillment, bringing diverse cultures into harmonious resonance.
My artistic odyssey is a narrative of integration, a catalyst for empathy and optimism that firmly rejects victimhood. Challenges become stepping stones, forging not only my own empowerment but also illuminating a path for my audience to embrace their own resilience. In this artistic expression, movement transcends mere language, reshaping the boundaries of convention. Here, I find myself in a dance with music, theater, fashion, and poetry, a vibrant fusion of disciplines that enriches the creative process, rendering our art more profound.
Yet, the true crescendo of my creative voyage finds its zenith in the pulsating heart of a creative community!!! Here, each soul brings forth their unique artistic essence, blending harmoniously to conjure a mystical force, an ethereal energy that elevates the collective experience. The alchemy magic among us creators takes us to amazing heights, revealing endless possibilities and effortlessly crossing cultural and language boundaries.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artirka.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art.irka/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iren.kamyshev
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irenkamyshev/
Image Credits
Yuliya Kobeleva (personal photo)