Il’ya Zhura: Identity and Chaos Through Mixed Media Art

Il’ya Zhura

Il’ya Zhura is a contemporary artist who has found his creative voice through mixed media, using it as a tool to express his unique perception of the world. His work explores the existentially elusive pace of modern life—a world where humanity struggles to keep up, often remaining on its outskirts.

Through his art, Zhura aims to give a voice to individuals left behind by societal progress. Mixed media allows him the freedom to experiment with various tools, from traditional brushes to casting hot wax, incorporating the cracks it creates as part of the texture in his work. His creative process begins with collage as a foundation and evolves into complex compositions built with diverse materials. Initially, he worked with aerosol and acrylic paints, but his practice has expanded to include a wide range of media, enabling him to craft dynamic and comprehensive pieces.

Interview for the ACCOMPART’S

Your curatorial approach for "Noise — I am am not a human, I am just aa noise" — explores themes of identity loss and digital oversaturation. How does this concept reflect your personal philosophy on the primacy of aesthetics over meaning? How does it align with your creative journey?

A/ The transformation of identity in the digital space is one of the most significant themes for me. In an era of overconsumption, culture fragments into countless subcultures, creating a new context for self-discovery. A person within the noise can either find their unique note or completely lose themselves. These metamorphoses inspire me deeply

A person within the noise can either find their unique note or completely lose themselves.

The auction will take place on the Tezos blockchain via Objkt. How does this platform align with your artistic and curatorial philosophy? What drew you to this ecosystem compared to other blockchain-based art spaces?

A/ I chose Tezos because it is the most environmentally friendly blockchain, and I deeply value this fact. Additionally, Objkt stands out with its credibility—its curators are serious professionals whose work I truly admire. If I’m going to do something, I believe it should be done well, or not even started.

How do you select artists for 𝕹𝖔𝖎𝖘𝖊? What qualities or themes do you look for in their work that resonate with this auction’s concept?

A/ I kept writing and deleting this message while thinking. I needed to find people who view form as something more complex than “a dog means barking.” I was looking for artists who create multilayered works capable of sparking dialogue. I wanted more than just beauty but also avoided works with a “I’m an artist, and you’re a lesser being—go away, I’m too complex for you” attitude. You know, I recently realized that there’s artificial intelligentsia and organic intelligentsia. One tries to build higher fences between intellectual group and the masses, while the other tries to build bridges. I want to build bridges.

I want to build bridges.

What was your first experience with creating art? How did that early process evolve into where you are now? Your artworks on Foundation, Zora, and other platforms showcase a distinct style—how did that style develop over time?

A/ My first experience was with graffiti, and later I was involved in street dancing, which evolved into theater. How did it develop into my current work? That’s a very long story for another interview. But I’ve always been fascinated by the dynamics of body movement across all forms.As for the formation of my style, it’s easier to discuss. I still absorb new techniques like a sponge. The key, I think, is to constantly remind yourself that you are not defined by your techniques.

Who or what are your biggest creative influences? How do you channel inspiration into your work, and do you have any unique techniques, tools, or personal rituals in your artistic process?

A/ Today, I’m most influenced by the direction the world is heading! Okay, joking! I analyze visual information online every day, and I think I don’t have a specific empirical creative approach. I just process a lot of information.I don’t believe I have unique techniques—they’re all out there being used by others. But I do have tools. For example, I have construction materials I use as lenses for my iPhone photography. They’re always in my pocket, and it’s an endless game.

Among all the collections you’ve created, do you have a personal favorite? What makes it stand out for you, and how does it relate to your broader artistic vision?

A/ My tarot cards are my favorite at the moment. I managed to turn the creation of simple 22 images into a process where I built a team, led that team, and created a mini-game. I think the classic “finished work—viewer” structure is outdated. We need either games or methods for artists to convey the emotions and feelings of the creation process. The internet already has enough jpg files.

The internet already has enough jpg files.

What do you hope collectors and viewers take away from 𝕹𝖔𝖎𝖘𝖊? Do you see this auction as purely an aesthetic experience, or is there a deeper message for those engaging with the works?

A/ I’ve been in the NFT space for only a year or so, and I’ve noticed a severe lack of branding—Azuki is perhaps the only exception. With Noise, I want to demonstrate what good branding can look like, even if it’s just the beginning. Due to my dysgraphia, writing large statements is challenging for me, so I’m grateful for working with Polzya, who excels in this. On my end, I explored curation through visual storytelling: a quiet white church disrupted by noise in the form of a strange, irregular shape. I’m not aiming to explain deeper meanings—I’d rather let the audience share their impressions later. Beyond aesthetics, we are now part of a market. Through Noise, I hope to set an example of visual curation, showing that there’s more to it than just announcing an open call on Twitter. As my friend Kirill Pobedin demonstrated by creating an entire residency, we can all do more.

I’m not aiming to explain deeper meanings—I’d rather let the audience share their impressions later.

Artist and curator 𝕹𝖔𝖎𝖘𝖊 Digital Art Auction Il’ya Zhura / @ilyazhura

Interview @YNKAdigital

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