Diana Okaeva

Diana Okaeva's work is permeated by deep ties to the culture of the Caucasus while opening a dialogue with contemporary themes: identity, cultural memory and personal self-determination in a multicultural society. Born in Grozny and having moved to Tyumen at an early age, the artist uses textiles, embroidery, installation and other media to express her connection with the Caucasian heritage. Her works reflect questions of cultural assimilation and the preservation of a unique identity, with an emphasis on self-acceptance and awareness of personal choice in the modern world.

In her works Diana turns to traditional motifs of the Caucasus: national costumes, landscapes, and images connected with nature and craft heritage. Subtly interweaving these elements with contemporary visual practices, she builds a dialogue between past and present. Her works are always emotionally charged and seem filled with pride in her roots and, at the same time, with a desire to explore global and difficult questions.

Diana has taken part in a number of exhibition and educational projects, including the exhibition Bespredelnoye at the Artishok cultural centre (Moscow, 2024), the solo exhibition Yovlakh at the Kontora Parokhodstva multi-centre (Tyumen, 2024) and the Silno art residency (Derbent). Alongside her artistic practice Diana is active in education: at different times she has worked with the Luminari education centre (Khryug), the Tsmur school, the DH design school (Tyumen) and the ok.kruzhok workshop (Tyumen).