ZHA ZHA KAKALLA

Photo project “Zhazha ass Alla” (2026): in this bold and witty series, Sergey Bondarev’s superstar — Zhazha — transforms into the superstar of the Soviet stage, Alla Pugacheva. This is not just a pastiche, but a subtle play with cultural codes: the artist ironically reinterprets the 1980s, balancing between nostalgia and a contemporary perspective.

Recently, a rare archive of original paparazzi‑style photos of the singer from the 1980s joined Bondarev’s collection. These snapshots are full of dynamism and character, as if snatched straight from real life. In his signature ironic manner, Sergey recreates these shots, imbuing them with new meaning: the iconic image gains fresh nuances while remaining instantly recognizable.

The series features 36 unique works, each one a small micro‑narrative, a tiny story at the intersection of eras. The photos were shot on Kodak film using an Olympus camera: the analog aesthetic here is not a mere trend, but a deliberate choice that underscores the spirit of the time. The final digital printing preserves all the subtleties of the film, making each piece both vintage and modern at once.

This project is another striking element of Sergey Bondarev’s multifaceted artistic language, where irony coexists with respect for cultural heritage, and the play with images becomes a statement in its own right. It will fit perfectly into the atmosphere of the Fondazione Bondarev art residency and will be a compelling highlight for collectors and connoisseurs of contemporary art and vintage aesthetics.