Published on 27/07/2024

Art has always been a powerful medium through which individuals can express their thoughts, emotions, and perspectives. Artists around the world are harnessing the potency of their creations to spark conversations, challenge societal norms, and shine a light on pressing issues. In this article, we delve into the realm of social storytelling through Alisa Sokolov's art, exploring the ways in which this artist is pushing boundaries and provoking thought.

Alisa Sokolov, a visionary artist, reshapes contemporary art by merging the boundaries of sculpture, mixed media, and interactive installations. Her multidisciplinary approach and conceptual depth invite audiences into a dialogue about societal norms, gender roles, and cultural narratives. Through her art, Alisa challenges the conventional and brings forth a fresh perspective on activism and social change.



Early years and career
Born in the late Soviet Union in a small suburb of Moscow, Sokolov's artistic talent was recognized at a young age when she was granted a scholarship to attend the Fine Art Department of the Odintsovo Children's Art School. There, she studied classic art disciplines including painting, drawing, composition, and sculpture for seven years. She also defended her thesis on the topic "Iconographic Types of the Image of the Mother of God."

Despite her passion for art, Sokolov's family experienced financial difficulties due to the collapse of the Soviet Union. Her father insisted she obtain a "normal" profession, leading Sokolov to graduate from the Law Faculty of Moscow State University and start a media monitoring company. Later, she obtained the specialty "Theatrical and Decorative Art" with a specialization in "Artistic and Make-Up Design of a Performance" at the Theater and Art College No. 60.

Lawyer, entrepreneur, event organizer, space popularizer, and creative makeup artist (SFX), Sokolov's career path varied until the COVID-19 pandemic, when she committed to her life’s work as a conceptual artist.

Artistic Practice
Sokolov's art portfolio includes works created with acrylic, digital collages, makeup, and medical masks, showcasing her versatility as an artist. Among Alisa Sokolov's most remarkable projects are:

War and Peace
This project delves into the dualities of human existence through a series of anti-war collages and personal diary entries, offering a visceral commentary on the impact of violence and the pursuit of peace. Created in response to the traumatic experience of rocket attacks in Tel Aviv, the project was showcased at the "On the Edge!" exhibition in Penza, Russia, highlighting the stark realities of living through conflict. The multimedia elements provided a powerful narrative that resonated with audiences, emphasizing the global implications of military aggression.

We Don't Talk About What We Don't Have
This immersive art-performance uses medical masks as symbols of protest and solidarity with political prisoners and advocates for democratic values in Russia. Inspired by the events surrounding Alexei Navalny's arrest and the exposure of corruption in the Russian government, the project features masks adorned with words like "freedom" and "legality." These masks were prominently used in a protest near the Russian consulate in Israel, making a powerful statement against political repression.

Good Neighborliness
Created in response to Russia's censorship of the Ukraine conflict, this artwork features a striking composition of the Russian and Ukrainian national flags, symbolizing the deteriorating relationship between the two nations. The piece portrays a Ukrainian woman in traditional attire against a backdrop of a wheat field, with blood-red paint dripping from the Russian flag above. Included in a series of anti-war postcards by the Shkizza Gallery in Jerusalem, the artwork recalls the notion of fraternal relations between Russians and Ukrainians and underscores the devastating impact of war.

Vulva Throne
Her current art project, "Vulva Throne," is a profound social commentary that delves into gender equality, body positivity, and cultural identity, advocating for women's empowerment and challenging societal norms. It features multiple vulva-shaped soft sculptures meticulously crafted from fabric in 21 skin colors, arranged on an antique armchair. By incorporating natural freshwater pearls as a clitoris, Sokolov celebrates the beauty and diversity of female genitalia anatomy, pushing back against the stigmatization and shame of imperfect natural shapes.


Alisa Sokolov's exceptional creativity and unique artistic vision have been showcased in prestigious events, art shows, and exhibitions worldwide, including Art Basel Miami Beach, Burning Man, and XPOSED NYC Gallery on New York City’s High Line, garnering widespread recognition.

Sokolov's art is not just a visual spectacle; it is a call to action, a catalyst for change, and a reminder that we all have a role to play in shaping a more inclusive and accepting world.

Alisa Sokolov's art has the power to stimulate dialogue and discourse. It often raises questions, challenges assumptions, or presents alternative viewpoints. Viewers feel compelled to discuss and debate the issues her work addresses, leading to increased awareness and critical thinking. Her bold and unique art blurs boundaries and has a transformative effect on members of the audience and society as a whole.

By blending contemporary art and socially relevant narratives, Sokolov inspires reflection on gender roles, encouraging a more inclusive and accepting view of the human body and diversity. Her work continues to provoke thought and challenge societal norms, making her a pivotal figure in the contemporary art world.

About the Author
Joely Strickland is an art writer with a degree in Art History. She enjoys learning about artists from around the world and discovering new and fascinating art styles.