Please Yourself First

To compare with the lofty ideal of the medieval Madonna, the model of this work demonstrates a certain sensuality and passion, share artist Ani Abakumov. This is a woman who, for all her tenderness and vulnerability, is fully aware of her physicality. The red threads reflect intense energy, making an impression of a proud and courageous woman who knows her own desires.Ani and Andrew work together to create their signature series of fiber artworks. Andrew, a mathematician and programmer, developed an algorithm that creates a blueprint for each new piece. He also prepares each canvas by driving nails into the perimeter of the surface. Ani then strings different colored and sized thread layer upon layer, from hours to months until the image appears. She uses anywhere from 4 km to 20 km of the material for a single piece.