Alexander Shmelkov (b. 1979, Volgograd, Russia) is a contemporary visual artist, currently living in The Hague, Netherlands. Working primarily with photography, he mixes social commentary, analytical aesthetics, references history of photography, and documentary and architectural photography conventions. His works reflect on the manifestation of the social, historical and cultural issues in the ordinary landscape. In 2018 Alexander Shmelkov has formed together with 3 other artis A4-16 art group.
Alexander Shmelkov works has been participating in the number of group exhibitions in Russia and Europe, including Moscow Youth Biennale (2018). Some works of has received critical acclaim and were shortlisted to and awarded by several photography prizes (Architectural Photography Award, Felix Shoeller Prize). Alexander’s works has been published by several media outlets.
Education
2016-2018: Photography and Videoart, British Higher School of Art and Design (Moscow)
2002-2005: PhD Sociology, Volgograd State University
1996-2002: BS Economics, Volgograd State Technical University
Group exhibitions
2019 “Art of perfection”, Winzavod (Moscow, Russia)
2018 “Portal Zaryadie” (as a part of А4-16 art group), Schusev State Museum of Architecture (Moscow, Russia)
2018 “Captivity”, Gilyarovsky Center (Moscow)
2018 “Тhat about the future” (as a part of А4-16 art group), palallel program of the Biennale of Young Art, Winzavod (Moscow)
2017-2018 Architectural Photography Award travel exhibition (Budapest, Prague, Krakow, Bratislava)
2017 “Our home”, Lumuer Brothers Gallery (Moscow, Russia)
2017 “-scapes”, PH21 Gallery (Budapest, Hungary)
2016 “Error correction”, Peresvetov Pereulor Gallery (Moscow, Russia)
Awards
2017 Architectural Photography Award, shortlisted
2017 International Photography Award, 2nd place in the category People / Lifestyle
2017 Felix Schoeller Photography Award, shortlisted