Valeria Makarova
Seeds of Care
Installation (3D modelling, VR, documentary)
2025
An installation consisting of a virtual space and a documentary. The digital component of the project takes the form of 3D models of tomatoes grown in the artist’s own vegetable garden, and an avatar created for a VR performance. The documentary shows how the project was created, featuring interviews with participants, public surveys, and a description of the performance that took place in virtual reality.
The performance was carried out in the virtual world of VRChat, a platform where users are able to interact through avatars. The participants in the performance used a specially designed avatar of a tomato plant and reflected collectively on their personal experience of gardening. Video and audio materials recorded during the performance have been transformed into a virtual space that you can explore using a VR-headset.
The project explores the question of collective memory. Makarova uses memories and mental imagery related to gardening to illustrate how this shared experience is represented in Russian culture. This is done against the backdrop of Russia’s centuries-old tradition of gardening harking back to the 15th century, when the horticultural landscape was dominated by vegetable gardens and the production of fruits and vegetables. Gardening still remains an important part of Russian culture. In 2024, 46% of Russians owned a garden, summer house, or allotment. Using modern digital technologies and virtual reality, Makarova examines what the culture of gardening looks like today.
Special thanks to Maria Kobyakova, Vrmopkobka, and Anastasia Kuznetsova for their support in creating the project
Seeds of Care
Installation (3D modelling, VR, documentary)
2025
An installation consisting of a virtual space and a documentary. The digital component of the project takes the form of 3D models of tomatoes grown in the artist’s own vegetable garden, and an avatar created for a VR performance. The documentary shows how the project was created, featuring interviews with participants, public surveys, and a description of the performance that took place in virtual reality.
The performance was carried out in the virtual world of VRChat, a platform where users are able to interact through avatars. The participants in the performance used a specially designed avatar of a tomato plant and reflected collectively on their personal experience of gardening. Video and audio materials recorded during the performance have been transformed into a virtual space that you can explore using a VR-headset.
The project explores the question of collective memory. Makarova uses memories and mental imagery related to gardening to illustrate how this shared experience is represented in Russian culture. This is done against the backdrop of Russia’s centuries-old tradition of gardening harking back to the 15th century, when the horticultural landscape was dominated by vegetable gardens and the production of fruits and vegetables. Gardening still remains an important part of Russian culture. In 2024, 46% of Russians owned a garden, summer house, or allotment. Using modern digital technologies and virtual reality, Makarova examines what the culture of gardening looks like today.
Special thanks to Maria Kobyakova, Vrmopkobka, and Anastasia Kuznetsova for their support in creating the project