irina (ira) komissarova
European-based Scenographer and Spatial artist (she, her)
statement.
- Art is in the perspective.
- The world itself is a stage.
- Spatial lived experiences cannot be forged.
Therefore, scenography must extend beyond theatre and establish itself as a critical art form—one that allows us to experience the world and explore the human condition.
I am a scenographer, spatial artist, and researcher working at the intersection of performance, installation, and architecture. My practice challenges the traditional boundaries of scenography, pushing it beyond theatre to become an autonomous artistic force that shapes how we perceive and experience the world.
With extensive experience in set design and scenography, combined with a deepening exploration of independent performance creation, I offer a distinct perspective on immersive, perception-driven environments. Rather than adopting the role of a director, I position myself as an outside-eye, crafting spatial dramaturgies that function as active artistic agents rather than mere backdrops.
I work both independently and collaboratively, partnering with artists across disciplines on principles of equality, artistic autonomy, and mutual exploration. This approach fosters creative growth and enriches both artistic practice and research, allowing scenography to evolve as an experiential and critical art form.
formal bio.
Irina Komissarova is a European-based scenographer and meta-disciplinary artist with a diverse educational background and extensive professional experience.
Her academic journey commenced with studies in Interior and Environmental Design at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Moscow. Subsequently, she transitioned to theatre, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Scenography from the Vilnius Academy of Arts in Lithuania. She further enhanced her skills through various educational programs, including the Summer Theatre Leader's School at the Meyerhold Theatre Art Centre and a degree in Theatre Arts Technology from The Moscow Art Theatre School.
Most recently, Ms. Komissarova completed a Master of Arts in Scenography at the Norwegian Theatre Academy and initiated a traineeship at Gian Maria Tosatti studio in Naples, further solidifying her expertise in the field.
Her portfolio showcases a wide range of work exhibited at notable venues such as the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology, Moscow Art Theatre, and various theatres across Lithuania. Additionally, her artistic contributions have graced public spaces in cities including Ivangorod, Vilnius, Prague, Barcelona, Milan, Bergen, and Piatra Neamț, demonstrating her versatility and international reach.
info.
feel free to text me in english, lithuanian or russian
interviews.
publications.
ARTICLE for Magazine on questions of scenography, scenic technics and technology, architecture, education and management in the field of performing arts (© «Сцена», No4 (96) 2015).
«Pushkin’s Tales» by Robert Wilson
Irina Komissarova «How it was» Irina Komissarova, a young artist, who was present at the performance’s rehearsals, writes about the work on the performance, Wilson’s method, ways of constructing the artistic space and collaboration with Russian actors.
keywords: Theatre of Nations, Robert Wilson, Alexander Pushkin, Yevgeny Mironov, Darya Moroz, Seseg Hapsasova, Olga Lapshina, Alexander Stroyev, AJ Vassbard, Julia von Leliva, Manuell a Halligan.
http://the-stage.ru/upload/iblock/cfe/cfef5c5199f06bd80785d3fa55961ea5.pdf
(full version in Russian)
SCENOGRAFE. Storia della scenografia femminile dal Novecento a oggi by Anna Maria Monteverdi (© Dino Audino 2021)
This book about females in scenography contains a chapter about my collaboration with Oscaras Korshunovas / Chapitolo secondo. Registi/autori e scenografe (Italian language).
