Yulia Belousova

I have died so many times
only
to be reborn
once more.
To teach you the law of life:
you'll never disappear
a tree will grow
from your ashes
to blossom with a million magnolia
flowers.
when spring replaces

winter.

BORN TO BURN is a video artwork that explores the profound metaphor of the phoenix, interwoven with the elemental force of fire. The artist, daring to delve into the symbolic and the visceral, presents a visual narrative that challenges perceptions of burning passion and inner illumination. The artist, portrayed by herself, undergoes a visceral experience, supported by the expertise of stuntmen, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and the boundaries between the metaphor and the reality.

The video draws a parallel between the artist's personal journey and the mythical phoenix. Having spent four transformative years in Mexico, the artist has undergone numerous rebirths, shedding old layers of self and emerging anew. The phoenix serves as a powerful symbol for these experiences; the artist herself literally becomes the embodiment of the phoenix, undergoing a transformation as she is enveloped in flames. Leaving everything behind, much like the mythical bird rising from its own ashes, it explores the notion of existence between life and death, embracing the necessity of multiple rebirths to define one's path and provide closure to past chapters.

This artwork invites viewers to question the metaphorical burning we often associate with intense ideas and creative fervor. At the heart of the piece lies the profound question: How does it feel to be set literally on fire? Through this artwork, the artist communicates the vital message of caring for our inner fire, understanding the cycles of life and death and its transformative power in the pursuit of personal growth and enlightenment.