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Masha Kechaeva

Concept Director

  • Work
  • Online Class
  • ABOUT

Photography/Fabrication

Creative direction/Fabrication

USCF magazine/Concept design

I created the set design for the UCSF magazine article dedicated to the advancements in 3D technologies in surgery. My design approach was to unite all the human organ 3D prototypes into a single sculpture, symbolizing the artistry inherent in the work of surgeons.

Davastumaniat/Theatre design

I was one of the key creators of "Davastumaniat," an immersive performance set in a golden field—a name that translates to "we are doomed." This site-specific, documentary-based performance was an exploration of the intersection between community stories and artistic expression.

My role involved gathering information from local villagers, which became the heart of our performance. We asked them three thought-provoking questions: Have you ever had lucid dreams? Do you believe in aliens? Do you believe in predictions of the future? Their responses were instrumental in shaping the 1.5-hour performance, influencing the choreography, location choices, and minimalistic scenography.

By integrating the villagers' experiences and beliefs into our artistic vision, we created a performance that was both deeply personal and universally relatable. "Davastumaniat" was a testament to the power of community collaboration and the transformative potential of immersive art.

Radiolaria Choir/Creative direction/Fabrication

"The Chorus of Radiolarians" is a project close to my heart, rooted in the fascinating world of bioconstructivism and inspired by the delicate forms of radiolarians, microorganisms that inhabit warm ocean waters. In the 19th century, German scientist Ernst Haeckel discovered and depicted over a hundred species of these unicellular creatures in his book, "The Beauty of Forms in Nature."

For this project, I developed six intricate costumes using plastic, laser cutting, and hand-sewn fish thread. Bringing this vision to life required a collaborative effort, so I built a talented team of artists, including photographers, videographers, a light designer, a composer, and a singer. Together, we created a six-channel video installation, with each screen featuring its own unique sound channel of singing.

"The Chorus of Radiolarians" is more than just an art installation; it’s a celebration of the intersection between art, science, and technology. This project allows viewers to experience the intricate beauty of these microorganisms and reflects my passion for transforming scientific wonders into immersive artistic expressions.

2014

photographs by Maria Yastrebova

Creative direction/Personal project/Fabrication

WIld/Costume and Set Design

In the short film "Wild," directed by Lindsay Gauthier in collaboration with LandPaths and Fog Beast, I developed costumes and set designs that enhance the film’s exploration of a first encounter with the wild. My designs aimed to complement the physical expressiveness of the characters and the untouched natural setting, creating an immersive visual experience that reflects the protagonist Lio's emotional journey through uncharted terrain.

Gypsy Man/Concept design for music video/Fabrication

I built the concept for a music video that reflects the personal journey of the band leader of "Wicked Winds." By analyzing significant moments from his life, I identified key symbols to develop into visual scenes, creating a narrative that is aligned with his experiences. Additionally, I designed all the costumes for the music video, building characters inspired by his dreams, songs, and fairy tales.

EXPO 2017/Creative direction/Costume design

I designed more than 300 costumes for the large-scale multimedia show at the opening ceremony EXPO 2017 in Astana. The design had to be aligned with the script, based on the history of energy from the beginning of the Universe to its future manifestations. I curated more than 7 teams producing costumes both in Kazakhstan and Russia. My costume designs were precisely synchronized with the stage scenery, robots, and artists' performances. I had to design costumes for dancers, circus performers, singers, and kids—all of whom participated in the opening ceremony. This grand production, involving over 300 artists, featured a unique "ballet" of drones and an original soundtrack created specifically for the event.

Creative direction/Personal project

Creative direction/Personal project

Creative direction/Personal project

Funeral for a Fly/Artistic director/Fabrication

As the Artistic Director for "The Funeral of the Fly" at the Archstoyanie festival, I led a 12-hour performance that reimagined ancient Russian beliefs for a contemporary audience. Drawing inspiration from traditional pagan rituals about the souls of ancestors and insects, I, together with Alexey Kokhanov, crafted a heartfelt ceremony featuring vocal improvisations and a beautifully orchestrated burial. My vision was to reinterpret these age-old traditions and rituals, presenting them from a new perspective to resonate with today's viewers.

2018

Creative direction/Personal project

CALwater/Annual report/Concept design

For CALwater's annual report, I designed personalized sets for each scientist, crafting environments that reflected their unique stories for their photoshoots.

Radiance/Theatre design

I designed costumes for a theatre play at Electrotheatre in Moscow, which was based on the poetry and songs of the famous rock singer Egor Letov. The performance, titled "Radiance," featured 12 songs by Egor Letov and Yanka Dyagileva, reinterpreted and arranged by composer Igor Vdovin, and performed by actress Alisa Khazanova. "Radiance" was crafted in the style of musical cabaret and dedicated to the most romantic and tragic figures of Russian rock. The play, directed by Philip Grigoryan, juxtaposed the radical protest poetry of the "Grazhdanskaya Oborona" leader with feminine fantasies, creating a visual spectacle that balanced tenderness and fury. My costume designs played a key role in bringing this counterpoint to life, reflecting the aesthetic and emotional depth of the performance.

Walking in The Time of Uncertainty/Film direction

In my directorial debut, "Walking in the Time of Uncertainty," I take on multiple creative roles: writing the script, designing costumes, and selecting the perfect locations. This film portrays a transformative journey from urban chaos to desert tranquility, inspired by cinematic greats like "Zabriskie Point" and "The Inner Scar." My holistic approach enhances the narrative, with carefully chosen landscapes and costumes that visually and thematically align with the explorer's quest for broader horizons. This project is a deep dive into the themes of time and personal evolution, presented through a sensory-rich cinematic experience..

The Macallan & Steven Klein/Event creative directioin

I recreated the ambiance of Steven Klein's film, supported by The Macallan, for a promotional premiere event with a performance. My work involved designing zones for actors, ensuring the film loop played seamlessly behind them. Ultimately, I unified the stage, actors, and background video into a cohesive piece, integrating The Macallan into the set.

Creative direction/Personal project

Sea of Trees/Theatre design

In "Sea of Trees," a dream-play by Lyuba Strizhak, I played a central role in developing the fantastical world and designing the characters' appearances. This production, inspired by endless childhood and captivating games, allowed me to collaborate extensively with the costume, technical theatre, and scenography teams to ensure that all elements aligned perfectly with my vision.

Director Filipp Avdeev

Creative direction/Personal project

Jameson Poker Club/Event creative direction

For the Jameson Poker Club, I developed the designs for a month-long series of poker-themed parties held every Thursday. I led multiple teams on location to redesign all the art installations and zones in the mansion. Each week, we transformed the space to support a new theme, accommodating about 500 guests across various locations, bars with specially designed Jameson cocktails, and snack spots. I also designed art installations that integrated Jameson branding and resonated with the brand’s concepts.

Chivas club/ Event creative direction

For the Chivas series of salon-style events, I was responsible for transforming key themes from the life of the main guest invited by Chivas into cohesive concepts and designing the event space accordingly, incorporating elements and ambience that resonated with the guest's life and career.

ADIDAS+BOILER ROOM/Concept design

I designed the Boiler Room and Adidas event, 'Future Shift,' which promoted a new generation of post-internet musicians. My vision was to merge the post-TV and post-internet vibes with the dynamic neon glow of the modern music scene, capturing the energy and movement Adidas is known for as a brand.

Photography/Fabrication

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Creative direction/Fabrication

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USCF magazine/Concept design

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USCF

Davastumaniat/Theatre design

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Radiolaria Choir/Creative direction/Fabrication

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Radiolaria Choir

Creative direction/Personal project/Fabrication

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WIld/Costume and Set Design

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Gypsy Man/Concept design for music video/Fabrication

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EXPO 2017/Creative direction/Costume design

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EXPO 2017 opening show

Creative direction/Personal project

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Creative direction/Personal project

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Creative direction/Personal project

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Funeral for a Fly/Artistic director/Fabrication

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Creative DIrection/ Funeral for a Fly

Creative direction/Personal project

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CALwater/Annual report/Concept design

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Radiance/Theatre design

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Walking in The Time of Uncertainty/Film direction

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Walking in The TIme of Uncertainty

The Macallan & Steven Klein/Event creative directioin

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Creative direction/Personal project

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Sea of Trees/Theatre design

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Creative direction/Personal project

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Jameson Poker Club/Event creative direction

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Chivas club/ Event creative direction

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Chivas club

ADIDAS+BOILER ROOM/Concept design

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