Fortochka

Publication, Photography
MFA Graphic Design Thesis CalArts

A study of freedom metaphors within the Russian diaspora.

Fortochka explores the tension between symbol and action. Named after a small ventilation window—and inspired by Masha Gessen’s words, “Once you find fortochka, you have to put your whole body through it”—the project moves through history, play, and resistance. Drawing from research on playgrounds that embody risk and uncertainty, the symbolism of flying, and themes of escape in Eastern Futurism, the project reflects on freedom as both metaphor and experience.

Core actions include photographing mid-air jumps on a trampoline and staging a participatory installation where people burst through oversized typography.

Research and experiments unfold in a book where pages narrow and chapters nest like Russian dolls. The reader is gradually drawn into negative space, until finding a way out becomes part of the reading itself.

Credits:
Typefaces used Pelago, Obviously, Safety Gothic, Down, Pastiche Grotesque, Albertus Nova, Pennypacker.

Printed and hand-bound at CalArts in a single-copy, limited edition.

Thank you to everyone who jumped and ran with joy—and to Brionne Zamrii-Garland, Alaast Kamalabadi, Zach Roberts, and Gail Swanland for their generous help with photography.

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