American-Finnish artist Alisha Davidow, born in 1978, currently resides in Helsinki, Finland. As a multidisciplinary artist, Davidow explores the realms of scenography, installation, video, and public and collective art. Her work is distinguished by the use of sustainable materials, often repurposed or sourced from nature, to construct large-scale, immersive stage sets and installations. Davidow is celebrated for her ability to craft otherworldly environments that encourage viewers to interact with their surroundings, blending elements of theater, video art, and collective participation.
At the heart of Alisha Davidow's artistic exploration lies a profound engagement with themes of morality, empathy, and human psychology. Through her installations, she endeavors to dissect the complexities of interpersonal relationships and challenge conventional perceptions of self and others. Davidow's work frequently revolves around the manipulation of spatial elements to provoke thought and evoke emotional responses from her audience. Her projects, such as "Pyörteitä" with Alpo Aaltokoski and "Metsä/Skogen" for a public ecological shop, reflect her dedication to environmental consciousness and the promotion of ecological empathy.
Alisha Davidow's artistic endeavors have made a lasting impact on the international arts scene, with her works exhibited in prestigious venues worldwide. Her creations have graced stages and galleries at institutions such as the Helsinki City Theatre, Finnish National Theatre, Finnish National Opera, Turku City Theatre, Dance House Helsinki, Forum Box, and the Gallen-Kallela Museum. Additionally, Davidow has participated in esteemed festivals and contests, including the Helsinki Festival in Finland, Recycled Art Festival in Seoul, Korea, Tampere Theatre Festival in Finland, Oulu Music Festival in Finland, Praha Quadrennial in Prague, and the Teresa Pomodora Contest in Milan, Italy. Through her innovative and socially resonant artistry, Davidow continues to challenge boundaries and inspire audiences across the globe.
Selected reviews
“The unique visuals also play an important role in the whole. A checkerboard-like checkered floor, ferris wheel, roller coaster car, house of mirrors, carousel horses, giant cotton candy, grimacing figures in the haunted house and a clown blowing "feeling balloons" create a fascinating atmosphere of an old-fashioned amusement park, where all emotions are possible" Annina Karhu, turun sanomat 2.9.2016
“I was very pleased with the costume design with all the outlines as if was straight from the comic books! Ten points and a parrot badge to Alisha Davidow for this insight.” 2017. Teatterikarpanen blogi
The space is impressive, open and intimate at the same time. The rotating stage built in the middle of the space transforms into many and creates a gentleness to the performance with the help of lights and sounds. Säkö maria HS 27.3.2017
An installation has been built at Kaapelitehtaa Valssaamo that invites you to quiet down and slow down. The dim, smoke-clouded spaciousness invites you to erase everything unnecessary from your mind. The impression of timelessness is enhanced by the repetition of movement in the space and the costumes designed by Alisha Davidow. Maria säkö HS 29.11.2015
The central element of Alisha Davidow's staging is the moving bookshelves, which have their own magical choreography alongside the actors. Papers hanging from the ceiling waiting to be written on are already a little yellowed. The connection of lights and colors on stage creates a calming timelessness around everything. Lauri meri HS 8.8.2013
Alisha Davidow and William Iles have created a seamlessly harmonious variation of colors and shadows that constantly hints, promises, swells and changes according to the imagination of the persons. Maria säkö HS 3.3.2012
I loved Alisha Dawidow's whole and stylized visual look. The stage is made up of a gesture-less white background screen, from which different shaped hatches are opened during the performance. Surprising elements appear from the hatches, such as a chimney and from there an American-style tufting Santa Claus. The stage is complemented by charming storybook-like projections. The white background emphasizes the characters' colorful and imaginative outfits. Annina karhu turun sanomat 13.2.2013