Some say, “Follow your passion.” Others who are more practical will say, “Follow your talent.” For Vladislav Shlenov, it’s the intersect of both that has driven him to a successful and fulfilling career. Though he’d established a very impressive resume as an architect, he’d always longed for the creative and gratifying outlet of storytelling through visual images. Pursuing projects which utilize his varied skillset, Mr. Shlenov has experienced a second vocational life as a digital artist on projects such as the Maligrad mini-castle exhibit in Austria. A masterpiece of miniature architecture and diversity, this popular exhibit features small scale models of different cultural dwellings which display the unique identities of each. Vladislav has created a remarkable video which allow audiences never before possible views and experiences within one of these structures. Information and entertainment are increasingly connected in the modern world and those like Mr. Shlenov possess the skill and vision to connect with an ever-expanding global audience.
On this project for the presentation of various mini-castles from around the world, Vladislav was tested in his abilities, serving as a director, screenwriter, and storyboard artist, in addition to the digital artistry necessary to actually manifest a video that expands the experience of it. Fifteen models contained in this exhibit communicate the artistry and cultural identity of Germany, Belgium, China, Poland, Portugal, Croatia, France, Romania, Russia, and Slovenia as well as battle scenes from Austria and Italy. For young attendees as well as for the more mature enthusiast, this exhibit allows a window into the purposefulness of these impressive and historic structures. Equally impactful is how these structures inform a usefulness that time has altered. Far more than a study in architecture, this exhibit is a depiction of how similar needs are met with very different approaches. Testifying to both the unique qualities as well as the shared one of all cultures, this exhibit gives attendees an impression of how the inhabitants of each both saw the world and prepared for it.
A prime example is this is the Fujian Tulou. This fortress, native to the Fujian Province in China, was once able to house several clans of the Hakki people and protect them from danger. Three or four branches of a single clan would lead their lives in shelter in this structure. The “Fujian Tulou” video created by Mr. Shlenov provides a fascinating “bird’s eye” perspective of this traditional dwelling and how it allowed the Hakki to lead a normal and productive life. In this video, the structure assembles itself in the video from mere stones and bamboo to become a secure and imposing circular structure with a vibrant courtyard.
Vladislav concedes that his work on this project demanded and offered much. He notes, “To use the example of the Hakki people. I knew almost nothing of them when I started this project. What began simply as informing myself of the facts of how they lived, led to me feeling that I understood them as people. Creating the video of the Fujian Tulou was a creative task needed for the exhibit and even though I created it, I watched the completed version for the first time and felt as if I were walking in their footsteps. I’m proud of what I created here and I’m equally proud of what the process taught me about these people and so many others. If you walk the path of others, it truly is enlightening.”
The Maligrad Company’s Mini-Castle exhibit is currently located in Marienhof, Austria An incredible artistic creation on its own merits, the exhibit uses both a traditional and modern approach to reach multiple generations of attendees and provide a sense of how the structures we create and inhabit have shaped the world.
Writer : Basil Thomson
Punit