SELECTED WORKS
Southside Grooven
Southside Grooven is the artist's pseudonym. Born in 1993 in Elista, Republic of Kalmykia.Graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation (2017). Solo exhibitions include "Heavyis the Head That Wears a Five-Skull Crown" at Make Your Mark Gallery in Helsinki (Finland,2023) and "Nomadic Tendencies" at Space 81 in Turku (Finland, 2023). Works are held inprivate collections in Russia, Finland, and Sweden.Lacking formal art education, Southside Grooven began his creative journey in 2006 withgraffiti and street art. In recent years, he has focused on studio work, producing paintingsand graphic art.
About the artist
Southside Grooven explores the theme of cultural assimilation, blending elements of Kalmyk (Oirat), post-Soviet, and mass culture in his works. The narratives of most of his pieces are tied to his childhood and youth spent in his hometown. The visual language employed by Southside Grooven draws inspiration from the Mongol Zurag painting style and Tibetan art. For instance, the five skulls hovering above the heads of certain figures serve as an allegory for overcoming hardships and adversity. This element references the “five-skull crown,” a Buddhist symbol representing the triumph over the five poisons and their transformation into the five wisdoms.
The foundation of Southside Grooven’s work consists of multilayered painted compositions, executed in oil and acrylic on sheets of glass and fiberboard. This technique lends his pieces a striking depth, drawing the viewer into the narrative. The artist also works in traditional oil
painting and graphic art.
Education:
2017 – Moscow State Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
Solo Exhibitions:
2023 — Heavy is the Head That Wears a Five-Skull Crown, Make Your Mark Gallery, Helsinki, Finland
2023 — Nomadic Tendencies, Space 81, Turku, Finland
Group Exhibitions:
2025 — Contemporary Art Exhibition «Lemonade», National Museum of the Republic of Kalmykia named after N.N. Palmov, Elista, Russia
2024 — «Speed Dating. Art Market Trends in Works by Young Artists», SISTEMA GALLERY, Moscow
Art Fairs:
2025 — Astana Art Fair (Sistema Gallery booth), Astana, Kazakhstan
2024 — Blazar Young Contemporary Art Fair (Independent Artists section), Moscow
2023 — Heavy is the Head That Wears a Five-Skull Crown, Make Your Mark Gallery, Helsinki, Finland
2023 — Nomadic Tendencies, Space 81, Turku, Finland
Group Exhibitions:
2025 — Contemporary Art Exhibition «Lemonade», National Museum of the Republic of Kalmykia named after N.N. Palmov, Elista, Russia
2024 — «Speed Dating. Art Market Trends in Works by Young Artists», SISTEMA GALLERY, Moscow
Art Fairs:
2025 — Astana Art Fair (Sistema Gallery booth), Astana, Kazakhstan
2024 — Blazar Young Contemporary Art Fair (Independent Artists section), Moscow
