Nestled in the vibrant city of Moscow resides a masterful ceramic artist whose creations transcend the ordinary and beckon the viewer to explore the depths of porcelain's soul. Kira Kostina, the brilliant mind and nimble hands behind Albo Porcelain, embarked on her artistic journey in 2011, immersing herself in the world of ceramics during a master class at the Moscow Porcelain School. For two years, she delved deeper into this fascinating realm of artistic expression, honing her craft.

Kostina's commitment to her artistry led her to further her education, where she enriched her skills through additional courses at the Moscow Stroganov State University of Art. The culmination of her dedication and passion was the birth of her own brand, Albo Porcelain, in 2015. Three years later, in 2018, she opened her own workshop, a space where her artistic visions would take shape in the delicate embrace of porcelain.

In Kostina's artistic universe, porcelain takes centre stage, and it determines the direction of her creativity. However, she doesn't seek to impose her will entirely upon this enchanting material. Instead, she views porcelain as a partner in her creative process, a co-conspirator in the artistic endeavour. Kostina strives to find a harmonious compromise between her artistic aspirations and the unique expression that porcelain yearns to convey.

For Kostina, biscuit porcelain is a beloved medium, and she skilfully combines various techniques, seamlessly blending casting and hand sculpting. Her work is a testament to her affinity for earthly textures, often drawing inspiration from leaves and branches. These natural elements are not merely replicated; they are integrated into her creations, lending them an organic quality that celebrates the beauty of imperfection.

The Heracleum series, which includes the mesmerising Hogweed Wine Glasses, pays homage to the plant's distinctive form. Kostina took the challenge of showcasing the beauty she discerned in this oft-misunderstood plant, despite its unfavourable reputation. By using porcelain as her medium, she seeks to transform the hogweed's image, transcending its stereotype. Through her meticulous craftsmanship, she reimagines this natural element as Greek columns, vase elements, and the bases of exquisite glasses. It's a remarkable endeavour to reveal the hidden beauty within, even in the face of popular misconception.

In Kostina's porcelain vessels, there is an animation—an almost anthropomorphic quality. Each piece appears to possess a character of its own, with a particular posture and mood. These are not mere inanimate objects; they are living embodiments of Kostina's artistry and porcelain's soul.

Kira Kostina's journey in ceramics is a symphony of soulful porcelain, a dance between artist and material, and an ode to the beauty that can be discovered when one looks beyond preconceived notions. Her creations invite us to explore the depths of porcelain's soul, where fragility and strength harmoniously coexist, and where the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary.

Her palette of choice is strikingly monochrome, predominantly black or white. This deliberate choice eliminates the distraction of colour, allowing her to distance herself from mere replication of nature. In the pristine white of porcelain or the matte black depths, her works exude both strength and gentleness, creating a harmonious duality that captivates the senses. It's a playful interplay between strength and fragility, indomitability and harmony.

Kostina's artistry extends beyond conventional boundaries, constantly pushing the envelope of creative expression. Her Heracleum series exemplifies this adventurous spirit. At its core, this series finds inspiration in the trunk of the hogweed—a plant often labelled as a "poisonous occupier" and "terminator plant" in popular discourse. However, Kostina saw beyond the misconceptions and discovered the captivating shapes within these dried trunks.