"Glitter Queen" Polina Korobova Talks Performance Art as Her Method of Self-Expression
In Art in Self, we speak to five creators whose art take the forefront of their self-expression. For Singapore's multidisciplinary artist and LASALLE College of the Arts graduate Polina Korobova, the idea of "beauty" did not always come easy.
Russian-born and Singapore-based multidisciplinary artist Polina Korobova (otherwise known as “Glitter Queen” for her full-body glitter looks) is a product of Singapore’s very own LASALLE College of the Arts. Since graduating, the artist has worked as a producer in events and advertising whilst simultaneously maintaining her career and interest in the performing arts.
“I got into performance art out of curiosity and chose it as my elective at LASALLE College of the Arts as I felt like it made sense for my practice,” shares Korobova. “I don’t think I really cared about deep diving into that world at first until I had a chance to perform for the first time.”
The performer recalls a conversation she had with her mentor, Ezzam Rahman. “Rahman asked me about my struggles, ‘What are you afraid of? What makes you uncomfortable?’ And that is how I started,” explains the artist. “I based my narrative around the fear of being alone and used glitter to show the suffocation that I felt when isolated.”
“My first piece called ‘PINK’ involved me smearing glitter all over myself and quietly interacting with the audience. I had never felt so empowered but also strangely calm so I continued chasing that emotion since then.” Now, by taking up new projects and collaborations, the artist hopes that her identity as Singapore’s resident “Glitter Queen” can inspire others to be their most unapologetic self.
“Glitter Queen” has become your persona in the creative community. How did that title come about?
Actually, this is a funny story. When I just started my performances, life was very disorganised as I would jump on any opportunities given. One time, there was an opportunity to perform in front of a huge crowd but I had just two hours’ notice. I grabbed my friends, who helped me change at the parking lot, and started walking through the crowds while covered in glitter. It’s important to mention that I didn’t speak much during the process so I heard one of my besties shouting behind me, “Her name is Glitter Queen, follow her on Insta!’’ and it just stayed. I don’t think I would ever comfortably call myself a queen.
How has your creative process changed over the years?
This is where I talk about the less glamorous side of creativity and tell you that most of us have to get a full-time job. My processes changed dramatically because I couldn’t make art 24/7 anymore as I did back in university. My creativity had to be pushed back, but I’m currently on the journey of finding that right balance. Previously, I made art because I had to. And now, I only make it when I want to. Personally, I’m still trying to figure out what is the most ultimate state for me as each of them has its own pros and cons.
How would you describe your thoughts during your current creative process?
Actually, it’s funny because my mind works in strange ways. Let me try to describe it to you. So let’s say I see something or want to comment on something – my imagination quickly imagines the final result of the artwork and then I work backwards from there.
I walked through nature in Surrey, England and thought – “I’ve never contrasted glitter with the British countryside.” I asked myself, “Okay, how will it look? What colours should I use? Any other symbolism to consider? Who can I work with?” And that’s how I usually get around to making my content.
When it comes to creating actual physical art pieces, my mind works similarly. However, I get inspired by materials and my surroundings way more than when making content. Basically, I get inspired and I desperately use that window of inspiration to create something special.
You come across as a vibrant person on Instagram, but you’re also open about your struggles. Does creating art help you cope on days when you’re feeling the most mentally exhausted?
Art has always been an escape for me. Sometimes making art makes me switch off and feel better. After a long week of working and being busy on social media, I sit at my station and just make stuff while watching shows.
Sometimes, I overthink the social element of my work. Constantly thinking about what will people like and how can I share it with the world. It adds another layer of responsibility in my head – especially if I’m dealing with more serious subjects like mental health or politics. However, I still believe that you should create whenever it makes you the most comfortable and all of us deserve breaks from both work and creativity.
Would you say you perform your identity through your art?
I definitely do. When I moved to Singapore almost 10 years ago and started art school, I looked like a little goth kid. Wearing all black and being afraid to stand out. After embracing my art and love for ridiculous colours, I started becoming braver with my clothing, makeup, and content choices. Now, I look like how I wanted to look when I was 13 – with bright blue hair, wacky clothing, and thick eyeliner. I started looking like my art! Slowly through expressing myself in art, I found who I am almost fully. Of course, there is still so much more to explore.
What does “ beauty” mean to you?
As cheesy as it sounds, beauty is truly about how you feel. Since I was a little kid, I was exposed to a very high standard of beauty as a Russian woman and it was difficult to connect myself to that standard because I could never look like them. Because my journey with the idea of beauty was rocky, I used makeup as a way to express myself and my art by using my face as a canvas. To me, beauty is all about figuring out what works for you and what makes you feel beautiful inside and out.
