Artistic Statement

In my artistic practice, I seek to explore the intersection of personal and collective memory, using painting, graphic art, and performative practices as vehicles for emotional expression and philosophical inquiry. My work is deeply rooted in the understanding of art as a means to reflect on the complexities of human experience, offering both a window into the internal and an engagement with the external world.

A Dialogue Between Traditions and Innovations

As an artist based in Belgium, my practice draws inspiration from the rich cultural and artistic heritage of this region. The surrealist traditions of Magritte and Delvaux resonate with my approach to creating layered, introspective narratives that challenge perceptions of reality. This connection underscores the tension between the tangible and the imagined, a recurring theme in my work. Additionally, I am influenced by James Ensor’s exploration of identity, symbolism, and the grotesque, which align with my interest in the layered and multifaceted nature of human experience.

The writings of contemporary philosophers such as Jacques Rancière also play a significant role in shaping my artistic perspective. Rancière’s concept of the "emancipated spectator," which emphasizes active engagement and interpretation by the audience, informs my approach to creating works that invite viewers to participate in the unfolding narrative. This philosophical grounding reinforces my commitment to crafting art that transcends passive observation, fostering a dynamic dialogue between the artwork and its audience.

My exploration of painting often draws from abstract expressionism, where emotional intensity and spontaneous brushwork capture the immediacy of human experience. This connection with the historical avant-garde allows my work to serve as a bridge between the utopian aspirations of early modernism and the fragmented realities of the postmodern condition. Painting, for me, remains a powerful medium—not as a mere representation of life but as a means of investigating the depths of an idea.

The Importance of Materiality in My Practice

The materiality of painting holds a central place in my artistic process. I am deeply invested in the texture, layering, and tactile qualities of the medium. My work often begins with an exploration of how oil and acrylic paints interact on the canvas, utilizing techniques such as impasto, glazing, and dry brushing to create rich, multi-dimensional surfaces. The interplay of materials—from the fluidity of acrylics to the dense, velvety depth of oils—allows me to construct atmospheres that evoke specific places, emotions, and memories.

Collage plays a significant role in my practice, as I integrate fragments of paper, textiles, and found objects into my paintings. These elements serve as "archival traces," connecting personal and collective histories within a single composition. This approach not only enriches the visual texture but also reinforces the narrative complexity of my works, layering meanings and inviting viewers to engage with the multiplicity of perspectives embedded within each piece.

The act of layering in my painting mirrors the process of memory itself—a continual accumulation, revision, and erasure. Each stroke, texture, and color choice becomes a mark of presence and absence, reflecting the fragmented and multifaceted nature of identity and recollection. Through this, I aim to create works that resonate both visually and emotionally, offering a sensory bridge to the layered histories they embody.

Themes of Memory, Solitude, and Identity

My artistic language frequently engages with themes of memory, solitude, and identity, reflecting my personal experiences and the landscapes that have shaped me. Raised in the quiet, stark environment of Nadym, a northern industrial town, my early perceptions of light, shadow, and minimalism have profoundly influenced my visual sensibilities. At the same time, my relocation to Belgium introduced a vibrant dialogue with its cultural and historical complexity, enriching my practice with new layers of meaning.

In my abstract works, I often reflect on human psychology and interpersonal relationships. For example, my series of psychological portraits aims to capture the emotional depth and spiritual complexity of individuals who navigate life with an acute awareness of its fragility and intensity. This is paralleled in my abstract landscapes, where the interplay of shape, color, and texture evokes an emotional resonance with natural and internal worlds. These works are less depictions of physical spaces and more "vessels of memory," where texture and form encapsulate the sensory impressions of lived experiences.

Key events and exhibitions

• 2014–2017         residence in Moscow, Russia. In this period, Maria's focus switched from painting to performance.
• 2017                      moved to West Flanders, Belgium
• 2018–2022        exhibitions in UK, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain
• 2019                      major solo exhibition in Tyumen, Russia
• 2021:                     La Vie Est Belle, group exhibition in Madrid, Spain
• 2021:                     Luxembourg Art Fair with Monat Gallery
• 2022:                    United In Art, exhibition by art collective M.E.N.S., Damme, Belgium
• 2024:                    Metamorfose, duo exhibition in Roeselare, Belgium