January 2024
I'm an Artist - Marusya Borisova-Sevastyanova
Marusya Borisova-SevastyanovaOur Conversation
Join us for conversation with Marusya (Maru) on a journey as an artist.
Discovering the Pulse of Creativity with Marusya
Dive into the vibrant world of Marusya, a visionary artist whose journey from commercial installations to the passionate pursuit of painting reveals the transformative power of artist residencies. Our conversation with Marusya unveils her exploration of new horizons, her quest for artistic identity, and the serendipitous moments that shape an artist's path.
A Tapestry of Experiences: From Moscow to the Mediterranean
Marusya's artistic evolution is a testament to the courage of embracing change. Originating from a strong foundation in commercial art installations, her journey into the world of art has been characterized by an innate drive to explore and express creatively. This exploration naturally led her to embrace painting, alongside her work in installations, as she sought to expand her artistic vocabulary and delve into new forms of expression.
Embracing the Unknown: The Catalyst of Artist Residencies
Marusya's journey is marked by a series of artist residencies that served as catalysts for personal and professional growth. From the structured environment of the School of Visual Arts in New York to the spontaneous creativity sparked in Greece and France, each residency offered unique insights and opportunities to experiment with her artistic voice.
2013: School of Visual Arts (SVA), New York, USA Marusya's residency journey began in 2013 at the School of Visual Arts in New York. Here, she immersed herself in the Sculpture, Art Installation, and New Technology department. This experience marked a significant shift in her career, moving from commercial art installations and still life photography to a more nuanced artistic expression. The residency at SVA was a turning point, offering her a platform to blend her commercial skills with a newfound creative perspective.
2021: La Chapelle Saint-Antoine, Naxos, Greece Fast forward to 2021, Marusya found herself in the serene and inspiring environment of La Chapelle Saint-Antoine in Naxos, Greece. This residency was particularly special as it culminated in a solo exhibition, showcasing her growth and exploration in painting. The residency in Greece was a period of joy and contentment for Marusya, where she discovered the ability to create art in a state of happiness, challenging her previous notion that art could only emerge from pain.
2022: Château Haut-Brisson, Bordeaux, France In 2022, Marusya participated in a unique residency at Château Haut-Brisson in Bordeaux, France. This experience stood out for its intimate setting in a beautiful French mansion, offering a rich cultural exchange and the opportunity to interact closely with guests. As the first artist in this new residency program, Marusya contributed significantly to its development, leaving a lasting impact on the program's future direction.
Residency-Like Stays at Friends' Houses Apart from these formal residencies, Marusya's artistic journey has been enriched by numerous residency-like stays at friends' houses. These informal residencies provided her with diverse cultural experiences and artistic inspirations, further shaping her artistic language and approach.
The Art of Transformation: Finding Joy and Purpose
Marusya's time in Greece was transformative, revealing that happiness and art are not mutually exclusive. This discovery was a turning point, leading her to produce works that reflected a newfound sense of joy and freedom. Similarly, her residency in France emphasized the importance of solitude and focus, allowing her to delve deeper into her craft amid the tranquil vineyards of Bordeaux.
Navigating the Future: A Continuous Quest for Growth
Marusya views her journey as an ongoing expedition, a continuous quest for growth and understanding both within and beyond the canvas. Her plans are fluid, guided by opportunities for learning, connections with galleries, and the ever-present desire to evolve as an artist.
A Message to Fellow Artists: Embrace Your Path
Marusya's advice to artists at the crossroads of their journey is profound yet simple: decide to be an artist, and embrace it wholeheartedly. The journey is fraught with challenges, but the decision to pursue art as a true calling can illuminate the path forward, transforming obstacles into stepping stones toward fulfillment.
Join Marusya on Her Artistic Odyssey
Marusya's story is a beacon for artists navigating the complex landscapes of creativity and identity. Her journey underscores the importance of artist residencies as spaces of transformation, where artists can explore, experiment, and ultimately, find their voice. As Marusya continues to chart her course through the art world, her journey offers inspiration and insight to all who dare to dream and create.
International artist residences that Maru has been to
- 2022, Residency at Château Haut-Brisson (Bordeaux, France)
- 2021, Solo exhibition at La Chapelle Saint-Antoine residency (Naxos, Greece)
- 2013, School of Visual Arts (SVA), Residency at Sculpture, Art Installation and New Technology department (New York, USA)
- and many more residency-like stays at friends' houses
How to find Maru
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Explore residencies
Oreum
Seogwipo, Jeju, South Korea
Oreum Residency is a 4-week program located in Seogwipo City, Jeju Island, South Korea, designed to support emerging artists from around the world. The residency fosters connections between international artists and local creatives, providing opportunities for artists to develop their work and showcase it in a final two-week exhibition. Hosted by Cedar Hill, a residential community, and co-organized by DiSilence Creative Agency and Zip Amsterdam, the residency accepts five domestic and five international artists under 35 years of age, focusing on visual arts such as drawing, painting, photography, and sculpture. Participants stay in a residential facility with private bedrooms and shared workspaces, with activities like guided local tours and studio visits enriching their experience. The program culminates in an exhibition where the artists can present their work to collectors, curators, and local art enthusiasts.
Villa Capri
Vilafranca de Bonany, Spain
Villa Capri is a creative residency based in an 18th-century farmhouse in Mallorca, Spain. The female-led, interdisciplinary artist collective hosts international artists from various fields, including visual arts, music, performance, film, and gastronomy, for a 10-day immersive residency. Villa Capri aims to foster creativity and collaboration in a serene, nature-focused environment, far from the rush of urban life. The residency offers an open, dynamic structure where participants co-create the daily schedule, which may include movement workshops, nature walks, creative installations, and hands-on activities such as fabric dyeing and sculpture-making. The experience culminates in a public exhibition featuring performances, workshops, and art displays, with the goal of building lasting connections between the artists and the local community. Sustainability is at the core of Villa Capri’s ethos, with an emphasis on responsible consumption and regenerative practices.
Santa Fe Art Institute (SFAI)
Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States
The Santa Fe Art Institute (SFAI) Residency is dedicated to fostering innovative art practices that engage with social issues and promote positive change. Located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the institute offers thematic residencies that focus on complex global and local challenges. Each year, the theme changes to reflect pressing contemporary issues, encouraging artists to explore and respond creatively. The residency supports a diverse group of international and local artists through its dynamic programs, including open calls for applications and specifically themed residencies such as the “Sovereignty Residency” and “Community of Practice Residency”. SFAI provides critical resources and a platform for artists to engage in cultural exchange and collective learning. The facilities include private studios and living quarters, communal spaces, and essential amenities conducive to artistic creation. Residents are selected through a competitive process emphasizing artistic excellence and the potential to benefit from a community-oriented, thematic exploration. The institute notably supports marginalized and underrepresented artists through fellowships and awards, underscoring its commitment to inclusivity.