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
Connect with Jay
Keep exploring
Explore residencies
A cobert
Moià, Spain
Residències a cobert is an artist residency program in Moià, Spain, offering space and conditions for artistic and research projects in fields like visual arts, performing arts, literature, cinema, performance, science, technology, gender studies, and history, excluding musical projects. It supports small groups of 2-4 adults or creative collectives from any nationality, with stays of 1-8 weeks between March and October, including separate work space and housing. The program fosters dissemination, advice, and synergies with local cultural agents in a rural setting.
Kai residencia
Arin, Calca, Cusco, Peru
KAI is an artist and research residency in Arín, in the Calca Valley of Cusco, Peru, active since 2015 and oriented toward projects connected to the local community and environment. It accepts a broad range of creators, with an emphasis on exchange between international residents and the Sacred Valley context.
Itinera Arte
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Itinera Arte Artist Residency offers an immersive and experimental environment for artists from diverse contexts and disciplines, fostering dialogue between contemporary practices and the historical and urban landscape of Rio de Janeiro. The program combines curatorial mentorship, collective exchanges, studio visits with Brazilian artists, field activities, and public exhibitions, encouraging the development of critical