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
Ma Umi
Ishigaki, Japan
MA UMI RESIDENCIES is a self-funded, not-for-profit international hub for artists and researchers located on the northern peninsula of Ishigaki Island, Japan, fostering experimentation with land, ocean, and local communities amid climate change concerns. It hosts one resident at a time for short-term stays of about 14 days, emphasizing fieldwork, interdisciplinary practices, and public presentations without being results-driven. Founded by artist and architect Valérie Portefaix, it includes sites like Green Rabbit, Pink Turtle, and Blue Seahorse, promoting sustainable ecological and economic models.
Delfina Foundation
London, United Kingdom
The Delfina Foundation Residency Program, based in London, offers opportunities for artists, curators, and writers to develop their practice, explore connections, and build collaborations. Residencies, lasting up to three months, are largely thematic and support both emerging and established cultural practitioners. The Foundation hosts 6 to 8 residents simultaneously in its central London location, providing flexible living and working space. Residents engage with international peers and the public, fostering artistic exchange and professional development. The program has a strong focus on critical issues in contemporary art and has established relationships with the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.
La Napoule Art Foundation (LNAF)
Mandelieu-La Napoule, France
La Napoule Art Foundation (LNAF) offers prestigious international residencies at the historic Château de La Napoule in the Côte d’Azur, France. Open to artists of all disciplines and nationalities, the residency provides a unique environment that fosters artistic creation, cultural exchange, and community building. Residents are housed in the Villa Marguerite, which offers private rooms with baths, and stunning views of the sea or gardens. Each resident is provided with a studio space and a stipend, and is encouraged to engage with other artists during communal meals and activities. The residency supports artistic practice through focused work time and provides opportunities for cultural enrichment in one of France’s most artistically inspiring regions. The International Artist Residency takes place twice a year, with additional specific programs for Canadian artists and filmmakers.