Marina Astakhova — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

May 3

May 3 Marina Astakhova

Biography

Marina Astakhova is a Russian artist, whose works through an imaginative colour kaleidoscope transform and reflect the versatility and harmony of the world around us. Distinctive features of her creative method are shimmering and vibrating abstract geometric ornaments based on the traditions of op-art, Orphism and post-painterly, hard-edge abstraction. In the artistic practice of Marina Astakhova, geometric compositions with acrylic on canvas resonate with interior sculptures and panels made of wood. The artist’s work is characterized by a constant desire to experiment with artistic techniques and materials.
Lives and works in Moscow.Galleries representation: AG Gallery (Center of Contemporary art WinZavod), Moscow. Marina Astakhova’s works are in the interiors of houses and offices in Russia, Great Britain, France, Switzerland, USA, Hong Kong, UAE.

What first prompted you to think of becoming an artist?

Once there lived a happy but stressed-out corporate communications manager who one day opted for recharge and discovered a new exciting life experience in creating colourful artworks. That was my choice of expressing my feelings and emotions. Now painting is my everyday routine. Though I didn’t get a classic education in art I have the luxury of choosing my own educational program – various university courses and workshops in abstract art. For example last year I enrolled to a course of Practice and Theory of Contemporary Art with Moscow School of Contemporary Art and British High School of Art and Design.

What kind of an artist do you ultimately see yourself?

I am a minimalist who cannot find a moment to stop ... The foundation for my work was established by the heritage of the Russian avant-garde – suprematism and constructivism. Later - Orphism, opart, and currently – American post-painterly abstraction. Many ideas are born as a result of comprehending the masterpieces of product design and architecture.

What are you hoping to communicate to the viewer through your work?

I try to create art for a happy habitat – living or workspaces. My art is not intended to challenge the viewer. Abstract art is a universal emotional language and I am translating positive emotions through shapes and colours interactions. When you see my work you just immerse yourself into it and enjoy positive vibes. This is who some of my series are named Drops of Joy or Jolie Dolls.

Can you explain the process of creating your work?

The creative process involves the interaction of shape and colour.

The basis of my work is always a frame, a net, almost a technical drawing. It is a set of geometric shapes with a clear structure. Colour fills these forms on an intuitive level, the working process itself becoming the subject of creativity and artistic search. The result is a hypnotic, mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colour and pattern, in which the viewer’s gaze wanders and seeks its own unique path.

What is your favourite part of the creative process?

I prefer not to do sketches – the idea is born in my head, and then goes through changes in the course of actions. I love this almost automated process - this is how my work becomes lively and active. Sometimes I never know what will happen in the end.

Can you give us an insight into current projects and inspiration, or what we can look forward to from you in the near future?

Pandemic forced me to have a closer look at national art. While staying in Russia, I visited many local museums and discovered a whole inspiring cultural universe - from churches’ frescoes to Russian avant-garde heritage and contemporary art. My new works will hold a mix of traditional and new, abstract and figurative. The current series will undergo some new changes, patterns will be reshaped and rethought with the use of folk elements. It is a normal way of artistic practice development, and I hope my art will gain more followers and friends.

Website www.marinaastakhova.com

Instagram www.instagram.mastakhova.art/

Facebook www.facebook.com/mastakhovaart/