Marina Pcheliakova

Artist Statement

Memories play a significant role in my artistic practice. By drawing inspiration from my childhood, personal experiences, and impactful events, I explore the limitations of selective memory. My interest lies in examining even the most insignificant memories that lack strong emotional experiences — by recreating them in detail, I can develop them into full-fledged images. However, these images are not the ultimate goal of my work, but rather an opportunity for dialogue. It is important for me not only to convey my own story but to leave room for someone else's stories. Through the plots and images in my work, I aim to inspire viewers to reflect on their own past, connect with their memories, and realize they are not alone in their experiences. The real story that exists within my memory serves as an impulse for the emergence of an alternative plot on the canvas — with fictional details, invented images, and new meanings. I imagine a different world, independent of its temporal context, where various events and characters coexist. This exploration not only helps me address inner pain and trauma, but also creates space for new experiences, both special and beautiful. By intentionally distorting forms and layering plots, while incorporating bright expression and color, I create a space for the viewer's free interpretation and speculation. Sometimes I borrow some artistic techniques from naive and abstract art, but I do not limit myself to them. Instead, I explore painting as a tool for a new reading of familiar things and phenomena.