biography
BIO OF THE ARTIST
Asja Tustanowska is an artist primarily working in the field of painting.
Her artistic journey began in Murmansk, where she studied fine arts at the school under the guidance of Vladimir Skokleniow.
The next stage of her artistic education took place at the Sztyglicta Academy of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, where she continued her studies in the field of costumeography. During this time, Asja realized that painting was her primary medium, allowing her to freely express emotions and explore the inner world. It was during this period that she began shaping her unique style and creative approach.
Her artworks reveal tensions between the emotional and the rational, showcasing internal conflicts of the individual and their relationship with the external world. The frequent motifs of metamorphosis and inner transformation emphasize the need for self-discovery and meaning.
Asja also experiments with various artistic media. In her creative endeavors, she delves into video art, sculpture, and explores drawing techniques. Her drawings often come to life on fabrics, creating a distinctive fusion of two-dimensional art and textile elements.
Asja Tustanowska is an artist who continually seeks new challenges and ways to express her creativity. Her works are profound and reflective, drawing viewers into a world of emotions and provoking contemplation on the essence of the human experience.
Artist's statement
In my artwork, I delve into the profound theme of transformation, primarily within the inner world. This concept holds immense significance for humanity, nature, and the world itself. It is closely tied to the ritual of passage, which marks pivotal periods of transition from one life phase to another. I believe it is worth exploring this theme and acknowledging that metamorphosis is crucial as individuals continuously seek to discover new things and transform themselves and the world around them.
These rituals not only facilitate self-exploration but also provide a means of responding to the surrounding reality. By experiencing transformative states associated with bordering realms, various fears are aroused, ultimately contributing to the shaping of one's own personality. Transformation is a marvel that may go unnoticed at first glance, yet it possesses a natural magic capable of altering the entire world.
This subject matter holds personal significance for me, as everyone contemplates their morality, personal traits, and aspirations for change. It delves into deeply significant themes. In my art, I employ multi-faceted symbols, one of which is the imagery of stairs. Transformation can occur in both positive and negative ways, and it can be gradual or revert back to its original state.
The concept of a gate also appears in my work, not as a literal element but as a representation of the transformative process. Painted figures pass through metaphorical gates, entering into new stages of being.
Through my artwork, I aim to capture the essence of these transformative experiences and provoke introspection in the viewers. I invite them to explore their own inner worlds, embrace the natural magic of metamorphosis, and reflect on the power it holds to change the entire world.
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EXHIBITIONS
2023 Group Exhibition "Brama", Traugutta 97, Wrocław
2023 Group Exhibition "I Don't Have the Strength Anymore," Supernova Theater, Krakow
2023 Group Exhibition "Spring Plein Air Painting," County Office in Wroclaw
2023 Group Exhibition "PG Forever," Gallery at Kosalka, Wroclaw
2023 Group Exhibition "Under Your Flag," Gallery at Kosalka, Wroclaw
2023 Exhibition "Ritual," Gallery on Trzebnicka, Wroclaw
2022 Group Exhibition "Intestines II," Gallery on Trzebnicka, Wroclaw
2022 Exhibition "Displayed," Deccoria Gallery, Krakow
2021 Spring Fair, Tętno Gallery, Wroclaw
2021 Art Fair, Wyspa Tamka, Wroclaw
2021 Exhibition "PSYCHEDELIA VOL 2," Polsat Plus Arena, Gdansk
2021 Publication of works in Polemical Zine Issue 16: FUTURE
2021 Publication of works in Grimoire fanzine
2019 Exhibition, Boutique-hotel, St. Petersburg
2018 Performance "Inner Landscape," Academy of Fine Arts A.L. Stieglitz
2018 Group Exhibition "Probuzdenie," Academy of Fine Arts A.L. Stieglitz
2017 Solo Exhibition, Smolenka Studio, St. Petersburg
2017 Exhibition "Romb," Griboedov Club, St. Petersburg
2017 RETHink Art Digital Festival, Rethimni, Greece
2015 Video for (costumes, paintings, editing) Saint-Petersburg Fashion Week
2011 Group Exhibition "Victory. Recorded Courage," Russian State Museum
2010 Exhibition of works by students of art schools, Regional Art Museum of Murmansk
2009 Participation in the video art workshop "Pan Barentz" Project / "MurmanskMotion"