Marina Chisty’s art is a vivid exploration of time, energy, and the constant flow of life that surrounds her. As a Russian-American artist based in New York City, Marina brings a unique perspective to her work, drawing from both her Russian heritage and the vibrant, ever-changing environment of the city. Her journey into the world of art began early, nurtured by her time in children’s art school in Russia, where she developed a deep connection to abstraction and the symbolic use of color.
Living in New York City has significantly influenced Marina’s artistic expression. The city, with its endless motion, diversity, and unpredictability, is a major source of inspiration for her. Marina’s abstract and figurative paintings reflect the dynamism of urban life, capturing the essence of the city’s multiple faces through her distinctive use of color and form. She doesn’t just paint what she sees; she paints what she feels, what she senses beneath the surface of the everyday hustle.
Since moving to New York, Marina has dedicated herself to refining her art. In 2018, she began studying at the Art Students League of New York, a well-known institution. Here, Marina immersed herself in her work, experimenting with new techniques and media, always pushing the boundaries of her artistic practice. Under the guidance of her instructors and private tutors, she honed her skills, gradually developing a style that is distinctly her own.
Marina’s work is deeply influenced by her ongoing studies and the environment in which she works. Currently, she is pursuing an MFA degree at the School of Arts Institute of Chicago, further expanding her artistic horizons. The academic environment provides her with both the structure and the freedom to explore new ideas and techniques, which she then brings back to her studio in New York.
A central theme in Marina’s art is the exploration of time and impermanence. She is fascinated by the way time alters everything, from the physical decay of objects to the fading of memories. This fascination is reflected in her use of pigment powder, a material that she uses to symbolize the passage of time. The powder, with its distinct particles, represents fleeting moments, capturing them before they disappear forever. Marina’s process is guided by the materials she uses, allowing them to shape the final outcome of her work.
Marina’s paintings often embody a visual dialogue between abstraction and figuration, blending these two approaches to create works that are both grounded in reality and open to interpretation. She draws inspiration from natural decay and the transient beauty that comes with aging, using her art to reflect on the dual nature of permanence and change. In this way, her work becomes a meditation on the constant state of flux that defines both the natural world and human experience.
The influence of Marina’s Russian roots can be seen in her approach to color and abstraction. In Russian art, color is often used symbolically, and this is something that Marina has incorporated into her own work. She uses color not just to depict what is seen but to evoke emotions and ideas, creating a rich, layered experience for the viewer. Her abstract compositions are infused with meaning, each brushstroke and color choice carefully considered to convey a deeper message.
Marina’s work is also characterized by a strong sense of experimentation. She is constantly exploring new techniques and media, never content to stay within the confines of a single style or approach. This willingness to experiment is what keeps her work fresh and exciting, always progressing as she discovers new ways to express herself. Whether she is working on a large canvas or a smaller piece, Marina approaches each project with a sense of curiosity and openness, allowing the process to unfold naturally.
In her New York studio, Marina continues to push the boundaries of her art, creating works that challenge the viewer to see the world in a new way. Her paintings are a testament to her ability to capture the energy and complexity of life, transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary. Through her exploration of time, impermanence, and the ever-changing nature of existence, Marina Chisty has established herself as a dynamic and thoughtful artist, whose work resonates with the experiences of life in a fast-paced, constantly shifting world.
