Garkavenko Maria

Garkaveno’s work stands out spectacularly contrary to all the other painters in the exhibition. Her extraordinary means of investigation into the concepts of feminism through the bold inclusion of the genre of femme fatale allows one to breach the subject of the role of women in art. The ‘Cosmic Tree’ echoes Frida Khalo’s investigation of the self and the relationship that one as a woman has with the rest of the world as well as that with men. It seems that together, these two affiliations are incompatible with one another and send one into a paralysis of power within oneself.

 

The artist herself admits to her constant pursuit of the inspection of the soul and self-analysis as well as her simplistic line of artistic expression. It is due to this unconventional approach that her paintings are so captivating. Many have noted that this avenue within artistic practice has an echo of the antediluvian Russian conduct. Hence, it does become interesting to question the artist’s choice of working with the particular medium of oil and canvas, when the corresponding content could have been more easily achieved with alternative ones.

 

Consequently, although one may be misled by the oversimplified form of the masterpieces, it is always important to take a closer look at the play of the content and colors in her various works. In respect to color after careful investigation one is able to boldly distinguish between the various textual and shade differences on the canvas.

 

On a biographical level, Maria Garkavenko was born in Leningrad in 1980. Having secured her degree in classical art with the infamous Stirlitz academy of art (А. Л. Штиглица), she took to professional painting from 2003 onwards. In 2006 she was honors with membership to the prestigious union of artists.
Maria Garkavenko was born in Leningrad. She graduated from the department of art textiles GDPA im.Shtiglitsa (2003). A painter. Has its own recognizable style. Member of the Union of Artists (2006). Lives and works in St. Petersburg and in the Crimea. Participates in exhibitions in Russia and Western Europe. His works are in private collections at home and abroad.

Selected Exhibitions

  • 2011 – Praxis, Solo exhibition. Erarta, St. Petersburg, Russia;
  • 2010 – Nursery, Erarta Museum, St. Petersburg;
  • 2010 – Psychonautica II — House of Growth, St. Petersburg, Russia;
  • 2008 – Taking Stock, Manege Central Exhibition Hall, St. Petersburg, Russia;
  • 2008 – Schamanen Sibiriens, Linden-Museum, Stuttgart, Germany;
  • 2008 – Territory of the Senses, Globe Gallery, St. Petersburg, Russia;
  • 2007 – Nord-Art 2007, Rendsburg, Germany;
  • 2006 – I Choose, NoMI Gallery, St. Petersburg, Russia;
  • 2006 – Masha, solo exhibition. Borey Gallery, St. Petersburg, Russia.
Garkavenko's works may also be found in public and private collections in Russia and abroad.