Ukrainian photo artist, born in USSR, grew up in an independent Ukraine and is now based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Marfa’s practice focuses on the documentation of real contemporary events. She seeks to tell the story of our time through symbolic pictures. Her photography illustrates the truth, beauty, and depth of human emotion through thoroughly planned compositions.
Creator and developer of a patented methodology of work with women «Photo-therapy as a means of female self-cognition», rising of self-esteem, disclosure of femininity and sexuality through photography.
Education
2017
- Atelier of Yoshiyasu Tamura, studying drawing and painting technics. Mixed technique of Japanese and Italian traditional painting. Gunma, Japan
2016
- Human Academy L’ecole Japonaise De Manga, Anime, MANGA Summer School in Angouleme, France.
2005-2019
- Self-taught artist, photographer, painter, illustrator, photo-therapist.
2003-2008
- International marketing and advertising, Interregional Academy of Personnel Management. Master Degree. Kiev Ukraine.
Exhibitions
2022
- Motanka – photo, video, and documentary project with 100 Ukrainian women refugees and 20 Dutch people about Ukrainian culture, the war in Ukraine, and the tragedy of separated families. Motanka is a sacral doll 5000 years old, that was found in the Chernihiv region in Ukraine and symbolizes the connection with kin and roots. Motankas are ancient family talismans. Symbol of goodness, prosperity, and hope. The project included a scene with gratitude to the Netherlands. The project was initiated in Amsterdam in November 2022 and still is in progress.
- Group exhibition “all stars” KYAS ART SALON, Amsterdam Netherlands
- Kunst RAI – Breaking Fragility Series – KYAS ART SALON
2019
- Breaking Fragility – Feminine project with 63 Ukrainian women of different ages and body types gathered in one space. This project, although unintentional, was therapeutic for many of the women who participated. Kiev, Ukraine
2017
- Marfa’s World – an exhibition of drawings, music and poetry in Gunma, Japan
- Takamagara project – a photo project created in collaboration with the Japanese artist Yosiyasu Tamura, NAKANOJO Biennale, Gunma, Japan
2016
- Colorful Universes – photo exhibition, September – Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Takamagara project – a photo project created in collaboration with the Japanese artist Yoshiyasu Tamura, photographs were presented in July at FUMA CONTEMPORARY TOKYO – BUNKYO ART at IKON-TAKT, Tokyo, Japan – takamagaharaproject.com
2015
- Art Zaanstad, Art Fair, represented 3 photos in collaboration with Nissim Men, Zaandam, Netherlands www.artzaanstad.nl
- CLOUD PHOTO GROUP SHOW – Cloud Gallery, Amsterdam, Netherlands
2014
- 7 Madonna Maidan – online exhibition about the Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine, Presented in G13 gallery, Kiev, Ukraine
2013
- Fairy Tales – painting exhibition, R.U.A., Bijlmer, Amsterdam, Netherlands
2012
- Exhibition “Shamans”, Kiev Ukraine
2007
- Display of photographs, gallery “Baboon” Kiev, Ukraine
2006
- Collage/DE college – collaboration with Alina Kopytsa, gallery Time, Kyiv, Ukraine
Artist talks
2017
- TAKARAZUKA University in Tokyo, Lecture: “how to create our value and branding in the international art world in the future. Japan.
NAKANOJO BIENNALE. Exhibition of TAKAGAMAHARAPROJECT – https://www.takara-univ.ac.jp/tokyo/index.html?fbclid=IwAR1WF0HeiUluauDmVWscxpaxeohQ3jXdXbVz1bRQkZRX_AO_H-hmbt9zB1U
Publications
2017
- OnBeat vol 06 – Bilingual Magazine for Art and Culture from the Edge of the East NAKANOJO BIENNALE Art Works
