Natalia Martiusheva

For many years I have been inspired by the human form. It takes meticulous study, passion, and imagination to be able to express the sense of human experiences by figure drawing.

Learning from the Old Masters and combining this knowledge with everything there is inside my soul I strive to convey universal concepts using light and shadow, the rhythm created by movement and stillness, the energy of gesture, and reflection of the unique story captured in gaze.

Artist Statement about the Piece (s) Submitted

Title/Medium: “Unconventional reflection” [Charcoal on paper]

"Unconventional Reflections" is a journey into the essence of queerness, encapsulating the beauty, struggles, and unique paths that define LGBTQ+ existence. Through the universal language of art, this piece communicates the intimate and often unseen aspects of queer identity, inviting viewers to resonate with its message on a deeply personal level. At its core, the artwork captures a moment of profound self-reflection—a pause in life's chaos to delve into the depths of one's soul. The figure depicted gazes inward with an honesty and vulnerability that transcends words, inviting viewers to join them on a journey of self-discovery and introspection.

The composition radiates unconventionality, rejecting traditional norms of beauty and representation in favor of authenticity and raw emotion. Bold and dynamic charcoal marks, as well as strong contrast of light and shadow, reflect the complexity and dynamism of queer identity. "Unconventional Reflections" speaks to the universal human experience of seeking truth and authenticity in a world that often seeks to confine us to narrow definitions of identity. It celebrates the beauty of individuality while finding solidarity and connection within the broader LGBTQ+ community, offering a poignant reminder of the power of self-love and acceptance amidst life's struggles and challenges."

Title/Medium: “Spark” [Acrylic on stretched canvas]

"This piece depicts a real moment in my life when my wife and I were trying to navigate through a turbulent period, having no one and nothing to help us in a foreign land. And yet, she smiles as she makes that important phone call, immersed in the pulse of big city life, open to its serendipity.

The loosely executed grayscale acrylic painting evokes organized chaos and the many dimensions of an urban environment, with a spark of the human spirit harmonizing that chaos and giving it warmth and meaning."

Artist Bio

Natalia Martiusheva, 49 years old political refugee from Russia, lesbian, happily married, self-taught artist.

For many years I have been inspired by the human form. It takes meticulous study, passion, and imagination to be able to express the sense of human experiences by figure drawing.

From the variety of mediums, I use in my practice, I find charcoal to be my favorite due to its ability to express and find nuances in what appears to be pretty black and white at first sight.