The artwork encapsulates a poignant moment from my personal experience in October 2021, marking a pivotal turning point amidst the pandemic's unexpected reality. It reflects the profound journey of finding oneself in an unfamiliar environment, far removed from the comfort of home and family. The piece delves into the inundation of bureaucratic challenges, navigating the complexities of communication barriers, grappling with diverse accents, and contending with the anxiety of expressing oneself over phone calls. The struggle to articulate thoughts and needs is depicted through the laborious process of composing lengthy emails, each word meticulously chosen to convey clarity and satisfaction over small triumphs that, in ordinary circumstances, would be inconsequential. The narrative unfolds as an essential confrontation with the reality of solitude in a foreign country during lockdown, with the vastness of the city serving as a backdrop to a myriad of hopes, beliefs, and opportunities. The artwork captures the subtle warmth found in routine, structuring an artistic reality amidst the chaos of everyday life. The repetitive pattern of a written statement serves as a subconscious mantra, providing a grounding element that supports balance within the composition. It functions as a foundation, allowing for a moment of respite and focus on the present, fostering self-awareness within the tumultuous reality. A prominent aspect of the drawing draws attention to the boldly emphasised sign, "Sukkot Mesmerising World," serving as both an appeal and a dedication. It symbolises a connection to family, traditions, and culture, urging the viewer to nurture these elements with consistent care, attention, and love. This poignant inclusion emphasises the importance of preserving cultural roots as a source of strength and stability amid life's uncertainties.

Maria Cohen

Message

Follow

Maria Cohen is an awarded UK-based multidisciplinary artist who works as a painter, writer, researcher, and curator. Her art practice explores the topic of sexuality and identity through the expressive use of diverse media such as oil painting, digital drawing, animation, and screen printing. Maria uses a repetitive image of a rabbit as an alter-ego and a symbol to represent both themselves and society. She holds a BA in Fine Arts from the Moscow Academy of Arts and then got an MA in History and Philosophy of Art at the ICA Moscow. In September 2020 Maria participated at the 2nd Garage Triennial of Russian Contemporary Art. She completed her MA in Fine Art Painting at Camberwell College of Arts in 2021, supported by the Art Ambassador Awards. During her studies, Maria was involved in organizing a curatorial project at the Copeland Gallery in London and later her work was selected for the exhibition at the South London Gallery and London Grads 2021 at the Saatchi Gallery. In September 2022 Maria collaborated with Fashion Brand Urban Outfitters. In 2023 Maria as a part of the collective «Undercurrents» organized Artists Open Houses in Brighton. As of February 2023, Maria curated the solo show ‘Zero Gravity’ in Basel, Switzerland, supported by the Voskhod Gallery.