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Mariya Goncharenko 
BFA Sculpture and BA Media Production

I explore the fluid boundaries of identity and belonging through the interconnected themes of water, nature, culture, and duality. Water, with its changing forms and adaptability, serves as a central metaphor for my artistic practice. As a third-culture kid who grew up in an international school where various cultures converged, I have been shaped by diverse influences that have fostered my adaptability and versatility.

 

This multicultural background enables me to blend a variety of influences and reflect the contrasting elements of my identity in my art. Duality is a recurring theme in my work, mirroring my own search for coherence amid conflicting influences. My art invites viewers to navigate these contrasts and reflect on the nature of identity.

 

Nature's beauty and the importance of environmental stewardship significantly influence both my visual aesthetic and conceptual approach. I am committed to creating art that celebrates nature while also prompting discussions about ecological responsibility. By thoughtfully choosing materials and processes, I aim to minimize my ecological footprint and enhance the impact of my work.

 

The concept of home, or the search for it, also permeates my practice. Through functional pieces, I examine the interplay between utility and personal connection, reflecting my quest for stability in a constantly changing world. Ultimately, my art serves as a personal exploration of identity and belonging, inviting engagement with the fluid, multifaceted nature of our existence.

 

The exhibited series of works serves as a poignant commentary on the enduring roles women have traditionally occupied in society—those of nurturer, provider and peacemaker, as well as the object of desire. Through its intricate details and symbolic elements, the exhibition explores the deep connection between women’s labor, both seen and unseen, and the natural world's capacity to sustain and create life. It highlights how women’s work—often undervalued—cultivates environments of care, love, and peace, much like nature itself, which endlessly provides without expectation of recognition.

Art Department

Fulton School Of Liberal Arts

Salisbury University

1101 Camden Ave.

Salisbury, Maryland 21801

(410)543-6270

SU Art Dept.

SU Art Show

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