I have been looking for insects and lizards under every snag, making pets out of them. This natural world was an adventure for me, I have retained this feeling to this day and it fuels my interest, but now plants have become the object of my attention.
The Flower Surrealist | Maria Luneva
Maria Luneva aka Supinatra is an artist exploring nature through her own unique perception. She merges with the plant world, creating on her body a space that incorporates the shapes of flowers, leaves and buds with extreme ease and beauty.
The compositions appear so natural that it seems the plant world is growing on her skin.
The biggest influence and driver of Maria’s art is nature. She notices the uniqueness of form and colours of natural elements, contextualising them in unexpected situations.
What does oneness mean to you?
Oneness for me is the feeling that I experience when I find similarities in fauna, flora and in inanimate objects. I begin to feel a single principle in the richness and infinite variety of materials, and this complex simplicity always amazes me.
The intersection of art and nature. How did you start exploring this idea?
Art was the result of my desire to interact with the elements of nature that attracted me.
Previously, I only admired nature, without processing and living these feelings. Two years ago I saw the works of Katya Molchanova, where plants intertwined with the body, changed their meanings and were the main characters. And my potential spilled out.
What according to you is the connection between humans and nature? What can we learn from it?
I do not separate humans and nature. All this is a wealth of life forms. But human has the ability to know nature and himself, this is an eternal adventure.
Artists usually get inspired from their lifetime events. Is there any incident in particular which was very thought provoking?
Since childhood, I lovеd to walk the untrodden paths. I have been looking for insects and lizards under every snag, making pets out of them. This natural world was an adventure for me, I have retained this feeling to this day and it fuels my interest, but now plants have become the object of my attention.
Which work of yours is the closest to your heart and why?
Usually, I don’t have special feelings for my works, I’m more concerned with natural objects. But now I feel a special connection with my latest work. On it is my portrait where the whole face is covered with flesh-colored rose petals that emphasize the shape of my face and change it beyond recognition. And the more I look at this strange hypertrophied face, the more it becomes dearer to me. I feel like I see my real and beautiful self in him. This sense of self-worth is very important to me because, in my constant contemplation of nature, I forget myself.
Given the worsening climate conditions, how do you think art can influence the society and shift awareness?
Art can present nature in a new light and evoke feelings for it, help you fall in love with it with renewed vigor. And people tend to protect and protect what they love.
Maria Luneva @Supinatra
Interview by Aditi Verma @AditiVerma_1996
