YK: Masha, in your works, you address the topic of physicality, exploring the possibilities of the body as a means of artistic expression. How does the use of various media such as large-scale collages, photography, video and performance allow you to explore and express the concept of physicality in your art?

MR: Initially, my artistic endeavors revolved around photography and performance. However, I eventually transitioned to painting and, in the process, developed my own unique style of painting-paper on canvas collages. Subsequently, I delved into the realm of video art. As I began to analyze my art, I made a fascinating observation: my body served as the unifying element. This realization prompted me to experiment within the confines of my own home, drawing upon the inherent connection between my physical form and the materials I employ in my artistic expression. No longer did I need to seek out models to serve as subjects for my paintings; I, myself, became the subject, available to me at any given moment. I gained the ability to manipulate my body to create compositions, convey emotions, and construct intangible worlds through the medium of video art, employing my body as both the canvas and the tool. In this process, I discovered profound meaning and began to place trust in the capabilities of the human form. Through its vulnerability, my body began to articulate new languages, establishing connections between the world, my corporeal existence, my emotions, and the realm of poetry. For many, figurative art may seem trite or cliché, but for me, it has opened up a profound and uncharted domain—a domain in which physicality serves as a gateway to experiencing and creating both existing and novel spaces.For me, physicality has become such a deep new world through which you can feel spaces and create new ones. I get to know the world through my body – the body has become the holy grail for me.

YK: Could you tell us more about how your early experience in the modeling industry influenced your artistic practice? How has this shaped your understanding of the body and its role in artistic expression?

MR: My artistic trajectory has been greatly shaped by my experience in the world of modeling. Early on in my modeling career, I discovered the work of  Verushka, a German model, actress, and artist who became a tremendous source of inspiration for me. What captivated me about her was her unique approach to beauty, as she fearlessly transformed her appearance for her projects, almost like a chameleon. As I embarked on my own modeling journey, I couldn’t help but imagine myself as an artist who possessed the ability to morph and adapt just like Verushka. These thoughts ultimately led me to explore my own creative endeavors, and I began organizing and participating in photoshoots where I could fully express my artistic vision through body art. Through my personal project called Mashpit, I delved into the world of transformation by embodying various characters, including iconic figures like Woody Allen, Quentin Tarantino, Grace Jones, Frida Kahlo, and Jimi Hendrix. This experience not only allowed me to showcase my artistic versatility but also provided me with a deeper understanding of the power of self-expression. Having the experience of producing a shoot, the style and working with the team and working in front of the camera – it was a very natural transition. My body has become my canvas. After that, when I already started working with painting and I had solo exhibitions, my modeling experience helped me in my work. I could make photo curtsies for my new series of paintings, and through a series of photographs convey the story. It will be written to me by the same process as for fashion shooting. Movement , foreshortening , composition , emotion , harmony in photography . I know how to fill the frame with my body and transfer the state through the body.

YK: How does your study of physicality intersect with your study of multiculturalism? How do you use the body as a tool to understand and communicate the complexities of different cultures?

MR: Throughout my previous statements, I emphasized the significance of the body as a medium through which I delve into various realms and structures. One particular avenue of exploration is through Body art performance, where I seamlessly merge with diverse multicultural personas. It is important to acknowledge that what we absorb through our senses, be it auditory or visual, has a profound impact on shaping our identities. Our bodies, akin to sponges, possess an innate ability to assimilate and retain information. Interestingly, this absorption process occurs unconsciously, yet we exert a certain level of control over the content we internalize. In my video work titled “Mockingbird,” I strive to convey a similar message, albeit with a distinct visual expression. The choice of the name “Mockingbird” is deliberate, as it alludes to a bird species known for mimicking environmental sounds. However, the term “Mockingbird” holds additional connotations, referencing the covert CIA initiative known as “Project Mockingbird” from the late 1940s. This classified program aimed to manipulate public opinion through television and media channels. Although the nature of my works may differ significantly from the aforementioned project, upon deeper reflection, one can uncover multiple layers of meaning intertwined within them. It is worth noting that my journey as a creator began at the age of 17, when I started to navigate the complexities of the world. The body of work I have produced since then serves as a conduit for my life experiences and introspective musings, offering glimpses into my personal growth and reflections.

YK: As an artist who primarily uses the body as a means of experimentation, how do you draw the line between vulnerability and empowerment in your work? How do you challenge societal norms and expectations through your artistic expression?

MR: I approach my work with a strong sense of intuition. Despite the vulnerability that comes with working with my naked body, it is an integral part of expressing my true self. I have faces multiple instances of being cancelled by Cancel culture, but I now rely on my moral compass to guide me. There are several other works of mine that touch on sensitive topics, which I believe may never be shared with the public. My intention is for my work to evoke positive emotions, and some of my earlier creations may provoke strong reactions. I believe it is important for us to take care of one another, and I prefer to carefully filter what I choose to release into the world. The studio serves as a valuable space for me to process my emotions and leave behind any negativity.

YK: How do you approach the concept of the body as a transitory container of experience and identity in your art? How do you capture and convey the ephemeral nature of physical existence through your chosen means?

MR: In my video art, I employ the combination of the human body and video projection. I find this medium to be particularly suitable for my artistic expression, as it allows me to effectively convey a range of emotions and concepts. Through the use of moving images and skillful editing, I am able to explore and communicate my fears, visions, memories, fantasies, and thoughts that are intimately connected to my own body. Additionally, I can reflect on the state of the world and engage in an internal dialogue through this visual medium. The resulting visuals often possess a surreal quality, yet they remain convincingly relatable. This process of introspection compels me to delve deeper into my own origins, ultimately imbuing my work with a sense of uniqueness that reflects who I am and what I am composed of. This exploration has sparked a profound interest for me in working with this particular artistic approach.

YK: Can you share any specific moments or experiences that have significantly influenced your understanding of physicality and its potential for artistic expression? How did these moments shape your creative path?

MR: The darker aspect of my modeling experience revolve around my dissatisfaction with my own body. I yearned for it to be different, and this topic seemed to play on repeat in my mind. However, through the power of art, I was able to forge a deep connection with my body, and for that, I am immensely grateful. What once evoked such disdain within me has now become the catalyst for positive change in my life, transforming into a guiding force and a source of my uniqueness. I find myself increasingly captivated by the concept of the body: its ability to store memories, its ability to bridge the material and spiritual realms. It is truly remarkable how much the body encompasses within itself. I now perceive the body in a profoundly special light.

YK: How do you interact with your audience through your art? How do you seek to elicit emotional responses or provoke introspection by exploring physicality and multiculturalism?

MR: I have had the opportunity to witness a fascinating phenomenon while gazing into the mirror. It is truly remarkable how the creations we manifest in our artistic endeavors often serve as a reflection, evoking parallel emotions and states of being. Numerous individuals have graciously shared their observations, noting the uncanny similarity between the sentiments encapsulated in my paintings and those echoed in their own personal experiences. Interestingly, my work seems to resonate particularly strongly with a predominantly female audience, with women comprising a substantial 90% of collectors. During my solo exhibitions, I find great pleasure in personally guiding visitors through the exhibits, engaging in conversations that delve into the depths of my creative thought process and the journey that led me to embrace the path of an artist. These interactions are highly valued by attendees, as they relish the opportunity to attentively listen to artists share the inner workings of their minds.

YK: In your opinion, what is the role of art in strengthening intercultural understanding and breaking down barriers?

MR: The inquiry at hand perturbs me deeply, as it appears to possess an undertone of idealization. Throughout history, it has been observed that the most profound forms of artistic expression emerge from periods of adversity, akin to a heartfelt outcry from the depths of one’s being. Optimism resonates within me, fueling a desire for my artistic endeavors to emanate a luminous essence. It is my fervent aspiration that through my work, a sense of interconnectedness and unity may permeate the world. Artists possess a formidable prowess, for their creations serve as a potent language that speaks directly to the soul. Nevertheless, it is imperative to acknowledge the formidable challenge of overcoming fear in these tumultuous times. Despite the tempestuous nature of our present era, the human spirit invariably yearns for illumination even in the darkest of moments.

YK: Looking ahead, what new directions or topics would you like to explore in your artistic practice?

MR: I think we’ll keep it as an intrigue and show it in action.

Make a conclusion we can say that her artistic expression transcends boundaries, captivating audiences with her unique ability to evoke emotions and provoke thought. Through her art, Masha takes us on a remarkable journey, inviting us to explore the depths of her reflections and uncover hidden truths within ourselves.