Maria Ansh (b. 1992, Moscow, Russia) lives and works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She works in the technique of oil on canvas and oil pastel on abrasive paper. Her work is reflections on human identity, connection with nature and memories that form inner reality. She develops three series of works, each of which reveals different facets of these topics.
In the series “Portraits”, the artist explores the complexity of human nature, conveying characters through color, shape and texture. For her, every person is a mosaic of emotions and experiences. Inspired by literature, photographs and real stories, she creates collective images that reflect the depth of personality.
The “Village” series appeals to childhood memories. Simple village life, nature, people — all this has become an important part of her identity. Ansh consciously romanticizes the works, filling them with nostalgia and a sense of solitude.
In “Water Flowers” the artist explores nature, its plasticity, rhythms and depth. Its purpose is to convey not only the shape of plants, but also their energy, the interaction of light and space, creating picturesque compositions filled with movement and harmony.
In 2015, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from the Moscow Humanitarian-Technical Academy. In 2020, the state TV channel “Kultura” interviewed her at the exhibition “The labyrinth of the naive” at the Artplay Design Center. From 2021 to 2022, Ansh participated in “Winwin” fairs at the Winzavod Center for Contemporary Art.