About me
Altukhova Marina. Born 1990
Hello! I'm a Chelyabinsk-based figurative artist. I studied Fine Arts at the Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The choice is unusual, I know right?
I always wanted to do arts. But for Russian families artist is not a real profession. I was forced to go and study something else (I chose the Japanese language because I liked anything Asian at that time).
I always wanted to do arts. But for Russian families artist is not a real profession. I was forced to go and study something else (I chose the Japanese language because I liked anything Asian at that time).
After 2 years of studies at CHelGU the university decided to raise its prices and decrease the number of japanese classes. Aside from japanese language I didn’t enjoy any of other classes, and since such tern of events there was no sence for me finishing this education. I’ve decided for myself that I’m ready to try something new, something more challenging.
My passion for arts & Asia overpowered my parents and so I went to Malaysia. I chose this country because it was Asia, and the prices at that period were 1:1 ratio with Russian. The Malasian Institute of Art had a good reputation, education was in English (which I had no problems with) and housing was cheap.
Aside from these facts I wanted to experience different cultures. And Malaysia is famous for attrecting people not only from Asian parts but also from UK, USA and, of course, Russia.
Aside from these facts I wanted to experience different cultures. And Malaysia is famous for attrecting people not only from Asian parts but also from UK, USA and, of course, Russia.
Diploma project dedicated to Social Media identity
Two boards ~2x2m with cut outs shaped as Facebook empty profile icon. Under each such icon people around were encouraged to write anything concerning SM identity issues they faced or know about.
2013
2013
During my studies I went through a transformation from a highly introverted person to a more open-minded human being. I was also fortunate enough to dive in to several cultures: chinese, malaysian, pakistani and indian. The most interesting for me turned out to be chinese culture. I've participated in traditional chinese weddings, praying, burning of fake money (traditionally done during Chinese New Year to send money to the deseased) and of course got very fond of chinese cuisine.
Reaching my final year at MIA I went to take on an internship at the local most established gallery - Shalini Ganendra Fine Art. My responsibilities included catalog design, event organization, sales, and preparation for the upcoming exhibition. I met many contemporary artists and other interesting people.
This experience has left the most crutial impact on me and my art. It helped me overcome my communication issues, broaden my mind and my understanding of art in the world. I learned new skills as an artist, curator and sales manager. And now, I'm doing my best to share that experience through my art and teaching.
Diploma ceremony | 2013
Upon returning from Malaysia I wanted to continue to connect myself with art industry even further and try different things. I worked as sales person for art supplies and artworks at the local shop in Chelyabinsk. During 2014 art industry in my city wasn't as progressing as today.
I then went back to Malaysia and became an art & English teacher at the local private school. As much as I enjoyed teaching I felt that I'm missing home. My working visa finished and I've decided once again to return to Russia.
I then went back to Malaysia and became an art & English teacher at the local private school. As much as I enjoyed teaching I felt that I'm missing home. My working visa finished and I've decided once again to return to Russia.
Content Manager at BGS Group | 2018
Here, my career took another turn as I was, to be honest, in pursue of money in order to create for myself a better living.
I found a position that combined 3 things I was interested in: english, creativity and traveling. As I continued to deepen my knowledge in Social Media & Email Marketing I changed compenies where I always learned something new.
I found a position that combined 3 things I was interested in: english, creativity and traveling. As I continued to deepen my knowledge in Social Media & Email Marketing I changed compenies where I always learned something new.
During my work as a marketing manager, I never forgot about art and always painted something in my free time. And since 2019 started participating in art fairs and exhibitions. Feeling more confident in my skills I've decided to pursue art career full-time and quit my last job as an email marketer.
Right now I reside in Chelyabinsk where I prepare for the upcoming solo exhibition at Larisa Depershmidt Gallery and also building my portfolio to step out of my comfort zone and apply to galleries all around the world. Aside from that, I share my knowledge as a fine arts teacher with kids and adults.
Right now I reside in Chelyabinsk where I prepare for the upcoming solo exhibition at Larisa Depershmidt Gallery and also building my portfolio to step out of my comfort zone and apply to galleries all around the world. Aside from that, I share my knowledge as a fine arts teacher with kids and adults.
Lesson in progress at my art studio | 2022
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