In this podcast episode, join host Ekaterina Popova as she engages in a conversation with Zhanna Tsytsyn, a talented full-time working artist originally from Siberia and currently based in the US. Zhanna's art practice is deeply rooted in eco-somatics, delving into the profound interconnectedness between humans and nature. Through her unique creative process, which involves dance and meditation, Zhanna draws inspiration from transformative experiences with a mushroom ceremony. Let's take a sneak peek into her upcoming solo exhibition, where she showcases mesmerizing paintings and masks exploring the archetype of the witch, emphasizing the importance of our connection to nature. Don't miss this enlightening discussion as Zhanna invites us into her captivating world of art at La Casita Cultural Center Gallery.
For more information about Zhanna Tsytsyn and her art, visit www.zhannatsytsyn.com or follow her on Instagram @zhannavtsytsyn.
Eco-Somatics is an understanding that goes beyond perceiving nature as something external to us. It is not confined to the woods or mountains that we access only when we leave the comfort of our homes. Instead, it's an awareness that we are inherently intertwined with nature. We are composed of water, earth, fire, and air, just like the world around us. Our existence is shaped by the intricate dance of cells, microbes, and bacteria. Recognizing this, we come to realize that our personal bodies are inseparable from the planetary body. The ecology of our body is intricately connected to the ecology of the earth. This profound realization serves as a foundation for Zhanna's artistic exploration.
Zhanna Tsytsyn, born in 1983, is an artist based in the Pacific Northwest. She employs a diverse range of techniques, including oil, acrylic, soil, poured paint, spray paint, and sand, to create intensely textured paintings. Her artistic journey is deeply rooted in eco-somatics and draws inspiration from nature, music, the human body, and mysticism. Through her artwork, she presents surreal, metaphysical, abstract landscapes and figurative work that mirror our inner landscapes, mirroring the natural world around us.
Zhanna's artistic expressions are inspired by the unity that binds us as a species with nature. She skillfully incorporates rhythm and pattern motifs that echo the harmonious dance between the human body and the environment. In doing so, she invites us to attune ourselves to the rhythm of the universe through movement and introspection.
Her works take us on a journey of magical thinking, where fantasy worlds seamlessly blend with external and internal landscapes. Much like transcendental portals accessed through shamanic dance, Zhanna's textured meditative pieces explore the elemental human yearning for permanence and connection in a universe governed by constant change.
Zhanna Tsytsyn's art serves as a bridge between our individual selves and the larger tapestry of the natural world. It urges us to acknowledge our intrinsic relationship with nature, fostering a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life forms. Through her masterful creations, Zhanna not only captures the beauty of nature but also encourages us to embrace our role as caretakers of the earth.
In her upcoming solo exhibition, she showcases an array of thought-provoking paintings and masks, exploring the archetype of the witch. With each stroke of her brush and every sculpted detail, Zhanna emphasizes the importance of nurturing a profound connection to nature, which in turn enriches our understanding of ourselves.
Join Zhanna Tsytsyn on her artistic odyssey as she continues to unravel the mysteries of eco-somatics and inspire us to embark on a journey of self-discovery through art and nature.
During the conversation, Kat and Zhanna refers to historical paintings, such as "Ivan the Terrible and His Son" by Ilya Repin and "Saturn Devouring His Son" by Francisco Goya, as points of inspiration.
