MARTINA PETROVICOVA

ARTIST BIO

Martina Petrovicova is a self-taught emerging Slovak artist based in Brno, Czech Republic.
She works mainly in watercolor which she is very fond of because of its expressiveness and unpredictability.

She is inspired by the complexity of both her inner world and psyche as well as the real world around us. Martina‘s aim is to translate the subjects of the states of mind, emotions, feminity, and relationships into the colorful and spontaneous visual language which she believes is best suited for such a task. In her work, Martina is intrigued beyond the aesthetics and aims to communicate various aspects of women's existence.

Martina was drawn to visual and musical language as forms of communication since her childhood. In the early years, she'd mainly drawn, sculpted, and played violin. It's only after she became a mother that she took up watercolor as her favorite medium.

Martina received her Master’s degree in French Literature and Art History. Although she always desired to be an artist, it’s only motherhood that gave her confidence and unlocked the practicing artist in her. Apart from that, she had a chance to travel a lot and to live abroad for quite some time. Seeing the world and meeting people from different cultures, as well as becoming a mother formed her personality and philosophy of life which reflects in her paintings to this day.

ARTIST STATEMENT

I find that visual language is often more eloquent than words. It feels natural to express myself with color and dynamic brushstrokes combined with fun techniques like splashing and splattering. This way, I can make sense of the inner turmoil, emotions, and the complexities of being a woman. I aim to transform this intrinsic chaos into a visual harmony. Unpredictable nature of watercolor naturally lends a gentle freedom and fluidity for my intuitive approach and guides me towards the completed painting. After putting down the first layer spontaneously, I watch the colors mingle and interact with excitement and awe. Letting the painting process and the unexpected take lead makes me feel alive. The next phase is usually a result of a long meditative observation. When resuming the work with a new inspiration, it becomes both joyful and playful therapy. A way of dealing with being overwhelmed about life, my past, and my future. This process helps to reconcile my inner polarities and bring balance to the light and the dark within. My desire is to inspire the viewer to experience the same in his/her own way.

The current collection revolves around the inherent dualities of roles that a contemporary woman tries to fit into. Striving to be a beautiful lover, gentle mother, giving sister, empathetic friend, as well as, a successful and independent businesswoman can leave her feeling under pressure and stuck in a trap of expectations. When torn between her inner need to be ever-changing like flowing water, and expectations to be strong and stable like a stone, it is a deep dive into a present moment that can bring relief. A full absorption by a fleeting moment can soothe her insecurities and give the moment value of serene eternity when nothing is expected except the joy of being.


Website: www.martinapetrovicova.com
IG: @martinapetrovicova_art