Julia Nesis: in search of harmony between humanity and nature

Afisha.London Magazine continues to uncover the intriguing world of artists, delving into their creative processes and captivating projects. In this edition, we shine the spotlight on the artist extraordinaire, Julia Nesis, whose canvas explores the profound interplay between humanity and nature.

About the Artisan

Julia Nesis is a maestro of artistic expression, whose visionary journey took flight at the illustrious Stroganov Academy, renowned for its hallowed history and a lineage of exceptional alumni. Her artistic prowess finds its niche in the realm of applied and monumental-decorative art, where her singular style and creative insight flourish.

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Since her entry into the Moscow Union of Artists in 2016, Julia has been a vivacious presence on the capital’s artistic scene. Her work commands attention both at home and abroad, gracing exhibitions such as the Cosmoscow fair, the Art building exposition, and the enigmatic ‘CHA SHA’ project.

A highlight worth special mention is her triumph in 2021 when her masterpiece, ‘Rolling Field,’ clinched the coveted second place in the ‘Best Art Object in the Park’ category at the IV Triennial of Textile Art and Contemporary Tapestry, hosted at the enchanting Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve. This accolade underscores her talent and boundless creative verve.

The artist is also a spirited participant in charitable endeavours, exemplified by her involvement in a charity auction in support of the ‘Association of Parents of Dyslexic Children,’ under the aegis of the Moscow Museum of Modern Art (MMOMA). This underscores her readiness to harness the power of art for noble social causes.

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Lastly, mark your calendars for November 2023, as Julia Nesis is poised to unveil her latest creation at the prestigious L’Accademia delle Arti del Disegno in Italy. There, she will introduce her latest installation, ‘Rolling Field,’ continuing to astound the world with her artistic prowess and innovative spirit.

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Craft and Vision

Julia Nesis is an artist whose canvas plunges into the depths of the ecological crisis, rooted in the contemporary human psyche. Her art serves as a looking glass, reflecting the hidden quandaries within us.

Central to Nesis’s oeuvre is her impassioned plea for introspection regarding our role in the world and our stewardship of nature. Through her artistry, she impels us to delve deep within, re-evaluate our convictions and deeds, and raise crucial questions about ecology and our sustainable future.

Panelling ‘MAXXI’, 2018. Photo: Julia Nesis

In her artistic pursuits, Julia Nesis revels in the bold choice of materials. In one intriguing piece, she employs discarded Nespresso coffee capsules as her artistic medium. This unconventional material allows her creations to metamorphose with the play of light, shifting hues and imparting dynamism to the artwork throughout the day. A metaphor for the constant flux and evolution inherent in both nature and human existence.

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Across her portfolio, Nesis often fuses organic and inorganic elements such as hemp, wire, plaster, rusted metal, and straw. This amalgamation serves as a potent symbol, signifying the unity between humankind and nature. It beckons us to behold in this fusion a sanctuary of safe coexistence where humanity and nature thrive in harmony.

Julia Nesis isn’t merely an artist; she is a messenger, bearing vital missives on our interconnectedness with the environment and our ability to shape the planet’s destiny through art and contemplation.

Tapestry ‘Terra rossa’, 2022. Photo: Julia Nesis

Masterpieces

‘Rolling Field’

Nestled seamlessly within the sylvan tapestry, clusters of tubers symbolize the solitude of the modern human. As a creation of nature, humanity has relinquished its roots and embarked on an endless journey.

‘Beneath the unassuming earthy tones and bristling exterior lies a plant whose spherical form enables it to embark on epic odysseys, casting its seeds as its roots wane. The rolling field meanders across fields and lanes, scattering its seeds. In the modern world, our paths lead not necessarily to where we were born but to where we choose as home, a place where we can nurture our seeds, thereby fulfilling our destinies’, muses the artist.

Installation ‘Rolling Field’, 2023. Photo: Julia Nesis

‘Labyrinth’

Constructed as part of the ‘CHA SHA. Exhibition in the Forests’ project, the labyrinth is an intricate iron marvel seamlessly integrated into the forest expanse. Venture through its winding corridors, ascend the tower at the journey’s end, and witness your path from a bird’s-eye perspective. What thoughts will accompany you through this labyrinthine? Reflections on life, a touch of claustrophobia, the urge to reach the culmination, and perhaps the quest to conquer one’s inner Minotaur? What emotions will surge as you stand atop the pinnacle? The answers, as you’ll find, are uniquely personal.

Installation ‘Labirint’, 2020. Photo: Julia Nesis

‘Heroes’ Path’

The shattered husk traditionally symbolizes fragility and vulnerability, a fragile being emerging from within. As it emerges, it seeks the warmth of a nurturing embrace. However, by magnifying the familiar form to grander proportions, Nesis infuses the husk with new connotations — it metamorphoses into a metaphor for a new world. The cozy shell of yesteryears lies shattered, and like fledgling birds, many of us peer out for the very first time.

Installation ‘Heroes’ Path’, 2020. Photo: Julia Nesis

Julia Nesis’s creative spectrum spans far and wide, encompassing installations, tapestries, handcrafted paper paintings, and interior panels. Her creations transport onlookers into a realm of profound concepts, resonating with themes of ecology and the intricate ties that bind humanity to the natural world.

Among the luminaries who inspire her, the luminous artistry of Mark Rothko has left an indelible mark, providing her with fresh perspectives in the exploration of colour and form.

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Furthermore, Julia Nesis draws deep inspiration from the world of landscape art, particularly the works of Richard Long. His profound connection with nature and its integration into art serve as a guiding light, propelling her to craft pieces that express the profound bond between humanity and the natural world.

In essence, Julia Nesis’s art is a tapestry woven with the threads of renowned artistic influences, allowing her to unravel new dimensions of creativity amidst the backdrop of contemporary challenges and ideas.

Cover photo: Julia Nesis

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