Maria Safronova was born in Rzhev in 1979, which is in the Tver region of Russia. Consequently to graduating from one of the more prominent art schools- Moscow State Academic Art Institute named after Surikov, Safronova became deeply entangled within the contemporary art scene in Moscow at the time. More specifically, Safronova became quite a devoted member of the mural workshop of E. Maksimova. The institution at the time was gaining eminence as showcasing strong artistic young talent within the city, of which Safronova was a regular contributor.
Subsequently to her personal support of the contemporary art scene at the time, Safronova went on to develop her specific mural talents around Russia and abroad. Hence, her interest, as previously cultivated by the affiliation with Maksimova towards mural painting gained momentum after her graduation. Safronova went on to participate in painting the churches of: St. Nicholas in New York, USA, as well as the Chapel of St. Nicholas in Vyshny Volochok, Russia amongst other international and national religious institutions. Furthermore, Safronova participated in painting a mural in the Moscow Union of Artists.
Safronova’s classical art instruction, alongside her flourishing interest in mural painting has allowed her not only to refine her style, whilst simultaneously making is distinctive, but also allowed her to breach traditional and au courant mediums. Although the works which Safronova executes are quite figurative in accomplishment, the subject matters themselves are quite divergent- at times echoing surrealism, whilst at others futurism. Nonetheless, one particular topic, which Safronova has returned to throughout her oeuvre has been that of astronomy and space exploration. Urban realities — a series of whimsical, yet disconcerting subway tunnels, spill over into haunting surreal scenes in the spirit of Victor Pelevin’s literary works. The works presented at Erarta attempt to create a mythological representation of the structure of our universe: the underworld is a surreal underground; the earth's surface is our social everyday life, whilst the upper world is a mysterious and coveted space. The artist offers us her vision of how mankind develops these worlds, attempting to turn each one into a hospitable environment.
Safronova has been honored with ‘The All-Russian Exhibition of the Youth Laureate Diploma of Best in Design’ in 2004.
Safronova is currently residing and working in St. Petersburg, Russia.
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