BIO 


 
Maria Chumak is a versatile artist whose work draws inspiration from the vibrant landscapes and diverse cultures of Southern France, the Far East, and the Middle East. Her art is characterized by intense colors and a vivid graphic style, deeply rooted in the traditions of Symbolism and Post-Impressionism, with a strong emphasis on color exploration  and research. Influenced by the great masters such as Rembrandt, Franz Hals, and Van Gogh, she has developed a distinctive style that is both unique and reflective of her academic rigor.

Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Maria holds a Fine Art degree from the Russian Academy of Arts, a Master’s degree in Illustration from Strasbourg, France, and a PhD in Philosophy from India. Her academic background is enriched by her extensive travels, particularly in Asia (South India) and the Middle East, before finally settles in  Marseille.

Maria’s work is a deep exploration of color and its philosophical implications. She states, "I consider myself an artist deeply passionate about color. My inspiration comes from the visual ideas of ancient cultures and the philosophies that underpin them. My work, both in research and art, focuses on the relationship between the depiction and the depicted, grounded in the nature of reality. I am inspired by Neoplatonic ideas, which suggest that art reflects another reality through the artist's lens, serving as a bridge between the viewer and the subject (viewed)." Maria's creative process is driven by curiosity and a meticulous approach to color, much like a jeweler refining precious stones. Her travel journals play a crucial role in fueling her inspiration, while her commitment to multiple sketches helps her find the perfect composition, using traditional techniques of color, line, and composition, she breathes life into her paintings.

 

Her works, influenced by the rich color palette of the South, with themes often borrowed from antiquity, resonates with the thoughts Paul Klee who compared the experience of the south as the “discovery of the colour” equally as Vincent Van Gogh praised the Provence : "Now after seeing sea here, I feel very much how important it is to stay in the South and to feel that one must use colour to the extreme - it is not far from Africa". Her recent project, developed during her time in South India, is a series of 14 portraits of women at various stages of life, from young girls to elderly widows. This series delves beyond surface realities to explore deeper archetypes. Since 2022, Maria has been working on a series dedicated to the Phoenician city of Marseille, focusing on maritime themes and the stunning beauty of the Calanques cliffs.

"My creativity is fueled by curiosity, inspiration, continuous discovery, and a deep understanding of traditional methods, blended with contemporary experimentation. The visual aesthetic is as important to me as the content itself. I work across various visual art disciplines, often from life models or on-site, and I also enjoy 3D sculpting in ceramics, which enhances my analysis of form. My primary mediums are painting, drawing, and large-scale murals."





All works © Maria Chumak 2025