Interview with Nastya Norway
- Cista Arts team
- Nov 17, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 4, 2025
An interview with Nastya Norway: Visual artist and illustrator
The Journey of a Creative Mind
What initially sparked your interest in pursuing art, and how has your journey evolved since then?
My journey into the world of art began in a children’s art studio. There, I was guided by the wonderful local artist Sergei Rodionov. The atmosphere was magical and inspiring. We often painted outdoors and enjoyed tea parties with bread and homemade jam. Every Christmas Eve, we decorated large sheets of paper. Our classroom felt like a dream.
After the festive season, we would throw the decorations into the river from a nearby bridge. This enchanting environment ignited my passion for art. I graduated from the Nizhny Novgorod State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering with a degree in design in 2011. I began my career as an artist and participated in the Proscenium performance laboratory in 2017, part of the Provmyza art group.
I have organised several solo exhibitions, including "Northernness" at the Loosen Art Gallery in Rome (2025) and “Details" at the Record Cultural Center in Nizhny Novgorod (2023). In 2022, I received the A-list Society Award. My work explores corporeality and internal vulnerabilities, bridging the intimate and the social. I create in various mediums, including painting, graphics, digital collage, and street interventions.
In my art, I explore corporeality and internal vulnerabilities at the intersection between the intimate and the social. My works in painting and graphics, as well as digital collage, and experiments with street interventions.
The Significance of "Cocoon"
Can you tell us about a specific piece of your artwork that holds particular significance to you, and what inspired its creation?
A particularly important drawing for me is "Cocoon." This piece is deeply connected to my personal experiences. It represents my attempt to understand my brother, who suffers from schizophrenia. Through this drawing, I aimed to grasp his feelings and movements, seeking to understand his reality.
I recognised that his schizophrenia stemmed from profound depression and a lack of attention. Years of isolation hid him from the world. It was challenging to access his emotions; he often felt invisible. He would say, "I don't care," which reflected his belief that no one cared about his struggles. One day, he told me, "I'm not in a cocoon." This moment was pivotal for me. It crystallised the essence of his life.
The series continued after his passing, leading to the creation of "Cry." This drawing depicts the bond between my brother and me. We lived together for most of our lives, but in the last two years, we became estranged. Tragically, there was no opportunity for a proper goodbye. The naive phrase within the drawing intensifies the pain, echoing our childhood memories.
Balancing Artistic Vision and Experimentation
How do you navigate the balance between staying true to your artistic vision and experimenting with new techniques or styles?
I take my time with ideas. I often cherish an idea for years before bringing it to life. Some drawings have been rethought after a couple of years. This approach allows me to remain true to my vision while also exploring new techniques.
The Role of Art in Society
What role do you believe art plays in society, and how do you envision your work contributing to the artistic dialogue?
I actively participate in festivals and engage with artists from diverse backgrounds. This engagement allows me to expand my influence on local culture. I create opportunities for viewers to engage in dialogue with my art, encouraging them to participate in the creative process. My journey begins in a local context and aspires to reach an international audience.
My journey soars to new heights, starting with local context and reaching an international level.
Exploring Themes of Isolation
Are there any upcoming projects or themes that you're excited to explore in your future artworks, and if so, what draws you to these ideas?
Currently, I am contemplating the theme of deep isolation from the outside world. I am exploring various ways to depict the experience of breaking free from this isolation.
The Impact of Art on Viewers
How do you hope your art will impact viewers, and what message or emotion do you aspire to convey through your creative expressions?
For me, my drawings are an attempt to depict suppressed feelings and inner experiences. They serve as an imprint of the soul, inviting viewers to connect with their own emotions.
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