Raw Painting

Kovanova"˜s work aims to investigate the complex relationship between humans and nature. She creates her work through engaging in a dialogue with nature, allowing nature - in all its intricacy and vastness - make its mark, then adding her own human element. The two co-creators take turns in starting the conversation, leading to different outcomes. Nature's contribution could be the pattern created by a tree branch moving in the wind, the idle chatter of rain, or a print of the forest floor. The "˜human' contribution is drawn from Kovanova's everyday experiences and the multiplicity of daily interactions that help to validate her sense of identity within the world around her. Through interrogating the constantly shifting relationship between artist and environment, Kovanova aims to find ways of breaking through the human-made barriers that often numb consciousness, and to be present and connected with the world around. Originally from Siberia in the far east of Russia, Kovanova is based in Edinburgh, Scotland. She studied art, linguistics and cultural studies in Russia and has continued to develop her work in Scotland by constantly seeking new ways of seeing the world.