Maija Nochevnaya

I was born in Norilsk, city in the arctic northern part of Russia (former USSR), in the engineers’ family. In 2006 I moved to Finland to study and stayed in the country to create my life as a mature person with open eyes. In search of my life path I studied architecture, miningengineering, graphic design, garden and park.

I spent many years gardening, proximity to nature fills me with sublime strength, life inspires me. My art reflects my life, the love I have for plants. I paint a lot of flowers, wild and houseplants.

In the winter of 2024, during the course of experiments, I developed a new painting technique for myself, in which I am currently working.


My project “Marfas Dogs” is precious to my soul. It was the result of my experimentation with self expression. In 2010 the first dog was born, back then I immersed myself in art, being inspired by artists of the past. At the time I was captivated by Yves Klein and his “Living brushes”. I decided to become a “Living brush”. It was an amusing activity, I didn't think it would result in anything meaningful, but instead a miracle occurred.

The creation of my dogs is fairly messy, and unpredictable, the dogs are born by their own initiative, I have no control over that process....

2003 Construction College, majoring in architecture
2007 Petrozavodsk State University, "Mining engineer"
2009 Jarviseutu vocational institute, "Gardener"

January 2023 - “In the garden and on the windowsill”
Hotel Rantapuisto, Helsinki

October 2022 - “ Marfa’s Dogs”
Kylätalo Kääntöpaikka, Helsinki

July-August 2013- ”Summer moments”,
Cultura-säätiö, Helsinki