Interview: Sofia Zhura
Luca Curci talks with Sofia Zhura during THE BODY LANGUAGE, the first appointment of the 19th edition of VENICE INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2024, at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello.

Painting is a way of expression, reflection and evaluation of the external and internal worlds one exists in. It’s an intuitive language and once you become fluent, new horizons of yourself come to light. I believe that each art piece is created through a complex combination of all one’s experiences, emotions, thoughts and skills. My creative process is led by the exploration of my own psyche and uniqueness, it is a more intuitive process rather than a structured plan of each painting. I like to work with bright colours and many different mediums like acrylics, oil pastels, markets and watercolour pencils. The key to my work is creating a large number of layers that create depth and bring detail.

Born in Russia and moved to Switzerland at the age of 13 then on kept moving around many countries in the European Union, now residing in Spain. Graduated from a school in Geneva and continued on with my education in London to pursue a degree in architecture. After having graduated with a bachelor’s in architecture moved on to explore the world of fine art and furniture design. In the present day taking part in many exhibitions around the world and continuing to explore new ways of transferring complex thoughts and emotions on a canvas.

Luca Curci – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
Sofia Zhura – I am an abstract artist, architect and furniture designer. Being in architecture in my opinion limits my creative freedom as it has to abide by many constraints. Through the exploration of anxiety and freedom of unplanned, spontaneous work, my style has emerged. Modern-day abstract artists have also hugely influenced me with their experience. I’d say that my main inspiration these days is in the beautiful chaos of today’s world and how I emotionally respond to it.

LC – How much has the city/country in which you grew up/born affected your work as an artist?
SZ – So far in my life I have been leading quite a nomadic life. At the age of 24, I have already lived in 5 countries. Born in Moscow, at the age of 13 moved to Switzerland alone for studies, after having lived in Switzerland I moved to London to pursue studies in architecture later I lived in the Canary Islands and delved into creating art, later I moved to Florence to study furniture design and now I am based in Milan. So having this background, my home country doesn’t have the biggest impact on my work. I would say that it’s all the countries and cities I’ve lived in that make me the creative I am – a bit chaotic, and quite irrational in the creative process but interesting nonetheless.

LC – Which art themes do you pursue? What is your preferred subject, if there is any?
SZ – I mainly focus on translating complex thoughts and emotions on my canvases, the process is quite intuitive and fluid. That’s the thing about painting a feeling, you have to follow your gut and intuition in the process. Abstract expressionism is the style that encompasses the type of work I do and the topics I explore. With my work, I do my best to look into the subconscious without disturbing it.

LC – Do you use art to express something in particular? Is it your medium of expression?
SZ – Sometimes when I’m working in a neutral state, it could be an exploration of a feeling like feeling the evening sun touch your face. Other times I have an intention to create an association for the viewer to an event in their life. Other times painting becomes a way of meditation and a way to sort through a spectrum of emotions.

LC – How do you feel when you see your work completed?
SZ – When the work is complete it feels like I’ve completed the cycle of analysis and contemplation of whatever I have been exploring in a specific piece. Some paintings, naturally take some time to complete as some emotions take longer to digest.

LC – What is the message linked to the artwork you have shown in this event? How is it connected to the theme of the entire exhibition?
SZ – The artwork “Mused” represents yet another cycle of contemplation about the internal identity of thought and inspiration. How it flows and where it can get distracted. The exploration of inspiration is an interesting topic as one has to be inspired first to explore it, where it stems and where it ends, what if inspiration is an infinite source that one stumbles upon, or does it come from within and one can always access it?

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
SZ – Working with the ITSLIQUID gallery is a very enjoyable experience as collaboration is very smooth. I’ve always kept in touch with my curator to sort out any questions I’ve had.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
SZ – It’s a physical and online gallery with several art spaces that creates great opportunities for artists to exhibit their work. The curators are very communicative and easy to reach. Overall the experience with ITSLIQUID gallery is great.