Maria Justus, Cloud 1-7, 2017-1
Maria Justus, Cloud 1-7, 2017

“At the moment I’m fascinated by interpersonal relationships and physicality…”

Name

Maria Justus 

Profession

Artist

Website

mariajustus.de

© Maria Justus
© Maria Justus

Who are you? What do you do?

I am a multimedia artist, working with photography-based works and installations, paintings and videos.

Where are you from?

I was born in Russia (Siberia) and moved to Germany with my mother and my grandparents when I was 13 years old. After relocating numerous times I live in Munich now. 

Your style in 3 words?

Intimacy, passion, understatement

Maria Justus, patholothopie, 2017, 2
Maria Justus, patholothopie, 2017

Your weakness? Your strength?

My fears / my enthusiasm, curiosity and endurance 

What makes you different?

My thoughts and experiences 

When did you decide to become an artist? 

As far as I can remember I always wanted to be an artist and my parents supported this idea. Starting at a young age I’ve visited drawing classes at the Novosibirsk University of architecture, where I’ve learned classical painting and drawings techniques, photo development and took lessons in art history. My mother worked as a fashion designer at this time and I’ve spent a lot of time at her studio playing with all the fabrics and materials which were lying around and drawing. I guess it has also influenced my decision to become an artist.

Maria Justus, Ruhende Maria, 2016_2
Maria Justus, Ruhende Maria, 2016

What do you find most fascinating about your work?

Working on every topic of my interest and constantly developing new ideas, tying out new materials and techniques. And of course the possibility to work with inspiring people all around the world.

A few words about your favorite creation? 

I am always mostly euphoric and exited about my current and upcoming projects. 

Someone else’s work that inspired or inspires you…

The Old Masters, Cindy Sherman, Isa Genzken, Marlene Dumas, Hayao Miyazaki, Jim Jarmush and many many more.

Maria Justus, Ruhende Maria, 2016
Maria Justus, Ruhende Maria, 2016

A new project coming up or an idea you want to work on?

At the moment I’m fascinated by interpersonal relationships and physicality. Recently I’m into airbrushing and feel like there are many exiting things to come.

Finish the sentence „More important than my career is…“

having my loved ones around me and knowing that they are doing well.

2018: Where are we going?

Politically definitely not in the right direction.

Maria Justus, patholothopie, 2017
Maria Justus, patholothopie, 2017

When the going gets tough…

I read inspiring biographies or watch a biopic about people who influenced the world. And keep on going. 

Your city’s favorite spots?

My studio

Do you have a vision? 

Yes, but I would like to keep it for myself for now.

Maria Justus, patholothopie, 2017, videostills
Maria Justus, patholothopie, 2017, videostills

 What would you do if you could change the World? 

Make people care more about each other and develop a more sensitive, caring, thoughtful and empathic outlook on the world. 

Tell us about your future plans…

At the moment I am moving into a new studio space. I am also making a small dream of mine come true and will go on a research trip to Mexico for a couple of weeks soon.  

Last but not least: what is your favorite Song?

At the moment „Modern Love” by David Bowie

But it changes every day.

#…?

#flowerpower?

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