Interview
Alena Malyshkina
Alena Malyshkina is an artist and creator of bright stories from Russia since 2012. Now, she works in San Francisco, California. Her artworks are often filled with erotic ruddy embarrassment along with inner enthusiasm, ironic eccentricity due to the perception of this world with almost childlike naivety and simplicity.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My artistic journey began with quick sketches - I was always restless and found it hard to focus on one thing for long due to attention deficit disorder. That’s why this format suited me best: spontaneous, dynamic, and alive. Over time, experimenting with different techniques, I started to find my visual language. It became a kind of exploration where I learned to express emotions not just through quick lines and color but also through texture. Now, I paint on canvas, but that same impatience and energy from my early sketches still remain an essential part of my process.”
What inspires you?
“I am inspired by the endless process of discovering the nature of my emotional responses to past and present events, their influence on form, color, proportions, and subtext. As for the theme of the naked body and sexuality in general, this topic was closed off to me for a long time - probably until I was 18 - because I was raised by very religious grandparents. This is partly why it so often takes center stage in my work now, deliberately exaggerated yet always secondary and naive.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I strive to create a space where feelings - whether joyful or incredibly complex - are perceived as a natural and essential part of life.”
How would you describe your work?
“Bright, raw, and imperfect. The bright colors in my work often create only an illusion of cheerfulness, while the figures and contrasting tones convey vulnerability and tension. I love spontaneous lines, nudity, strange shapes, and deliberate incompleteness. There is always an element of self-irony in my art, and I believe that every viewer can find something personal in it.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Frida Kahlo has had a huge influence on my work - yes, I know, her name is constantly mentioned in the art world, but still! Her story as a self-taught artist and an incredibly strong individual resonates deeply with me. She transformed her personal pain into masterpieces, and honestly, who wouldn’t want to have that kind of magic? Her courage and refusal to follow standards inspire me to be honest and sincere in my art. Frida reminds us that art is not about perfection but about being yourself with all your unique flaws and beauty.”
What is your creative process like?
“If someone were to watch my creative process, they might think I was rehearsing a play called ‘Billy Milligan: The Art Edition.’ My process involves an artist with imposter syndrome, a nun (the result of my strict religious upbringing) shaking her head in disapproval, muttering ‘Sodom and Gomorrah,’ a restless child who can’t sit still for long, a critic who finds everything wrong, and then there’s me - the one who ultimately embraces all my mistakes. It’s chaos, but it works. I boldly apply paint, create textures and brightness, and never correct my mistakes, because their sum total is what creates my artistic style.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I believe that the role of an artist is to inspire people, awaken their curiosity, and help them better understand themselves. Art is like a bridge that connects emotions, ideas, and people. In today’s world, where meaningful dialogue is becoming a luxury, this role is especially important. My goal is to create works that spark conversations, evoke feelings, provoke thought, and help people find their own connection.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“This is probably my first participation in a local artists’ exhibition. ‘The Salon’ in San Francisco became my significant step in building confidence as an artist, providing a unique platform for exchanging creativity and experience among artists, as well as creating a welcoming space for informal conversations with people who share a passion for art in cities like Paris, New York, and San Francisco.”
Instagram: @malysh_is_me
