I spent almost my entire education at a Waldorf school—which, for those in the know, says quite a lot. From the 8th grade onward, I worked on projects involving photography, dance, and design. By the 11th grade, I had narrowed my choices down to two paths: philosophy or design.
Following a teacher’s suggestion, I ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Communication Design at the HSE Art and Design School.
Hi My name is Maria Balayan.I am an artist.I work with material that is always present: the body, the line, and energy.
Beginning in 8th grade, I engaged in projects spanning photography, dance, and design.
Ultimately, this led me to creative production for shoots, and I also began dancing on my own.
My first project (and my favorite) during my freshman year was developing a fictional brand based on the concept of energy transfer—“chenergy.»
my first attempts at working with an ethno theme for the «Koli» project
Often, I would try to create something by hand and only then refine it on the computer.
By the end of my second year, I suddenly realized that design is always the design of something. Design cannot be art in and of itself. I realized that I wanted to create that something.
I’ve shifted toward contemporary art. The one thing I’m grateful for is the opportunity to create the performance piece, «Posestrie.»
Six months later, I jumped at the chance to join the «Event Design. Theater. Performance» program.
Performance «Posestrie»
I also composed the music for my performance.
Designs for a jazz festival, which I sketched while listening to jazz
Color and craftsmanship have returned to my life
The «Kofeleyok» project, in collaboration with Neo Mosaic, featuring bird-themed flags for the Afisha Picnic festival.
Keychains designed according to a brief—featuring a golden ring motif—and hand-cast (faience) candlesticks
