Nastia Craig: A Simple Thought | Arts + Literature Laboratory | Madison Contemporary Arts Center

Nastia Craig: A Simple Thought

Arts + Literature Laboratory presents A Simple Thought, an exhibition by Nastia Craig, on display from Tuesday, November 19 through Saturday, December 21, 2024

Exhibition statement:

A thought is never simple. An art piece is never just paint applied to a surface.

With this title, I aim to provoke thought about the illusion of simplicity and superficiality. As humans, we often seek simple explanations, making things digestible and easy to understand. Yet beneath the surface lies a web of complexity—an invisible, unknown force, like dark matter, that surrounds the familiar, waiting for us to ask questions and slip into the abyss of depth hidden underneath.

While these thoughts and emotions may seem straightforward at first, they are anything but. They are intricate, complex, and ever-shifting, colored by countless factors and nuances. Take any single concept, such as "affection," "loneliness," "intrigue," "resentment," or "uncertainty"—when filtered through the lens of each individual’s personal story, they become unique and unrepeatable.

My artwork mirrors this complexity through layers of elements, textures, and movements. It invites the viewer to explore why seemingly simple ideas often hold the most profound meanings and to discover the interplay between conscious and subconscious experiences.

An opening reception for current exhibitions by Jessica M. Gutiérrez, Issis Macias, Nastia Craig, Matthew Braungin, and Karen Laudon, will be held on Friday, November 22, from 5:30pm to 8:00pm.

Anastasiya "Nastia" Craig is a visual artist and interior designer based in Madison, Wisconsin. Known for her work on restaurant projects such as Sushi RED, Jacknife, and Forage in Middleton, Nastia blends her design expertise with her artistic practice. Originally from Odessa, Ukraine, her artistic journey began at age 11 when she immersed herself in drawing, painting, and art history. After moving to New York to study interior design, she settled in Madison, where she now focuses on abstract painting and collage, employing various techniques and materials to create layered and complex works.

Nastia's art reflects her personal journey as a Ukrainian immigrant, exploring themes of self-identity, cultural origin, and emotional experiences. Her work has been exhibited in solo and group shows across the United States and is part of private and corporate collections nationwide.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Arts + Literature Laboratory is located at 111 S. Livingston Street #100, Madison, Wisconsin, 53703.

Our galleries are open Tuesday through Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday noon to 5pm, and other programs take place throughout the week. Please check the events calendar and education section for details.

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