MATVEEVA ELENA
PORTFOLIO
CV
Matveeva Elena
1993/ Moscow / Moscow
Education and residences:
Awards & Competitions
Exhibitions:
1993/ Moscow / Moscow
Education and residences:
- 2025: Anagama Wood-Firing Workshop, Ilya Repin Academic Dacha Art Residency, Vyshny Volochyok, Russia
- 2024: CLAY GetArtFit residence;
- 2024: GLAZE GetArtFit residence;
- 2023-2024: British Higher School of Art and Design. Contemporary ceramics
Awards & Competitions
- 2026: ART De Vivre x Get Art Fit Awards. Finalist. St. Petersburg,, Art De Vivre platform. (Curated by Sonya Shapkina, Irina Razumovskaya.)
- 2024: BHSAD х MANNER&MATTER: NEW COLLABORATION. ART&CLAY. Finalist
Exhibitions:
- 2026: People, Space, Rhythm”, Private Art Residency, Moscow, Russia (Curated by Irina Savekina)
- 2026: Moscow Interior and Design Week, Manege Central Exhibition Hall, Moscow, Russia
- 2026: Summer in the Mansion" Biennale, Lehman Mansion, Moscow, Russia
- 2026: Salon de 4ceramics. All-Russian Decorative Art Museum, Moscow, Russia (Curated by Elizaveta Solonitsyna)
- 2026: “Between Heaven and Earth”, Gnezdo Art Space, Palekh, Russia (Curated by Marina Galkina)
- 2026: “White Christmas”, Masterskie Art Space, Palekh, Russia (Curated by Marina Galkina)
- 2025: Moscow Interior and design week. Moscow, Russia, VDNH Main Exhibition Center
- 2025: “Tryn-Trava. Contemporary Russian Style”, Muravyov-Apostol Estate, Moscow, Russia (Curated by Elina Tuktamisheva, Irina Batkova, and Svetlana Popova)
- 2025: Glass and Ceramics in an Old Park”, Kuskovo State Estate Museum, Moscow, Russia (Curated by Violetta Mikitina and Ekaterina Osipova)
| ARTIST STATEMENT In my practice, I explore the fluidity of human experience, capturing transitional states, internal metamorphoses, and the traces of memory through material form. I am fascinated by the challenge of translating fleeting, intangible emotions into tangible objects. By working with layers and complex ceramic textures, I transform each surface into a physical vessel for memories and emotional landscapes. Nature remains my primary source of inspiration, specifically its hidden, overlooked details and textures that often go unnoticed or might seem unappealing at first glance. Upon closer inspection, these raw, organic imperfections reveal a delicate and profound world, which becomes an integral part of my work. |
| “Vessels of Memory” Series This series is a reflection on the preservation of memories, the concept of home, and the fleeting moments tied to it. For me, home has always been a sacred sanctuary—a personal place of power. The memories of it are vital; they restore a sense of wholeness, anchor me to my roots, and provide a clear sense of direction for the future. In these works, I incorporate casts of natural elements gathered at this specific location over various periods. These organic fragments function as a physical archive, seamlessly translated into the ceramic material. The series has been extensively exhibited in major showcases across Moscow and St. Petersburg, and was named a finalist in the ART DE VIVRE & GAF competition. Artworks from this series are held in private collections throughout Russia. “Vessels of Memory” Series, 2026 Ceramics, glazes, hand-built |
| Installation view, «Art De Vivre x Get Art Fit Awards», Art De Vivre, St. Petersburg, Russia, 2026. |
“Vessels of Memory” Series, 2026
Object 1
This sculptural object consists of two segments. The lower section of the piece can function as a vase.
Installation view, «People, Space, Rhythm», Private Art Residency, Moscow, Russia
| “Alkonosts” Series In Russian culture, Alkonost is a symbol of transition from the material to the spiritual, from mundane turmoil to inner harmony. This image embodies a form of femininity that demands a pause, intense focus, and deep introspection. The folded wings signify that true strength comes from within, born from the ability to slow down and listen to oneself. Developed exclusively for the Tryn-Trava. Contemporary Russian Style. 2025 |
The "ALKONOST" Series, 2025
Hand-built ceramics, glazes, luster.
Hand-built ceramics, glazes, luster.
| Installation view, «Tryn-Trava. Contemporary Russian Style», Muravyov-Apostol Estate, Moscow, Russia |
The Alkonost series has been featured in numerous Russian publications, including My Decor, Interior+, Buro, Marie Claire Maison and Design Mate, and was showcased in a feature report on a major national TV channel.
“RAVEN” Series
In cultural traditions, the raven symbolizes both mysticism and the power of change. Through these visual images, the work illustrates the gradual awakening of energy, the overcoming of obstacles, and the ultimate moment of takeoff, personal freedom, and growth. Shaping the bird’s form to transition from static to dynamic reflects the stages of this journey, allowing the viewer to immerse themselves in a state of transition—a profound experience common to everyone.
“THE RAVEN” Series, 2025
Ceramics, glazes, hand-built
Ceramics, glazes, hand-built
| Installation view "People, Space, Rhythm", Private Art Residency, Moscow, Russia |
This series was featured in the 2025 Moscow Interior and Design Week and was included in its official exhibition catalogue. Furthermore, works from the collection have been extensively published in leading interior print magazines, including House & Garden SA and ELLE Brazil.
“BIRDS” Series
Continuing the theme of birds in my practice, I created a series of ceramic objects that symbolize freedom of movement, choice, and the ability to remain true to oneself despite external circumstances.
«Birds» Series, 2026
Ceramics, glazes, hand-built
Ceramics, glazes, hand-built
Installation view “White Christmas”, Masterskie Art Space, Palekh, Russia
| “ITIL” Series Itil is the ancient Turkic name for the Volga River, which literally translates to 'Great River' or 'Big River'. In this series, the river serves as a symbol of flow, renewal, and continuous movement. Through fluid forms and gold drips, I convey the ideas of transformation and inner energy, reflecting the natural processes of change and growth. |
The "ITIL" Series, 2025
Object 1
H 67 x Ø 26 cm
Hand-built ceramics, glazes, gold luster.
Object 1
H 67 x Ø 26 cm
Hand-built ceramics, glazes, gold luster.
The "ITIL" Series, 2025
Object 2
В 42 Ø 22 см
Hand-built ceramics, glazes, gold luster.
Object 2
В 42 Ø 22 см
Hand-built ceramics, glazes, gold luster.
The "ITIL" Series, 2025
Object 2
В 42 Ø 24 см
Hand-built ceramics, glazes, gold luster.
Object 2
В 42 Ø 24 см
Hand-built ceramics, glazes, gold luster.
| Installation view, "People, Space, Rhythm", Private Art Residency, Moscow, Russia |
| Wood-fired objects These ceramic objects were created using the ancient Japanese firing technique in an Anagama kiln. The Anagama is a traditional Japanese kiln that has served for centuries to produce one-of-a-kind ceramic artworks, channeling the mastery and spirit of Japanese culture. Each piece underwent a continuous 60-hour wood firing. Throughout this intensive process, live flame and melting ash interacted naturally with the clay surfaces, yielding unique textures and a rich palette of organic gradients. The artworks are decorated using natural elements—porcelain, sand, and wild clay—emphasizing a deep connection to nature and a harmonious alignment with the element of fire, in keeping with Japanese tradition. |
The "WIND" Series, 2025
Object 2
H 24 x Ø 29 cm
Hand-built ceramics, glazes, oxides. High-temperature wood-firing in the Bulochka Anagama kiln.
Object 2
H 24 x Ø 29 cm
Hand-built ceramics, glazes, oxides. High-temperature wood-firing in the Bulochka Anagama kiln.
The «Twigs" Series, 2025
Object 1
H 24 x Ø 29 cm
Hand-built ceramics, glazes, oxides. High-temperature wood-firing in the Bulochka Anagama kiln.
Object 1
H 24 x Ø 29 cm
Hand-built ceramics, glazes, oxides. High-temperature wood-firing in the Bulochka Anagama kiln.
The «Twigs" Series, 2025
Object 2
H 24 x Ø 29 cm
Hand-built ceramics, glazes, oxides. High-temperature wood-firing in the Bulochka Anagama kiln.
Object 2
H 24 x Ø 29 cm
Hand-built ceramics, glazes, oxides. High-temperature wood-firing in the Bulochka Anagama kiln.
CONTACTS
