After two years of anticipation, the unveiling of Nina Tichava’s latest exhibition, “Unfurl,” is cause for celebration. With her distinct blend of patterns, geometric motifs, and organic forms, Tichava’s artwork promises to captivate viewers once again. Through intentional introspection and a commitment to healing, Tichava has unearthed the subtle marvels that enrich our daily lives—a sentiment echoed in her alternatingly rich and muted hues, dynamic compositions, and meticulous craftsmanship. 

Of late, Nina Tichava’s artistic philosophy is deeply rooted in her personal journey of vulnerability, healing, and the pursuit of beauty in the seemingly mundane. “In the complex unfolding of my life, I have drawn inspiration from the daily journey of vulnerability and transformation,” Tichava says, “After navigating challenging years, I intentionally carved out space for healing and reflection. On this introspective path, I have rediscovered the profound beauty of falling in love repeatedly—not only with grand sunsets or the perfect plate of pasta but also with the everyday treasures that surround me. I am captivated by the quiet gifts that unfurl, easily overlooked but always present—such as an interesting new neighbor or the discovery of a band previously unknown to me. These unexpected delights color my world, with each blossoming moment revealing new layers of intricate beauty.” Her words resonate with an authenticity that reflects her commitment to her craft.

 

“I am captivated by the quiet gifts that unfurl, easily overlooked but always present.”

– Nina Tichava

 

Her upcoming exhibition promises her signature blend of lyrical abstraction, botanical motifs, and architectural elements, but with a renewed commitment to honoring and preserving those precious, ephemeral moments once destined to be forgotten – saving them from obscurity and preserving their beauty and importance forevermore in dazzling works of art. Tichava delves deeper: “Despite the overuse of the word ‘gratitude,’ it encapsulates the depth felt in rebuilding after losses. I hope that my art conveys this essence, capturing the resilience born from recognizing life’s blessings, both monumental and subtle. It is a testament to embracing vulnerability, finding beauty in the everyday, and appreciating the constant renewal inherent in each painting.” Through her work, Tichava invites viewers to join her on this journey of discovery and gratitude, where quiet moments of beauty unfold, revealing new layers of intricate meaning and connection.

Central to Tichava’s work is her exceptional attention to detail and layered textures. By layering various materials and techniques, she adds depth and dimension to her canvases, transforming them into tactile, immersive experiences. In her work, she incorporates fragments of maps and ephemera, embedding them within layers of paint to create a sense of archaeological discovery. The result is a work that feels both ancient and contemporary, inviting viewers to contemplate the passage of time and the cyclical nature of existence.

 

“I hope that my art conveys this essence [of gratitude], capturing the resilience born from recognizing life’s blessings, both monumental and subtle. It is a testament to embracing vulnerability, finding beauty in the everyday, and appreciating the constant renewal inherent in each painting.”

– Nina Tichava

 

Her compositions, often presented in large-scale diptychs, invite viewers to explore the interplay between digital and analog design, memory, and the profound beauty found in unexpected moments. Tichava’s hand-painted screens of dots and stripes, affectionately dubbed “Pixels,” intermingle with found materials and layers of color and texture, creating a visual tapestry that speaks to the soul.

Tichava embraces this creative process wholeheartedly, undeterred by the time it demands. For Tichava, each piece is an unfolding narrative, a manifestation of ideas that reveal themselves over time. Her meticulous attention to detail, whether that means taking eight hours for one small portion of a painting or carefully and painstakingly hand-applying countless “pixels” on each piece, is a testament to her dedication to the journey of creation. “I want to spend the time,” Tichava explains, “I want to make it the way that I want to. To me, It’s more about the discovery that happens while you’re manifesting an idea. That is why I call myself a ‘process painter” — because I don’t know from the onset exactly where that painting is going to go. I hand make every single one of those dots. I make every edge. I consider every inch, and I think that it imbues energy into my work that you can feel.”

Seeing Nina Tichava’s works displayed together at Gallery MAR, viewers can immediately feel that energy. “It’s why I love shows so much,” Tichava muses, “It gives me an opportunity to have a group of works hanging up all at once that I worked on all at the same time. Even if they’re all together for just a few days, it’s really great to get to see the way the works have a conversation with each other and, sometimes, the way they have a conversation with another artist that you admire. It’s really exciting.” Tichava’s appreciation for the show format reflects her desire to witness the dialogue between her works and the viewer, as well as the conversation that emerges among her pieces. In this interaction, there’s a sense of connection and discovery, where each artwork contributes to a larger narrative. 

With this exhibition in particular, it’s bittersweet to see Tichava’s works all together “for just a few days,” as her much-anticipated exhibition is already half-sold. Claim your favorite of the dazzling new works of Nina Ticahva’s exhibition “Unfurl” at Gallery MAR today.

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Written by Veronica Vale

Tags: Gallery MAR exhibition, Maren Mullin, Mixed Media Art, mixed media artist, Nina Tichava, Nina Tichava Art, Nina Tichava Exhibition, Santa Fe art, Santa Fe artist, Unfurl Exhibition
Posted in Gallery News