Masha Barks

Lives and works in London, UK

Artist statement

In Masha’s world, humanity feels sterilized from emotion and empathy. Her artistic exploration serves as a re-interpretation of the relationships we develop with all beings, specially, domesticated animals. In her works, she decentralises the human by theatricising everyday elements into frisky, non-traditional contexts. Masha’s art is born from a wish to inspire a sense of almost maternal care for others that extends beyond ourselves by switching the roles of her subjects, sometimes literally and sometimes conceptually. She stays away from moralism by building up a level of tension that destabilizes the viewer’s perception of what is wrong and what is right. Her inspiration comes from queer studies, the history of resistance, and the natural world. Through colourful pieces across mediums, Masha’s interdisciplinary approach utilises painting, sculpture and performance as an invitation to question why animals today are more valuable dead than alive.

Artwork