We hear from MA Fine Art student Emilia Maryniak from Warsaw, Poland as part of our In The Studio series. Emilia has clearly been making the most of every minute in her studio.
Describe you experience at Chelsea in 3 words
Enriching, empowering, self-directing.
Please tell us about what you are working on for your final show
For the last year I was working on the concept of self-mythology and memory with relation to the physical body. What I am planning to show is very much connected with that subject. I am working specifically on a video installation, which means a lot of editing, writing, drawing, recording, projecting and trying different mediums.
Also, as someone who works with natural vegetation, my studio at Chelsea is filled with leaves, branches and herbs, from which some will become part of the final work. The whole project is ready, but I am still making decisions about the details, and further investigating the process.
What has been your greatest challenge so far in working towards the degree show?
Decisions around seemingly uncomplicated things like cables, power points, sources of light and sound – all those technical issues appeared to be a time consuming challenge. Creating the work is also a challenge but that is a different one, that part is mostly exhilarating and thrilling.
Emilia Maryniak – Leaves installation detail
What do you see yourself doing after you graduate, what are your career ambitions?
I am planning to continue my artistic practice and research. I will be still exploring the subject I was working on here at Chelsea, and I may also revisit some of the areas I have left behind. To be an artist is to be able to constantly question things around us and within us. Is it not the most rewarding and daring ambition itself?
What have you enjoyed most about studying at Chelsea
The community of incredible and crazily creative people! Also there is something in its atmosphere what makes you want to understand art more and think about it on the deepest level.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing your course? Any advice?
It can be a truly intense and fulfilling time but you will need to make it this way. I think it is very much for artists who somehow already know who they are and are ready to question and transform their work.
So if you are open and flexible but strong in your art, this can be a really satisfying experience and it will give you an important tool to move forward.
Check out more work on Emilia Maryniak’s website
Explore our MA Fine Art course
Read more about our MA Summer Show