A.A. Bakhrushin Central State Theatre Museum

A Ukrainian born self taught artist, Masha Avina immigrated to the United States in 1989 and since then has lived in New York City. She graduated from Kiev University with MFA degree in European and American literature and English Philology. In addition, she attended Fashion Design classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC. Her work has been exhibited in US and some are in several private collections. Each one of Masha Avina’s unique wearable creations is the result of an accidental encounter with objects, which Masha sees as a potential for palin-genesis or rebirth, especially when they reach the state of enlightenment when touched by Masha’s creativity. She provides new life for them in a newly designed environment. Sometimes she pairs one with another, or they are found together by chance, which she always embraces like any imperfection. She accepts the change and fate of each piece, preserving them as a part of their history. Her pieces are audacious and enthralling when viewed as static inanimate objects, but come alive when placed on a body. They are created as adornments to be worn. However, they are challenging to the wearer, forcing a constant awareness of their presence, as well as consciousness of one's body movement. The end result is a performance - a theater of oneself.

Designer Gallery

Click on the photograph to start the gallery