Vienna-based artist Asya Marakulina has found inspiration in the aging structures of apartment buildings and row houses that were built with shared walls in the 19th century. Her ongoing ceramic series, titled “There Was a Home,” explores the remnants of decor, plumbing, and other signs of human habitation that are left behind when one house is torn down and the neighboring house bears traces of the demolished one.
Marakulina’s interest in these structures began in her former home of St. Petersburg, Russia, where she first noticed the traces of demolished houses on her walks. When she moved to Vienna, she observed a similar phenomenon in the remains of older buildings that had been demolished there as well. The outlines of painted or papered rooms, fragments of floors clinging to walls, and other details suddenly became visible, disrupting the sense of warmth and domesticity that these interiors once exuded.
The artist sees houses as living organisms, imbued with emotions, memories, and layered histories. Her ceramic cross-sections capture the essence of these buildings, showcasing multistory edifices in a portrait-like style that is both immediate and intimate. Marakulina’s work reflects on the impact of war, particularly in regions like Ukraine and the Middle East, where thousands of homes have been destroyed and lives have been upturned. The half-standing homes in her series symbolize both the loss of life and the hope for rebuilding and renewal.
Each piece in the “There Was a Home” series is inspired by real buildings, with Marakulina taking creative liberties with wall colors and textures. She often adds graffiti or words she sees on the streets or in the news to further enhance the narrative of each piece. The resulting ceramic reliefs become collage-like, merging different locations and motifs to create a unique visual language.
Marakulina’s work can be seen at various exhibitions, including Ceramic Brussels in Belgium, a solo show at The Smallest Gallery in Soho in London, and an upcoming exhibition with Vienna Collectors Club. Through her art, she invites viewers to contemplate the fragility of homes and the stories they hold, reminding us of the importance of preserving our shared histories and memories.
