On February 1, 2025, Maria Vyalshina, a renowned artist from Taman, will host a surrealism painting workshop at the Krasnoarmeysky District Museum and Exhibition Center in Volgograd. Participants will paint birds native to the Taman Peninsula, such as the grebe or coot, depicted in the attire of emergency responders or carrying gifts in their beaks as a tribute to volunteers who aided in disaster relief efforts.
The workshop coincides with the opening of Vyalshina's solo exhibition, titled "What If...", which explores themes of urbanization, social adaptation, and environmental challenges. The exhibition features over 30 works created between 2018 and 2025, each reflecting on modern societal issues through a surrealist lens.
Vyalshina, who has documented the efforts of emergency responders and volunteers in her role as a journalist, brings a unique perspective to her art. Her works often question the impact of social media, consumerism, and environmental degradation, inviting viewers to reflect on their own responses to these pressing issues.
The exhibition will run from February 1 to March 13, 2025, offering visitors a chance to engage with Vyalshina's thought-provoking creations and uncover the hidden "Easter eggs" embedded in her paintings.
