Natalia Millman

Natalia Millman’s studio is located in St. Albans, United Kingdom.

Millman says, “My work investigates the process of ageing, the impact of grief and the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. It incorporates research, observation and experimentation.

In my art I explore loss, specifically loss of a person, a status or a feeling. This stems from the personal story of loss of my father to dementia and loss of my independence and youth, as well as the emotional turmoil of anxiety that naturally accompanies loss. My artwork is a result of resilient grieving, my personal growth in the midst of a challenge. I enjoy studying the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature: the contrast between natural harmony and human distress, the correlation in growth and decay, the energies of spaces, transience of human form, and the value of mindful reflection on the present moment. My work aims to open up a communication about the stigma of mortality, loss, imperfect motherhood, ageing, anxiety, guilt. These feelings are validated in my work through expressive brush strokes, limited and contrasting colours, rawness of materials, cutting, burning, repairing, mending. Much of my work is constructed from material found on building sites, which I give another life to by modifying its past function. My recently launched “Grief Letter” is a community-based project where people can share their personal experience of loss and grief in a form of a letter. The letters are responded by me individually through different media. (#griefletterproject)

I am a proud ambassador of Arts 4 Dementia.”