Marina Potanina’s series "And This Too" offers a poignant exploration of physical crisis through the tangible medium of ceramic art. Potanina’s work does not surrender to the mere aesthetics of form but ventures into the domain of emotional and physiological turbulence. Her intuitive sculpting technique, characterized by an amalgamation of textures and forms, challenges the viewer’s perceptions of both art and distress.

The sculptures in question are striking for their raw, almost chaotic contortion of forms. Through the interplay of different materials, Potanina achieves a profound tactility that evokes a visceral response. The imperfections and the mingling of colors — subtle reds and blues — against the earthiness of the ceramics suggest a bleeding out of emotions, of pain, and of the artist’s inner turmoil.

In Potanina’s practice, art transcends the static, becoming a responsive entity that dialogues with environmental and social issues. "And This Too" does not shy away from this dialogue; it is a confrontation. The rough, almost unfinished surfaces of her sculptures speak to the nature of crisis — unrefined, persistent, and deeply human.

These objects do not stand as silent witnesses; they demand interaction. In "Rebirth," "Green.Green world," and "New from the Old," Potanina has previously showcased the dynamism of her work — from performative ceramics to the graphic representation of nature, and the upcycling thematic in jewelry art-objects. The thematic continuity of her exploration into hybrid art forms is evident here, where each sculpture carries an underlying narrative of resilience and survival.

"Shito Nitami," "Crowns," "Soot," and "Fallings" are not just project titles; they are extensions of Potanina’s commitment to art that not only represents but also participates in ecological and social commentary. The "And This Too" series encapsulates this mission by embodying the fluctuations of the artist’s own state during a physical crisis, thus bridging the gap between personal experience and universal empathy.

In conclusion, Marina Potanina’s "And This Too" stands as a testament to the healing and communicative power of art. It is a raw yet delicate chronicle of human vulnerability, an invitation to acknowledge and reflect on the fragility and strength that coexist within us all. These sculptures, with their fluid forms and embedded narratives, contribute a meaningful voice to the contemporary discourse on art’s role in society.

Author: Jenya Stashkov, artist and art critic, Sheffield, UK