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Geneva Arystan
Born in Almaty, Kazakhstan, 1998
Lives and works in London, United Kingdom
Drawing from her nomadic Kazakh heritage, Geneva Arystan creates intricate, jewel-like works that bridge the physical and spiritual realms while reflecting on ancestral memory. Rooted in modern mysticism and echoes of Tengri shamanism, her practice explores spirit worlds, both real and imagined.
Her canvases are anchored by geometric crystal formations, chosen for their energetic healing qualities. Here, Arystan proposes a philosophy of spiritual inquiry, in which the crystals serve as her material, medium, and muse. By incorporating minerals such as raw opal and transparent quartz, she adds a tactile dimension to the canvas, transforming her works into gateways that explore the intersection of myth and the metaphysical.
Guided by the concept of vibrational frequencies, Arystan's palette is highly intentional, utilising soft, ethereal tones paired with accents of silver and pearl. She takes a meticulous, layered approach to her surfaces, working primarily on linen and wood, and applying pigments and reflective fragments to refract light in shifting patterns. The resulting mixed-media works invite reflection, balanced between sacred symbolism and light.
With a background in poetry, Arystan crafts titles that serve as mantras, weaving together personal memories drawn from her time in California and Kazakhstan. Each work evolves spontaneously, as the artist's intuitive practice materialises the unseen, transforming energy into form.
Education
City Literary Institute, London Contemporary Fine Art
2026
Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles MFA Creative Writing
2021
Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London BA Culture, Criticism and Curation
2019
Selected Exhibitions
City Literary Institute Contemporary Fine Art Exhibition, London
2026
Three People Ago Performance, Aurora Gallery, Almaty
2023
Three People Ago (Solo Exhibition), Allgorithim Gallery, Los Angeles
2022
Tarot Poetry and Performance, Los Angeles
2022
BA Culture, Criticism and Curation Degree Show, Central Saint Martins, London
2019
Selected Talks & Readings
Emerging Poets Panel, Cheltenham Literary Festival
2025
Secrets and Confessions Poetry Night, Gothic Bar, London
2025
Visiting Writer Series, Otis College of Art and Design
2021
MFA Group Reading, Skylight Books, Los Angeles
2021
Awards
Board of Governors Award, Otis College of Art and Design
2021
2019
Otis Presidential Merit Art Scholarship