Marina Ogai, a contemporary Russian painter currently residing in South Korea, draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of Korean women and their inherent beauty. Her artwork is a celebration of strong women, infused with the influences of Korean culture, blossoming flowers, and the natural world. The artist passionately believes in the special affinity shared between women and nature, seeing them as interconnected elements.
As a Koryo Saram, Marina Ogai belongs to the descendants of Koreans who migrated predominantly from the northern part of the Korean Peninsula to eastern Russia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tragically, in 1937, these ethnic Koreans were forcibly relocated by the Stalin regime to present-day Central Asia.
Given her heritage, Marina's artistic focus revolves around the theme of Korean women in all their beauty. Her creative wellspring is fed by the strength of women, the nuances of Korean culture, the vibrancy of flowers, and the beauty found in the natural world. Through her paintings, Marina seeks to unveil the inner beauty and character of Asian people, portraying a profound connection between women and the natural elements that surround them.
In essence, Marina Ogai's art serves as a visual exploration of the deep and symbiotic bond she perceives between women and nature, echoing the cultural and historical dimensions of her Koryo Saram heritage.