Mariana Sissia: Exploring the Inner Landscape Through Graphite Drawings
Mariana Sissia, born in Ramallo, Argentina, in 1980, represents a compelling figure within contemporary Argentine art—a practitioner deeply attuned to both physical craft and psychic exploration. From her formative years, she demonstrated an unwavering dedication to drawing—not merely as a technical skill but as a profound method for accessing inner contemplation and fostering a connection with the spiritual realm. This conviction would become the guiding principle of her artistic trajectory and permeate throughout her distinctive oeuvre. Her academic journey commenced at Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), where she earned her bachelor’s degree in painting between 1998 and 2003. During this period, Sissia honed her artistic abilities while simultaneously engaging with philosophical inquiries concerning art's capacity to shape human consciousness—influences that would indelibly imprint upon her subsequent artistic vision. Notably, she participated in a clinic led by Ernesto Ballesteros and the Artists Program at Universidad Torcuato Di Tella from 2011 to 2012, fostering collaborative experimentation and broadening her understanding of diverse artistic methodologies. This formative experience instilled within her a spirit of inquiry and openness to innovative approaches—traits that would characterize her artistic endeavors moving forward. A pivotal juncture arrived in 2013 when Sissia undertook a residency at Banff Centre in Canada—a transformative encounter that exposed her to varied cultural perspectives and challenged her preconceived notions about the creative process. This immersive experience solidified her commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring unconventional techniques—a hallmark of her artistic style. The residency’s influence extended beyond mere observation; it prompted Sissia to actively contemplate how artistic practice could serve as a vehicle for cultivating mindfulness and fostering a deeper engagement with sensory perception—concepts that would become central to her artistic philosophy. Her subsequent exhibitions—solo presentations in Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Chicago, and participation in collective displays across Mexico City, Miami, Barcelona, Lima, Basel, Bogotá, and internationally recognized fairs like Art Basel and Expo Chicago—established Mariana Sissia’s reputation as a rising talent within the Argentine art scene. These showcases showcased her mastery of graphite drawing—a medium she selected deliberately for its ability to convey subtle tonal variations and textural nuances—reflecting her conviction that “Drawing is not merely a means of representation but a graphic action capable of enabling certain states of consciousness close to meditation,” as articulated by Jerome Silbergeld. This statement encapsulates the essence of Sissia’s artistic aesthetic—characterized by meticulous detail, contemplative observation, and an unwavering dedication to capturing inner experience rather than replicating external reality. Her artistic style draws inspiration from thinkers like Jerome Silbergeld, who emphasized “Earthly materials, as soon as they are grasped by curious and brave hand, awaken our drive to work them over.” Sissia’s approach mirrors this spirit of experimentation and engagement with the tactile qualities of her medium—a conscious decision that underscores her belief in drawing's capacity to stimulate contemplation and foster a harmonious relationship between artist and viewer. Furthermore, she aligns herself with Zen Buddhism—a tradition emphasizing mindfulness and present moment awareness—believing that “Drawing is not merely a means of representation but a graphic action capable of enabling certain states of consciousness close to meditation.” This philosophical underpinning informs her artistic process, guiding her selection of subjects—often landscapes from the Argentine Pampas—and shaping her compositional choices—aiming to capture fleeting impressions and subtle nuances of experience.- Notable Exhibitions: Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Chicago
- Significant Residency: Banff Centre (2013)
- Publication: “Mental Landscape” (2016)
Exploring Graphite as Meditation
Sissia’s artistic method distinguishes itself from conventional representational painting. Rather than striving for photographic accuracy, she utilizes graphite—a material chosen specifically for its ability to evoke a meditative state. As Silbergeld noted, “Drawing is not merely a means of representation but a graphic action capable of enabling certain states of consciousness close to meditation.” This philosophy guides her process, prioritizing textural exploration and subtle tonal variations over precise depiction. She meticulously renders landscapes and organic forms—often capturing scenes from the Argentine Pampas—employing graphite pencils with painstaking precision. Her drawings aren’t intended as mere visual records but rather as conduits for accessing inner reflection—a deliberate effort to translate psychological experience into tangible artistic form. The resulting images possess a quiet beauty, imbued with an atmosphere of stillness and contemplation that resonates deeply with viewers. Her dedication to capturing the essence of meditative states is evident in her meticulous attention to detail—a characteristic that distinguishes her oeuvre from more spontaneous artistic styles. She seeks to embody Zen’s core principle of mindfulness—the practice of cultivating awareness of the present moment without judgment—translating this philosophical ideal into visual form through her masterful use of graphite. This approach reflects a broader artistic impulse toward exploring the intersection between sensory perception and psychological consciousness—a pursuit that underscores Sissia's profound engagement with both material substance and inner experience.- Technique: Graphite Pencil Rendering
- Subject Matter: Landscapes & Organic Forms (Argentine Pampas)
- Philosophical Influence: Jerome Silbergeld’s Emphasis on Material Engagement
