“My work centers on the profound impact of technological advancements on human life and values—a theme both deeply personal to me and universally relevant in today’s digital age. This exploration is rooted in my relationship with my oldest sister, who became physically disabled the same year I was born. Unable to walk or speak beyond a few words, she communicates only through blinking. Her mind remains fully aware, yet she is confined to a body that does not respond to her will.

To bridge the gap between her physical reality and the world beyond, my family and I crafted an imaginary environment shaped by television and films. For over three decades, this digital realm has been her primary means of engaging with society, offering her comfort and the illusion of active participation. Yet, she longs for real-life connections that remain unattainable. This paradox—finding solace in technology while yearning for reality—has profoundly shaped my artistic perspective.

In my work, I delve into the interplay between observation and thought, exploring the concept of ‘Spaces’—the feeling of being both lost and found. My art often juxtaposes contrasts: the intimate with the vast, the still with the dynamic, and the digital with the physical. Through painting, digital media, and installation, I explore how technology can simultaneously connect and alienate us, shaping our understanding of connection, identity, and truth.

My creative process is rooted in sensory exploration. I view my paintings as conversations—expressive and layered, they echo the chaos of life while offering moments of quiet reflection. By incorporating soundscapes, from overwhelming roars to delicate whispers, and even olfactory elements, I create multi-sensory experiences that immerse viewers and challenge the boundaries between perception and reality.

At its core, my work is a reflection on technology’s dual nature as both a bridge and a barrier. It connects my sister to a world she cannot physically access, while simultaneously isolating her. Strikingly, many of us willingly retreat into digital spaces, embracing a solitude that she so deeply wishes to escape. Through my art, I seek to illuminate these paradoxes, contributing to broader conversations about how technology shapes our world.

For me, art is a tool of transgression and transformation—a portal to uncover hidden truths, explore spirituality, and challenge perceptions of reality. It is through this lens that I continue to develop my practice, engaging with universal questions about the human experience and the delicate balance between the physical and the virtual”.

Alina Pecherskaya holds a BA from the Slade School of Fine Art, London (2018). She received an Art Excellence Award in 2020 and her work is included in the private collection of David McKee, art dealer, founder and co-director of McKee Gallery, New York who used to represent Philip Guston, John Chamberlain.