BIO-

Kristina Kolosova (b. 1994) is a Houston-based artist. She was born and raised in Izhevsk, Russia. In her early childhood she became acquainted with the art of Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and others. Listening to her mother’s record collection, she developed an interest in blues music,
which inspired her to take art lessons at school.

Kristina moved to Moscow in 2011. She earned a degree in African history, culture and languages in the Institute of Asian and African Studies at Lomonosov Moscow State University
(BS 2015). Although she studied various African regions, she took a keen interest in the origins of African-American culture. This interest is rooted in her deep passion for African American music, especially blues. Kristina’s research at the university inspired her, and she began painting again after a long break.

After visiting Tanzania as a student in 2014 and meeting artists there, Kristina developed an interest in contemporary African art. Emboldened by this new cultural experience, she returned to Moscow, began to work as a guest artist at a ceramic studio, and then as a producer of ceramic
ware, and tiles as an assistant to the artist Karina Mitiushkina.

In the summer of 2016 Kristina traveled throughout the southern United States, where she had the opportunity to observe the African American music culture firsthand. She explored the Treme and Bywater areas of New Orleans, followed the Mississippi Blues Trail and journeyed to
the key places where musical history was made in Memphis, TN.

In the fall of 2016 Kristina moved from Russia to Houston, TX. There she began studying new art techniques. She currently works as assistant to the artist Lisa Nigro on the mosaic project at Smither Park. Additionally, she participated in a workshop series led by the renowned sculptor Jesse Lott at Project Row Houses, an activist community-based arts organization.

Houston is a very diverse, international city. The most interesting aspect for Kristina is the African-American community and its deep cultural and musical traditions. As longtime residents strive to preserve their neighborhoods and way of life in one of the fastest-growing cities in the Country, Kristina believes that art can play a major role. The rich culture of the city provides a continuing source of inspiration for her creativity.

KRISTINA KOLOSOVA

​HOUSTON, TX / IZHEVSK, RUSSIA