Mariana Sissia: Exploring the Inner Landscape Through Graphite Drawings

Mariana Sissia was born in Ramallo, Argentina, in 1980, a place deeply rooted in Argentine landscape and tradition. From an early age, she demonstrated a fascination with drawing—not merely as a skill but as a conduit for introspection and spiritual exploration. This conviction would become the cornerstone of her artistic practice and permeate throughout her oeuvre. Her formal education began at Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), where she earned her bachelor’s degree in painting between 1998 and 2003. During this period, she honed her technical abilities while simultaneously immersing herself in philosophical discussions about art's role in shaping consciousness—influences that would profoundly inform her subsequent artistic vision. Notably, she participated in a clinic with Ernesto Ballesteros and the Artists Program at Universidad Torcuato Di Tella from 2011 to 2012, fostering collaborative experimentation and broadening her understanding of artistic methodologies. A pivotal moment arrived in 2013 when Sissia undertook a residency at Banff Centre in Canada—a transformative experience that exposed her to diverse cultural perspectives and challenged her preconceived notions about creative process. This residency solidified her commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring unconventional approaches to visual art. Subsequent exhibitions, including solo shows 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, cemented her reputation as a rising talent within the contemporary Argentine art scene. In 2016, she published “Mental Landscape,” a monograph that meticulously documented her artistic journey—a testament to her dedication to capturing the essence of meditative states through graphite drawings. The book’s preface eloquently articulated Sissia's core belief: "Drawing is not merely a means of representation but a graphic action capable of enabling certain states of consciousness close to meditation." This statement encapsulates the artist’s distinctive aesthetic—characterized by meticulous detail, textural exploration, and an unwavering focus on conveying 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 deliberate choice that underscores her conviction in drawing's capacity to stimulate contemplation and foster a deeper connection between artist and viewer.

• Key Exhibitions: Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Chicago
• Notable 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.

• Technique: Graphite Pencil Rendering
• Subject Matter: Landscapes & Organic Forms (Argentine Pampas)
• Philosophical Influence: Jerome Silbergeld’s Emphasis on Material Engagement

Influences and Artistic Vision

Sissia's artistic vision is shaped by a profound engagement with Eastern philosophical traditions—particularly Zen Buddhism. Like Bachelard, she believes that “Earthly materials, as soon as they are grasped by curious and brave hand, awaken our drive to work them over.” This conviction informs her meticulous attention to detail and her willingness to experiment with unconventional techniques—a characteristic that distinguishes her oeuvre from more conventional artistic styles. Her fascination with Zen stems from its core principle of mindfulness—the practice of cultivating awareness of the present moment without judgment. Sissia seeks to embody this ethos in her artwork, striving to capture fleeting impressions and subtle nuances of experience—rather than attempting to impose a preconceived narrative onto the visual realm. This approach reflects a broader artistic impulse toward exploring the intersection between sensory perception and psychological consciousness.

• Philosophical Inspiration: Zen Buddhism
• Artistic Goal: Embodiment of Mindfulness
• Approach to Composition: Capturing Fleeting Impressions & Subtle Nuances