My artistic practice delves deeply into revitalising ancient iconographies, drawing inspiration from symbolic traditions such as Roman grotesques, engravings on precious stones, and illuminated manuscripts. These historical styles, with their intricate ornamentation and rich symbolism, encapsulate the legacy of civilisations and humanity’s timeless quest for meaning in nature. 

The grotesques, inspired by the frescoes of Nero’s Domus Aurea and reinterpreted during the Renaissance by artists such as Raphael and Flemish masters, unite fantastical creatures with intricate motifs, forming a delicate interplay of reality and imagination. Another significant reference in my work is the carved cornelian stones of antiquity, originating from Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Sumerian traditions, often fashioned into symbolic jewellery. 

Additionally, my practice draws upon the visual lexicon of medieval and Renaissance herbariums and alchemic texts, whose botanical illustrations and pre-scientific diagrams offer a rich vocabulary of forms that bridge natural observation and mystical interpretation.

Integrating these elements into my visual lexicon is my way of honouring this cultural heritage, breathing new life into it within a contemporary context. This vision inspired the creation of Tibertatar, a project dedicated to limited-edition works that encompass engravings, fabric prints, and ceramics—each serving as a portal to another era, seamlessly bridging past and present, fostering a dialogue between history and modernity.

Karolina Liusikova
Rome, May 2024

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ABOUT

Karolina Liusikova is an artist based in Rome, Italy, of Tatar origin. Her work spans ceramics, etching, watercolour, and installation, blending ancient and contemporary themes. Drawing on her studies in particle physics, she reimagines historical iconographies, inspired by Roman grotesques, engravings on precious stones, illuminated manuscripts, and ancient symbols. 

Through her project Tibertatar, Liusikova breathes new life into cultural heritage, creating limited-edition works, including engravings, fabric prints, and ceramics. She is currently developing a series of etchings at the studio of Maestro Luigi Ferranti in Rome, Italy.