Nina Gorbenko

Close-up of a creamy, smooth, light-colored substance, possibly ice cream or whipped dessert, with a slightly glossy surface and some small specks.

Artist Statement

Sculpture

Experiments

Photography

Biography

The photo shows a reflection of a person taking a picture through a glass window, with framed photos on the wall behind the glass, and some faint exterior city of PAris features visible.
View of city rooftops with industrial and modern buildings, sunlight shining through, featuring water towers, fire escapes, and various rooftop equipment.
Close-up photograph of a folded, textured metallic fabric or material with light and shadow highlighting its curves.

Artist Statement

Nina Gorbenko is an artist whose journey from the world of poetry and then photography led her to the tactile realm of ceramics, where everything came together - the poetic symbolism, and the visual storytelling. This transition into ceramics and mixed media art was a natural progression, a way to say more with less, to appeal to the emotional or even subconscious self.

The Philosophy

Nina’s art uses language spoken in textures, colors, and forms. The creations are more than mere objects; they are feelings told in clay, meant to resonate with the observer in a tactile way and bring a sense of peace and introspection.

The Inspiration

Nina's work captures the essence of her experiences. Both ceramics and photography are a celebration of the world's varied landscapes and textures, from the subtle interplay of light and shadow reminiscent of her photographic work to the raw, tactile sensations of the earth in sculpture.

The Commitment

Nina is committed to sustainable and ethical artistry. She believes in creating beauty that respects our planet, employing environmentally conscious practices and materials that are as kind to the earth.

A white abstract sculpture of a human ear on a white pedestal, with cacti and grass in the background.
Close-up image of a metallic or textured surface with a deep black circular hole or indentation.

ceramics, plaster, yarn

Sculpture

A decorative white ceramic shell sculpture on a white pedestal outdoors at sunset with a blurry background of tall grass and wooden fence.
Close-up of a black, textured, and wavy sculpture or object with a smooth, shiny surface and rounded contours.
Cream-colored ceramic sculpture of a human heart on a wooden surface with a plant in the background.
Close-up of a black, shiny object, possibly a piece of black obsidian or glass, placed on dry grass or straw.
Minimalist interior with two vases, a black bowl on a wooden console, and abstract wall art
An art installation featuring a black, moon-shaped sculpture with a starry pattern, mounted on a white, ribbed cylindrical pedestal against a textured, vine-covered wall background.
Close-up of a red and white marbled abstract sculpture on a white base.
Abstract sculpture with marbled red, white, and brown pattern on a white pedestal, set against a neutral background.
Close-up of a textured black metal sculpture with smooth, flowing curves outdoors.
A black abstract sculpture on a white pedestal, with tall cacti and a textured wall in the background.
Close-up of a human nose, showing the nostril and surrounding skin.
wearing a sleeveless beige top, brown pants, and sneakers, kneels on one knee next to a white, ribbed pedestal with a black, wrinkled hat or fabric item on top. She is smiling and looking at the camera, with a concrete wall background and sunlight ca
Close-up of a textured, curved metallic sculpture or abstract form against a neutral background.
A modern black ceramic abstract sculpture on a white ribbed pedestal, set against a backdrop of tall cacti and beige grasses.
Abstract sculpture with wavy cream and black colors, mounted on a white pedestal outdoors with dry grass and cactus in the background.
Ceramic shell sculpture on a gray pedestal outdoors, with a blurred background of tall grass and a white fence.
A white ceramic sculpture resembling an ear on a white pedestal, with a background of tall green cacti and desert plants, against a white brick wall.
A minimalist interior decor arrangement with a wooden shelf holding two vases, a bowl, and a wall-mounted ceramic art piece.
Decorative black and gray circular sculpture with textured patterns on a wooden table, with a vase of dried flowers in the background.
Modern interior scene with a black cushioned lounge chair with wooden frame, a wooden sideboard with decorative black sculpture, a black vase with tall, thin branches, and a round abstract wall art. The setting has a minimalist aesthetic.
A close-up of a black, round, textured object with white powdery residue and cracks, placed on a wooden surface.
White abstract ceramic sculpture on a wooden table with a dark vase of dried leaves in the background.
A wavy, abstract ceramic sculpture with brown glaze on a light wood surface inside a bright room with hanging light bulbs and large windows.
Close-up of a handcrafted, glazed ceramic plate with swirling brown and beige patterns on a stand in a pottery studio.
A white, abstract ceramic sculpture with irregular folds, placed on a wooden slatted stand in a dimly lit room.
Close-up of a ceramic or porcelain abstract sculpture with smooth, flowing curves and a cream and beige color.
A woman standing outdoors next to a concrete wall with tall cacti, holding a large, irregularly shaped white ceramic bowl and smiling at the camera.
A round, marble-patterned slice of stone with shades of gray, beige, and red, displayed on a small black stand on a white, ribbed pedestal.

Experiments

This experiment happened in search of the right material, will it be plaster, airdrying clay, or maybe something completely different. Nina ended up with this airdrying clay on stretched canvas and decided to proceed with ceramics.

White ceramic sculpture resembling an abstract ear or organic shape, placed on a wooden surface with a gray object and glass container nearby.
Empty oval picture frame with white fabric and stitched border, placed on a wooden surface next to a glass diffuser with black reed sticks and a partial white sculpture or bust.
Hand holding a cracked piece of white plaster or ceramic.

Currently, Nina is working on the idea of soft power, how it holds everything together, and how even something that is created in fire needs to rely on something delicate and fragile to stay together. She plans to weave pieces of ceramic sculptures together with yarn. The photo in the middle is someone else’s work used here as an example of a technique, two other ones are from the current process.

Textured fiber art piece resembling an abstract lightning bolt or jagged shape, mounted on a frame with vertical string lines.
Black loom with white yarn and bundles of yarn on a wooden table.
Footwear soles and shoe laces on a wooden surface.
explore ceramic store
  • Decorative black and gray marbled plate with textured surface on wooden table

    Testa Forte #1, 12"8', ceramics

  • Abstract curved sculpture on white pedestal, outdoor setting with tall grass and cactus in background.

    Alba #2, 14"x14"5', ceramics

  • A round black sculpture with a textured surface, displayed on a black stand, placed on a white fluted pedestal against a beige background.

    Terra Noctis #3, 11" x 11"5', ceramics

  • A black, textured, abstract sculpture on a white pedestal with desert plants and cacti in the background.

    Testa Forte #7, 11"3' ceramics

  • A decorative modern sculpture with a red and white marbled pattern, placed on a white textured cylindrical stand, against a neutral background.

    Testa Forte #4, 15" x 12"5', ceramics

  • Close-up of a sculptural object with a smooth, curved surface, mounted on a white, ridged pedestal outdoors with tall grasses and a cactus in the background.

    Alba #3, 13"5' x 13", ceramics

Photography

Blurred photo of a yellow taxi cab on a city street, with building and traffic signals in the background.
Black and white photo of a beach with a pier and Ferris wheel in the background. People are walking and relaxing on the sand. A skateboard is in the foreground.
Close-up view of a modern glass building with reflective windows, showing the reflected cityscape, including older buildings with ornate architecture.
A female singer with short blonde hair, wearing a black sleeveless outfit and long glittery gloves, performing on stage with drums and lamps in the background illuminated by spotlights. The image is in black and white.

The purpose of Nina’s photography is to immerse the viewer into the atmosphere, to help notice things they were not paying attention to previously - to be present and aware, to see the beauty of the world as it is, with no retouching, no alterations. Nina herself uses photography as a tool for self-reflection, and awareness, but also because it’s plainly painful not to share all the beauty one sees.

Close-up of brown and green dried leaves with a blurred background.
City skyline with various buildings, rooftop structures, and a water tower in the background, illuminated by sunlight.
Close-up of a cream-colored ceramic or porcelain surface with smooth, flowing curves and slight discoloration or stains.
see photography projects

Through hundreds of thousands of photos made in the last decade, there is one theme Nina keeps on leaning on, sometimes consciously, but more often, not - reflections. Seeing the world through not only the camera lens but also through windows, mirrors, random reflections on skyscrapers, storefronts, and so before you see the photo it goes through a hall of mirrors: the eye of an artist, the lens, the mirror of the camera, and whatever reflections the environment adds on that, and we need to pay attention, what we actually see.

A view through a window with a wooden frame and wire mesh, showing a room with a table lamp, framed pictures, and a mirror on a red wall.
A close-up view of a vintage nail lamp inside a glass display case, with various antique items and a measuring tape visible in the background.
Neon sign in a window displaying '3 HOUR CLEANING' and partially visible text about cleaning hours.
Inside a restaurant, a table with a water bottle, glasses, and cutlery seen through a window. Outside, a woman is sitting at the table, with her foot visible wearing a black slide and torn jeans. In the background, cars are on the street.
A yellow taxi cab driving on a city street, viewed through a partly obscured window with reflections.
People dining outside at a restaurant with an umbrella, view through a window with a blurred foreground, city buildings in the background.
A reflection of a bookstore or library seen through a glass window, with bookshelves and books inside, illuminated by table lamps inside, and a parked car outside.
A bookstore window display with books hanging on a wooden rack outside, with a reflection of a beige building with blue shutters and a street sign visible on the glass.
A man sitting alone at a small round table in a cafe, looking at his phone with a glass of water and a utensil on the table, while people walk outside on the street seen through the cafe window.
Close-up of a modern glass building facade reflecting the buildings across the street.
A black and white photo showing a woman’s silhouette reflected in a glass window, with framed photographs on the wall inside the building behind her.
Outdoor café seen through a window with reflections, showing tables, chairs, and people seated at the café, including a woman with white hair and others in casual attire.
Black and white photo of multiple overpasses or bridges viewed from below, creating intersecting lines and geometric shapes.
Black and white photo of multiple overpasses and bridges from a low angle, showcasing concrete structures and metal railings.
Side-by-side black and white photos of highway overpasses, showing their concrete structure and support columns, against clear sky backgrounds.
Black and white photo of a woman in a blazer standing outdoors with her hair blowing in the wind, looking serious.

about the artist

Born and raised in Ukraine, Nina got her master’s degree in journalism and mass communications. That’s when she started to photograph, though her primary occupations for a while were in journalism and the contemporary art business and her main passion was poetry. In 2015 she moved to New York, where after studying screenwriting for a year, she fully moved into photography, starting with a volunteer research position at the Metropolitan Museum’s media department. Through the years she’s been published in Drift Magazine, Vogue, L’Officiel, Marie Claire with many of her work purchased by Drift Magazine, including the cover for Los Angeles issue. Moved to Los Angeles in 2020 and slowly transitioned to sculpture, which is now her primary medium.

Some of the publications:

Black and white photo of a woman standing on a city street near a marquee that reads "RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL," with signs indicating lanes 2 and 3.
A split image showing a woman with an out-of-focus city skyline and water on the left, and a barista brewing coffee with an espresso machine on the right.
Two people sitting at a cafe holding iced coffee drinks, seen through a window with the café's name and a vase of white flowers on the table inside.
A person with tattooed arm holding a glass of iced coffee on a black round table, with a paper bag nearby, in a setting with blurred greenery in the foreground.
A magazine titled 'DRIFT' with a black and white photo of a beach and amusement park in Los Angeles on the cover, resting on a brown leather surface, with a wooden table and another magazine partially visible in the background.
Side-by-side comparison of a color photo and a black-and-white photo of a beach scene near the Los Angeles Pier, with a bicycle handlebar in the foreground, and a Ferris wheel and roller coaster in the background, along with seagulls flying in the sk
A person sitting and flipping through a photo book or magazine, with a focus on an airport or travel-themed image, reading "LOS ANGELES" on the page.
Open magazine showing two interior decor photographs, one with a cup of coffee on a dark wooden table, the other with a glass carafe and cups on a tray near a window.
Person reading a magazine with a photo of a coffee machine pouring coffee into a glass cup on one page and a close-up of a coffee brewing process on the other page.
Person reading a magazine with a large photograph of a man drinking coffee, with the section titled 'Surfkia in Surfbia'.
Close-up photo of an open book or magazine, with a white page featuring embossed text and a small credit line at the top indicating a cover photo by Nina Gorbunko. The background appears to be a textured, light-colored wall or surface.