Silly, surreal and seriously smart: Nastia Cistakova is making space for femme absurdism in illustration

Dutch illustrator Nastia Cistakova showcases a bold and chaotic style in her work, featuring chunky characters, handwritten text, and vibrant neon pinks. Her art is influenced by absurdism, satire, and queerness, serving as a platform to address current events and personal identity with urgency and humor.

Nastia’s career path has been anything but conventional, from creating a video game with a crisis-stricken potato protagonist to developing a memory installation with over 40 pieces. Her artistic journey has been shaped by a desire to express her interests in a way that resonates with others.

Receiving a government grant to develop a video game was a pivotal moment for Nastia, providing validation for her unique artistic vision. Despite facing challenges due to her ADHD, she has embraced transparency, empathy, and setting boundaries in her freelance work.

Nastia’s art delves into themes like neurodiversity, queer identity, and mental health, using humor and absurdity to convey real-world experiences. She draws inspiration from artists like David Shrigley and Studio Ski, aiming to create art that is a blend of analog and digital styles.

As she continues to explore new projects, Nastia envisions incorporating elements of femme satire and sexuality into her work through mixed media storytelling. Her ultimate goal is to exhibit her art globally and create immersive installations that reflect her quirky, vibrant universe.