Maria Viktoriia is a model, actress, and art director based between Bali and Bangkok, exploring themes of sexuality, self-expression, and irony. Originally from Russia, she has spent the last few years seeking more liberal creative environments that empower her and support her pursuit of unconventional beauty.

With her latest creation, “Maria’s Bear”, she channels her recent brushes with love and heartbreak to create a liminal video space crafted from the faded emotions and memories of her ex-partner. When asked about the origins of this video, Maria explains, “I was riding a bike at high speed through Bangkok one day and caught a glimpse of Korea Town, a place where my ex-boyfriend used to take me. All the memories started to come back, and the feeling of nostalgia seemed to overshadow the past itself… Was that boyfriend even real? And what if I went to Korea Town alone again and sat at our table—would he show up?”

Love, much like a billboard, only seems attractive from the outside. Viktoriia shares that relationships, including the one with her current partner, always require a lot of work. But through union, partners have the ability to heal their traumas together.

Who controls codependency? Why are emotions so hidden from the one experiencing them? Perhaps much of Maria’s feelings toward these themes can be summed up in a letter she wrote to accompany this editorial:

“Hey Baby! This message is for you. I love you! I’m sorry for what happened. I really don’t know how to turn back time :( I’m so afraid of codependency, and your face dissolves behind it. I’m addicted to your love—I’m sorry.”

— Your Maria Viktoriia <3