Step into the mesmerizing world of Vika Bren, the Russian-born illusion body artist who transforms the human form into living, breathing canvases of imagination. In this deeply personal and introspective episode, Vika opens up about her artistic journey—from her roots in Russia to her global recognition as one of the most innovative body illusion artists of our time. Host Chris Stafford explores the emotional and philosophical layers behind Bren’s art, revealing how she uses the body as both subject and medium to challenge perception, identity, and reality itself. Vika shares her inspirations, creative process, and the intimate stories behind her most powerful works—where paint meets flesh, and illusion meets truth. This episode invites you to see beyond the surface and rediscover the beauty of transformation, vulnerability, and artistic expression. Perfect for listeners who love: art, body painting, visual storytelling, surrealism, performance art, creativity, identity, and the intersection of body and mind.

🔑 Keywords
Vika Bren, illusion body artist, body art, Russian artist, visual art podcast, art and identity, surrealism, creative expression, contemporary art, body painting, illusion art, women in art, artistic process, performance art, visual storytelling, creative interview, art philosophy, art and transformation, Chris Stafford podcast

Russian-born Illusion Body Artist, Vika Bren. Vika says: “At the heart of my work is the fascinating interplay between reality and illusion. Each piece I create is a visual journey, where things aren't always as they first appear. My illustrations and paintings often feature subjects that seem to shift, transform, or disappear depending on the viewer's perspective.”  Vika’s talent has attracted millions of followers on social media making her something of a rock star in the world of body art illusion. But her versatility as an artist is no surprise given her lifelong flair for creativity.  Vika was born on New Year’s Day, 1989 in Moscow. She is the oldest of five children whose parents Marina and Dimitri were both architects and also talented artists. When Vika was still a toddler the family moved to Israel and from the age of seven to eleven she had a private art teacher. After that she said she has been completely self taught. Once she left school she tried her hand at graphic designing but soon realized that this would not fulfill her artistically. During the Covid pandemic, Vika saw the opportunity to develop her art work online and even through two wars she has managed to establish herself with a global reputation. Through the daily threat of rockets and background of sirens, Vika works in a converted garage, which has become her studio. She will be a visiting artist at Art Basel Miami Beach on December 6, 2024. Vika lives in Shavei Zion, Israel with her partner, the musician Assaf, and daughters Yahel and Lia.
 
Vika’s links:
Website: https://vikabrenart.com/ 
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@VikaBren
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/vikabrenart?utm_source=linktree_profile_share
 
Vika’s favorite artist: Dain Yoon
 
AART Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
AART on Facebook
Email:

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-interview--4769409/support.