Lisbon is, without a doubt, a place of surprising, unexpected and unique particularities… Through Lisbon in Us by Marina Diachkova, you will get to know a Russian-born visual artist who was captivated by Lisbon. Her watercolours reflect her connection with this city, which reveals itself through details in constant transformation.
I’m Marina, an art teacher, artist, and mother of two. I moved to Portugal with my children in 2023 and ended up in Lisbon by chance. And I could say I didn’t choose Portugal, this country chose me.
At first, everything felt unfamiliar: the light, the rhythm of life, the language, even the way the country opens itself slowly, not all at once. Lisbon is not loud in an obvious way, it reveals itself through details. You notice it in reflections on the water, in the sound of the wind near the river, in the way the light changes throughout the day.
Over time, I started to feel connected to these small moments. The ocean, the river, the sailboats, and the quiet, unexpected corners of the city became a constant source of inspiration for me. I love the atmosphere of some parts of Lisbon, its mood, the feeling it leaves inside.
Watercolor became my way of understanding and processing this place. It allows me to work with light, transparency, and movement, things that define Lisbon for me. I return to the same views again and again, not because they stay the same, but because they never do. Each time, there is a different light, a different state, a different feeling.
I especially love the docks, Doca de Belém and Doca de Alcântara are among the places I keep coming back to. There is something about magic space, water, and the quiet presence of boats that creates a sense of pause. It’s a place where I can observe, breathe, and simply be.
Lisbon didn’t become mine instantly. It took time. But maybe that’s exactly why the connection feels real.
| Lisbon in Us by Marina Diachkova | |
|---|---|
| Mini introduction | Russian-born artist, art teacher, observer of the city corners and light. Lisbon entered my life unexpectedly in 2023 and has been finding its way into my watercolor work ever since. Follow her work on Instagram. |
| An inspiring place | Praia do Magoito, Sintra |
| An unmissable visit | Gulbenkian Garden |
| Her mouth waters with… | Borstch and pancakes with raspberry jam |
| A song… | Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode |
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