Interview with Chess Master and Painter Maria Yugina: A Journey of Chess and Art

In a cozy living room in Romania, WFM Maria Yugina and GM Mihail Marin sit down for an interview, surrounded by the playful antics of their rescue dog, Foxy. Maria, a talented chess master and renowned “chess painter,” combines her love for the game with her artistic talent, creating vibrant and expressive paintings that capture the essence of chess.

Maria’s journey from a promising young chess player in Russia to a skilled artist is a tale of perseverance and passion. Despite the challenges of the competitive Russian chess scene, Maria continued to excel, eventually finding her way to the world of art. Under the guidance of a local artist, Maria honed her skills and developed her unique style, a colorful cubism that reflects her love for chess.

The story of Maria’s artistic evolution is intertwined with her fateful encounter with GM Mihail Marin at a chess tournament in Tallinn. What started as a chance meeting in line at a tournament soon blossomed into a deep connection over their shared love for chess. The pair spent hours playing chess together, with Mihail impressed by Maria’s unexpected ferocity over the board.

As their relationship grew, so did Maria’s artistry. Inspired by the harmony and strategy of chess, Maria’s paintings reflect her passion for the game and her unique perspective as a chess player and artist. With Mihail’s expert eye guiding her, Maria’s paintings are not only visually stunning but also accurate representations of chess positions, often with hidden symbolism waiting to be discovered.

Beyond her chess-themed paintings, Maria also explores other subjects, finding solace in painting horses as a way to relax and unwind. Her dedication to her craft, much like her dedication to chess, shines through in her detailed and captivating artwork.

To see more of WFM Maria Yugina’s art, visit her online collection at the Danish Gallery. And for GM Mihail Marin’s insights into the world of chess, check out his Chessable courses created in collaboration with GM Judit Polgar.

In a world where chess and art intersect, Maria Yugina and Mihail Marin stand out as a dynamic duo, blending their passions to create something truly unique and inspiring.