Ksenia Tornay
(Swiss. Lives and works in Sion, Valais, Switzerland)
Ksenia Tornay in her studio, photographed by Olga Metlitskaya.
Ksenia Tornay is a self-taught artist living in Sion (Valais). Having spent several years in the Arc Lémanique region, she followed a variety of professional paths before returning to her first and deepest passion—art. In 2023, she devoted herself wholly to
painting, embracing a life guided by creativity and expression.
In her practice, Ksenia explores the dialogue between oil, acrylic, and mixed media. Through her paintings, she seeks to convey the elusive colours of a moment - colours as the breath of the world, a revelation of a deeper reality that speaks to the soul. Her inspiration draws mainly from natural elements such as water, sunlight, and mountains. She strives to capture those fleeting moments when the simple beauty of
the world reveals itself to the attentive eye. Her wish is to share these contemplations, paving the way for colour therapy.
Ksenia is currently developing a series of works inspired by the dynamic forms and intricate patterns found in nature. This body of work ranges from detailed landscape studies to abstract interpretations of natural phenomena, each piece reflecting a profound dialogue between observation and emotion. Some of these works were created en plein air, during moments of direct communion with the environment — experiences that have deeply shaped her artistic vision. Immersing herself in nature’s sublime beauty, allowing it to guide and move her, has become a vital source of inspiration in her practice. Through her paintings, she seeks to share that profound sense of absolute beauty and freedom.
During her plein air sessions, Ksenia is drawn to the Valais landscape — places where the mountains rise in quiet majesty and autumn unfolds in golden hues. With her easel and oil paints, she breathes in the crisp mountain air, feels the textures of the terrain, and allows herself to be guided by the painting process itself. Each brushstroke becomes a dialogue with the environment, capturing not only the visual impression but also the fleeting light, the shifting shadows, and the quiet emotion of the moment. These works are both a reflection of her personal encounter with nature and an invitation for viewers to share in the serenity and grandeur she experiences.