This painting was inspired by my re-reading of Mario Puzo’s «The Last Don,» an American novel that explores the concept of Omerta, a code of silence, honor, and conduct that rejects the influence of the state.
In Puzo’s books, characters are bound by Omerta, emphasizing the secrecy and loyalty within the mafia. However, a lesser-known aspect is the lives of mafia wives who often resided in enclaves purchased by their husbands.
These women, just like their husbands, were bound by Omerta, and it’s intriguing that while men occasionally violated this code, women rarely did. An example from «The Last Don» is when Don Clericuzio’s daughter chose madness over revealing who killed her husband on their wedding night.
In response, her father, brothers, and uncle enforced the code with their own hands, highlighting the deep commitment to Omerta.
42,0x29,7 Paper, mixed media
Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, in my opinion, is a writer whose works beckon to be revisited endlessly. He delicately unveils both fresh and simultaneously self-evident dimensions of the human experience. So, upon finishing reading one of his stories, the sad one, I realized that I want to portray light. Ultimately, there are no situations without hope.
42,0x29,7 Paper, mixed media
Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, in my opinion, is a writer whose works beckon to be revisited endlessly. He delicately unveils both fresh and simultaneously self-evident dimensions of the human experience. So, upon finishing reading one of his stories, the sad one, I realized that I want to portray light. Ultimately, there are no situations without hope.
I have two little dogs - Maltese Bologneses named Prada and Chanel. They are half-sisters through their father. So, thanks to Prada, I got to know a wonderful, kind person, Irina.
Here’s how it happened. We decided that Prada should experience all the joys of motherhood. Our dog gave birth to two beautiful puppies: Fendi and Chloe.
Chloe is very special, and she found a home with Irina, a kindred spirit for me
Irina and I live in different cities, have never met, but have spent endless hours talking on the phone. Our dogs are growing up, just like our mutual bond and respect for each other.
That’s how life can sometimes present you with a wonderful surprise
Most importantly, I am endlessly grateful to Irina and her family for all the love and care they show to our Chloe
59,4 x42 cm
For some reason, in this picture, I wanted to reflect the following distinctive features of this period: 1. Favoritism, the power of official favorites (and favorites). 2. The cult of pleasure as the main principle of life. 3. Gallantry as the basis of male-female relations. This concept included such sharply opposite tendencies as the proclamation of woman as “goddess” and “ruler of thoughts”, and, on the other hand, the use of her as a powerless object, “tool” for pleasure.
Before you is a beautiful representative of this period and a gallant cavalier who bows before her....
Size: 29,7x42 Drawing technique: Paper, mixed media
Many in my circle know that I don’t like cut flowers. So I’ve been gifted all sorts of flowers: chocolate, fruit, crystal, and even forged ones. Meanwhile, my mom has turned my apartment into a whole botanical garden. Thankfully, the living space allows for it, but somehow we’ve counted over 60 pots with various plants and trees up to date
Size: 210x297 Drawing technique: Paper, mixed media
My son noticed that I have a habit of watching movies and drawing at the same time. I find it natural and enjoy the process. Here are some of my artworks created while watching «Dune.»
Swift strokes of my brush brought to life a young woman who delicately gathered her memories, weaving them through an ethereal, imperceptible thread into her 'vessel of recollections.'
Yet what she chose to encase within this precious vessel remained an enigma, even to me, for an extended period.
The revelation drew its essence from a Korean folk tale and a reinterpretation of Choi Sagyu's historical drama.
My heroine was from a wealthy family. Her father, greedy for wealth and power, made a fortune, but yearned to marry off his daughter to an even wealthier family. Upon discovering her love for another, he fumed with fury. He dispatched her beloved to the army and engineered a calamity to ensure he never returned, leaving the young man maimed.
When the young woman discovered her pregnancy, she confronted her father, asserting her intent to reunite with her beloved and embark on a distant life together. The infuriated father sought a concoction to terminate the child, yet it tragically cost her sight, leaving her with only darkness.
From that moment, she cut all ties with her family, finding peace in the solitude of the mountains, where she raised her son. He stood as the sole evidence of her boundless love, a beacon that illuminated her life's challenging path.
Remarkably, she didn't let bitterness seize her heart, choosing instead to instill in her son a love for all creation—be it, animals, plants, or people.
In light of this, I titled the painting 'Memory of a Dream'—a blend of dreams which partly came true and a mirage of it...
59,4 x 42 cm
My young daughter consistently imparts valuable lessons on finding joy in simple moments. For instance, she approaches flower arrangements with genuine delight, meticulously examining each blossom, relishing their fragrances, and immersing herself in their beauty
The capacity to appreciate life's small pleasures brings us happiness. Yet, as we grow older, this ability tends to wane. We often become preoccupied with life's challenges and limitations, gradually losing our emotional responsiveness to the beauty that envelops us. However, our capacity to admire what we see has a huge impact on the quality of our lives.
Within this work, I have captured the essence of Ameliya, my daughter, as she personifies the exuberance of life. She is constant reminder to surrounding her people to perceive the world as a realm of boundless miracles💫
Size 42х59,4
One can write a lot about this topic, but I would like to quote Franz Kafka: “If you go along a straight path, willingly and still retreat, then it is a lost cause. But since you are climbing a sheer slope, so sheer that from below you seem to be hanging on it, steps backward can only be caused by the peculiarities of the ground, and you should not despair.”
So it is in life; one should not despair when facing obstacles and should continue moving “On Contrary”...
Every artist treasures particular paintings, imbued with profound emotion and soul. Allow me to share my favorites
Paper, mixed media 42x29,7
American singer Ella Fitzgerald is the first lady of jazz, whose vocal abilities amazed even those distant from music. Her three-octave voice, mastery of scat singing, and over 90 albums have left an indelible mark on music history, inspiring artists like myself to create artworks embodying the spirit of jazz.
Paper, mixed media 30x40
The picture captures a woman who is going to war. There is a blue pigeon on the back of her shoulder symbolizing a hope that war will soon end. It is very sad when women, as during the Second World War, went to the front. Let us all pray for a peace 🫶
Paper, mixed media 42x29,7
In the mystical lands of Japan, there exists an enlightening legend centered around a dragon.
Long ago, there resided a man whose heart was captivated by the allure of dragons. He made his home within a cavern, akin to the dwellings of dragons, surrounded by sculptures and paintings depicting these majestic beings. He could discourse endlessly about these wondrous creatures to anyone willing to lend an ear.
One fateful day, news of this man and his fervent adoration for dragons reached the ears of the dragon himself. Intrigued, the dragon resolved to meet his ardent admirer. Upon arriving at the man’s cave, the dragon found him fast asleep. Come morning, the man awoke to find a colossal creature slumbering beside him. Gripped by fear, he hastily seized his sword and, without affording it a chance to speak, drove the dragon away.
The essence of this tale speaks volumes: A) Our affection for the concepts we hold often surpasses our love for the realities they represent. B) The dragon symbolizes our genuine selves, which we must summon the courage to confront and embrace.
I’m eager to hear your thoughts on these refinements 🙏☺️