International Exhibition · August, 2024 – March 2025
Happily Ever After. Rethinking of a Fairytale
For artists who were not included in the offline programme of the exhibition, we provided an opportunity to showcase their work in the exhibition’s online programme.
This online exhibition also brought together artists from various countries, and their contributions enhance the magical world of our project, Happily Ever After.
You can find the catalog of the main exhibition programme here.
This online exhibition also brought together artists from various countries, and their contributions enhance the magical world of our project, Happily Ever After.
You can find the catalog of the main exhibition programme here.
"How does our psyche work, Alice?", Svetlana Litvinova
Statement
Lewis Carroll in "Alice in Wonderland" revealed the secrets about the work of our psyche:
Years later, Lewis Carroll’s discoveries were confirmed by neuropsychologists and psychophysiologists.
In my work, visually and figuratively, I want to show the structure of human thinking and memory, to touch upon the issues of the nonlinearity of time and its perception.
Alice, having studied with us all the confusion and absurdity of our psyche, eventually showed us that by making strong-willed efforts, you can sort out your psyche, organize your thoughts without rejecting yourself, and come to your true self.
I return to this fairy tale over and over again and each time I am surprised by the opening depths of the human psyche.
Bio
Svetlana Litvinova. An artist and decorator. 45 years old.
After my first education, I am a psychologist and psychology always runs through my work like a red thread. In my work, I try to understand how our psyche works, how our thinking and other mental processes work. I am interested in revealing hidden processes, putting them in real shapes and colors, in what can be seen, in what can be touched.
I work in different techniques, I like to mix materials, I often give a second "life" to used plastic and cardboard packaging (as, for example, in this work)
Lewis Carroll in "Alice in Wonderland" revealed the secrets about the work of our psyche:
- Thoughts in our head are chaotic and ridiculous, thinking in general is chaotic and not logical. To build logic inside thinking, you need to make a great effort of will. Many people cannot do this, and most of us live in a world of myths and do not reach the level of awareness of our thoughts.
- Memory runs ahead of us. Every time we remember, we "remember" the future. After all, we build our future based on past experience. That is, in order to "run" forward, to develop, you must first "run" backwards, regress to past experience, and from there, from regression, take a step forward.
- Time has a density. There is no present, past and future. If in the past there was an emotional situation that deeply hooked you, then in the present we will experience the whole range of emotions and feelings, up to psychosomatic changes, as if the situation did not happen in the past, but continues to happen "here and now".
Years later, Lewis Carroll’s discoveries were confirmed by neuropsychologists and psychophysiologists.
In my work, visually and figuratively, I want to show the structure of human thinking and memory, to touch upon the issues of the nonlinearity of time and its perception.
Alice, having studied with us all the confusion and absurdity of our psyche, eventually showed us that by making strong-willed efforts, you can sort out your psyche, organize your thoughts without rejecting yourself, and come to your true self.
I return to this fairy tale over and over again and each time I am surprised by the opening depths of the human psyche.
Bio
Svetlana Litvinova. An artist and decorator. 45 years old.
After my first education, I am a psychologist and psychology always runs through my work like a red thread. In my work, I try to understand how our psyche works, how our thinking and other mental processes work. I am interested in revealing hidden processes, putting them in real shapes and colors, in what can be seen, in what can be touched.
I work in different techniques, I like to mix materials, I often give a second "life" to used plastic and cardboard packaging (as, for example, in this work)
"Where is this sound coming from?", Sonya Nechai
Statement
The work is based on the medieval German legend of The Pied Piper of Hamelin. Whose voice is sounding in our heads? In the tale, the Pied Piper leads the children away from the town using his music. How often does this music play in our minds, calling us to actions that are not characteristic of us? This painting reveals the theme of the polyphony of many internal voices that form the basis of the human soul. Joy and bitterness, sorrows and doubts—all resound in chorus, creating a melody that compels us to live. But what if these voices urge us to do something that goes against our ideals? Whom will we blame—ourselves or the forces that prompted us to act? This work reflects on the fickleness of the human soul, asking itself the question: is someone calling me to follow them? Or is it just the wind blowing in my head?
Bio
Sonya Nechai is an artist who was born in St. Petersburg. She obtained her first degree in Folklore and Philology, then gradually changed her career to art practice. She has been involved in the creation of many exhibitions and personal works shown globally. Her recent exhibitions include "Where is the Childhood," Karaganda (2022); "Woman (Only)," Hong Kong (2022); and "Eaves," Barcelona (2021). She was shortlisted for the Third Heartbeat of Macao Competition (2022). The main material of Nechai’s work is ink. She creates a contrasting space that strives for transformation. Within the framework of an existential approach, emotional and archetypal readings are supported by surrealistic space.
The work is based on the medieval German legend of The Pied Piper of Hamelin. Whose voice is sounding in our heads? In the tale, the Pied Piper leads the children away from the town using his music. How often does this music play in our minds, calling us to actions that are not characteristic of us? This painting reveals the theme of the polyphony of many internal voices that form the basis of the human soul. Joy and bitterness, sorrows and doubts—all resound in chorus, creating a melody that compels us to live. But what if these voices urge us to do something that goes against our ideals? Whom will we blame—ourselves or the forces that prompted us to act? This work reflects on the fickleness of the human soul, asking itself the question: is someone calling me to follow them? Or is it just the wind blowing in my head?
Bio
Sonya Nechai is an artist who was born in St. Petersburg. She obtained her first degree in Folklore and Philology, then gradually changed her career to art practice. She has been involved in the creation of many exhibitions and personal works shown globally. Her recent exhibitions include "Where is the Childhood," Karaganda (2022); "Woman (Only)," Hong Kong (2022); and "Eaves," Barcelona (2021). She was shortlisted for the Third Heartbeat of Macao Competition (2022). The main material of Nechai’s work is ink. She creates a contrasting space that strives for transformation. Within the framework of an existential approach, emotional and archetypal readings are supported by surrealistic space.
"Obscure series",
Olya Getman
Olya Getman
- "Source",
- "Beliefs".
Statement
I found my life to be dual. It became complicated with meanings after moving from the countryside to the big city. As a child, I used to scratch out nonsensical pictures with my finger on plywood covered with a mixture of tooth powder. I still know the childlike awe in me and strive to show it. I still say hello to trees when their branches are at arm’s length. Time and experience changes us and our view of social reality. The paintings are reflections on the distortion of perception and the transference of emotions accumulated since childhood. But who are we without a layer of information?
Bio
Olya Getman is the artist based in Turkey (b. 1991 in Russia).
Olya Getman works with the themes of emotional states, the attachment of feelings to body memory, the influence of external situations on the internal, the ambiguity of the interpretation of signs. By collecting images and symbols, particles of reality and memory, the author reflects on the truthfulness of feelings and the search for Objectivity. The author’s mythology is based on personal background and emotional experiences. Medium: author’s technique of watercolor painting, mix media, installation, video art.
Website: www.getman.studio
Instagram: @getman_o
"A Tale of Darkness",
Natasha Antipova-Kaploukhaya
Natasha Antipova-Kaploukhaya
Statement
The inner world of a person is sometimes far from peaceful. Mental disorders turn each day into an endless struggle. This can be called a struggle for oneself, and this struggle is often the only way to hold on to life. This series of photographs was created thanks to my work with clients diagnosed with various mental disorders, who revealed themselves during our psychological sessions, allowing me to see frames from their inner world of very complex experiences.
The series "A Tale of Darkness" dedicated to Major Depressive Disorder is a metaphorical tale of darkness. It is the kind of darkness where anything can happen. It is a place from which it seems impossible to escape, and it feels useless to call for help, even in a crowd. It is a dark place where there is nothing but the faint hope of finding a way out.
Bio
A photographer who speaks about clinical psychology and psychoanalysis through images.
Photography is my passion and a way of seeing the world. In a still image, there is sometimes more movement and meaning than in the hustle filled with flashing and changing scenes. Our inner world often consists of memories more like static images: individual objects, a certain glance, a silhouette, the sun just seconds before it hides behind the horizon, joy, or tears on the faces of loved ones — everything that once brought joy or pain. Everything that made us feel alive. Everything that is life… And thoughts, like captions to these frames — our reflective attempt to explain and understand what happened long ago or just a few moments earlier…
The inner world of a person is sometimes far from peaceful. Mental disorders turn each day into an endless struggle. This can be called a struggle for oneself, and this struggle is often the only way to hold on to life. This series of photographs was created thanks to my work with clients diagnosed with various mental disorders, who revealed themselves during our psychological sessions, allowing me to see frames from their inner world of very complex experiences.
The series "A Tale of Darkness" dedicated to Major Depressive Disorder is a metaphorical tale of darkness. It is the kind of darkness where anything can happen. It is a place from which it seems impossible to escape, and it feels useless to call for help, even in a crowd. It is a dark place where there is nothing but the faint hope of finding a way out.
Bio
A photographer who speaks about clinical psychology and psychoanalysis through images.
Photography is my passion and a way of seeing the world. In a still image, there is sometimes more movement and meaning than in the hustle filled with flashing and changing scenes. Our inner world often consists of memories more like static images: individual objects, a certain glance, a silhouette, the sun just seconds before it hides behind the horizon, joy, or tears on the faces of loved ones — everything that once brought joy or pain. Everything that made us feel alive. Everything that is life… And thoughts, like captions to these frames — our reflective attempt to explain and understand what happened long ago or just a few moments earlier…
“Stepmother”,
Nataliia Andriianova
Nataliia Andriianova
Statement
The work was painted on canvas, in oil, in 2023, using impasto technique. The woman in the picture represents the image of a negative character — an evil stepmother.
A woman stands with her head held high and body pushed forward to show her pride and determination in achieving her goals. Regardless of the villainous nature, the image is stately, majestic and proud.
Bio
Nataliia Andriianova artist from Russia, 23 years old, works in impasto painting techniques. She has been studying painting for 5 years, but she began to engage in creativity in yoong. Hopes to continue to develop further in her creativity.
The work was painted on canvas, in oil, in 2023, using impasto technique. The woman in the picture represents the image of a negative character — an evil stepmother.
A woman stands with her head held high and body pushed forward to show her pride and determination in achieving her goals. Regardless of the villainous nature, the image is stately, majestic and proud.
Bio
Nataliia Andriianova artist from Russia, 23 years old, works in impasto painting techniques. She has been studying painting for 5 years, but she began to engage in creativity in yoong. Hopes to continue to develop further in her creativity.
"Peter Pan",
Maria Cherkasova
Maria Cherkasova
Statement
I address the theme of the past, both in terms of heritage and country history, exploring the phenomena of hauntology and post-memory, particularly focusing on the notions of wandering and finding home. My personal children’s story of moving from the always sunny the Central Asia to Moscow and later movements around the world found their embodiment in an artistic exploring of the theme of wandering, the history of the forced resettlement of peoples, the longing for the abandoned sunny house and, ultimately, security.
Movements in space, the loss of a supportive environment and familiar rituals, lead us to seek support within ourselves.
A person’s environment is larger than it seems at first glance. The feeling of home and security is given not only by the externally well-perceived comfortable existence and strong walls, but by the invisible things that form a safe cocoon, moving alongside in space.
This cocoon is woven from our childhood memories, from symbols that came from legends and tales, from archetypal figures. I reveal these figures, comprehend their influence on our lives and our sense of security.
Bio
Maria Cherkasova spent her early years on the Russian border of the Orenburg region and Central Asia. A lot of sun, a lot of wide-open spaces, the steppe, sometimes covered with blooming tulips and sometimes scorched, exotic dresses of Uzbek women — all these things have been imprinted in her visual memory forever. Craving for the sun and bright colors determined Maria’s creative approach. Maria concentrates on exploring a family and country history by the relationship between people and things. She believes that the objects and architecture buildings are true witnesses unlike inherited photographs or letters that could embellish events or even be censored.
Maria has an impressive background including many years of painting and drawing study as well as university degree in math, and that allows her to go deeper into understanding and depiction of invisible relations and parts of the world.
Since 2016 Maria has actively begun to study and practice contemporary art, participating in more than 15 group and 2 solo exhibitions and attending famous the Slade School of Fine Art (London, UK).
I address the theme of the past, both in terms of heritage and country history, exploring the phenomena of hauntology and post-memory, particularly focusing on the notions of wandering and finding home. My personal children’s story of moving from the always sunny the Central Asia to Moscow and later movements around the world found their embodiment in an artistic exploring of the theme of wandering, the history of the forced resettlement of peoples, the longing for the abandoned sunny house and, ultimately, security.
Movements in space, the loss of a supportive environment and familiar rituals, lead us to seek support within ourselves.
A person’s environment is larger than it seems at first glance. The feeling of home and security is given not only by the externally well-perceived comfortable existence and strong walls, but by the invisible things that form a safe cocoon, moving alongside in space.
This cocoon is woven from our childhood memories, from symbols that came from legends and tales, from archetypal figures. I reveal these figures, comprehend their influence on our lives and our sense of security.
Bio
Maria Cherkasova spent her early years on the Russian border of the Orenburg region and Central Asia. A lot of sun, a lot of wide-open spaces, the steppe, sometimes covered with blooming tulips and sometimes scorched, exotic dresses of Uzbek women — all these things have been imprinted in her visual memory forever. Craving for the sun and bright colors determined Maria’s creative approach. Maria concentrates on exploring a family and country history by the relationship between people and things. She believes that the objects and architecture buildings are true witnesses unlike inherited photographs or letters that could embellish events or even be censored.
Maria has an impressive background including many years of painting and drawing study as well as university degree in math, and that allows her to go deeper into understanding and depiction of invisible relations and parts of the world.
Since 2016 Maria has actively begun to study and practice contemporary art, participating in more than 15 group and 2 solo exhibitions and attending famous the Slade School of Fine Art (London, UK).
"The Stolen Sun",
Maria Akopova
Maria Akopova
Statement
Inspired by Chukovsky’s tale "The Stolen Sun," this piece reimagines the crocodile as a factory that has swallowed the sun, casting the world into shadow. The animals, once full of life, have become mechanical, wandering through a desolate landscape. This work explores the themes of industrialization, environmental degradation, and the loss of natural harmony.
Bio
Maria Akopova is a visionary artist who seamlessly blends various mediums to create captivating works that push the boundaries of creative expression. With a diverse background spanning graphic design, illustrations, 3D art, and artistic production, she has honed a unique ability to breathe life into her artistic visions. Akopova’s journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation, a deep appreciation for storytelling, and a commitment to exploring uncharted artistic territories.
Inspired by Chukovsky’s tale "The Stolen Sun," this piece reimagines the crocodile as a factory that has swallowed the sun, casting the world into shadow. The animals, once full of life, have become mechanical, wandering through a desolate landscape. This work explores the themes of industrialization, environmental degradation, and the loss of natural harmony.
Bio
Maria Akopova is a visionary artist who seamlessly blends various mediums to create captivating works that push the boundaries of creative expression. With a diverse background spanning graphic design, illustrations, 3D art, and artistic production, she has honed a unique ability to breathe life into her artistic visions. Akopova’s journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation, a deep appreciation for storytelling, and a commitment to exploring uncharted artistic territories.
Series of artworks,
Margarita Lemann
Margarita Lemann
1. "The Allegory of Water", hot batik, silk, 200*90 cm, 2021.
Through this work, I explore the intersection of nature and storytelling, inviting viewers to delve into the hidden narratives of the natural world. A pair of herons elegantly froze, one of them frozen in fishing — an image that echoes the symbolic themes of patience and reward, often found both in folklore and in the natural world. The water medium mirrors the seamless blending of reality and myth, where ripple in the water hints at deeper, unseen currents.
2. "The Wind", hot batik, silk, 100*170 cm, 2024.
My artwork is inspired by the whimsy and wonder found in fairy tales, where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. A visual metaphor deeply rooted in folklore, where birds often symbolize the bridge between the earth and sky. Through the fluidity of batik, I seek to evoke the timeless essence of these stories, blending nature with fantasy.
3. "The Old Staircase", oil on canvas, 40*30 cm, 2016.
On this canvas, an ancient staircase decorated with delicate yellow flowers captures a moment of quiet charm when the ordinary becomes a portal to the fantastic. The staircase, a symbol of ascent and opportunity, intertwined with the unexpected beauty of flowers, recalls the magic of fairy tales, where even the mundane can lead to extraordinary realms. The delicate plants that make their way out of the cracks of the stairs remind of the hidden magic of forgotten places, where every step can lead to an unexpected adventure. With this game of decadence and beauty, I aim to show the charming possibilities that arise when the ordinary intersects with the unusual
Bio
Margarita Lemann.
2008−2011 — Federal State University of Education, 2011−2016 — Moscow State Academic Art Institute name after V.I. Surikov (master's degree).
Through this work, I explore the intersection of nature and storytelling, inviting viewers to delve into the hidden narratives of the natural world. A pair of herons elegantly froze, one of them frozen in fishing — an image that echoes the symbolic themes of patience and reward, often found both in folklore and in the natural world. The water medium mirrors the seamless blending of reality and myth, where ripple in the water hints at deeper, unseen currents.
2. "The Wind", hot batik, silk, 100*170 cm, 2024.
My artwork is inspired by the whimsy and wonder found in fairy tales, where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. A visual metaphor deeply rooted in folklore, where birds often symbolize the bridge between the earth and sky. Through the fluidity of batik, I seek to evoke the timeless essence of these stories, blending nature with fantasy.
3. "The Old Staircase", oil on canvas, 40*30 cm, 2016.
On this canvas, an ancient staircase decorated with delicate yellow flowers captures a moment of quiet charm when the ordinary becomes a portal to the fantastic. The staircase, a symbol of ascent and opportunity, intertwined with the unexpected beauty of flowers, recalls the magic of fairy tales, where even the mundane can lead to extraordinary realms. The delicate plants that make their way out of the cracks of the stairs remind of the hidden magic of forgotten places, where every step can lead to an unexpected adventure. With this game of decadence and beauty, I aim to show the charming possibilities that arise when the ordinary intersects with the unusual
Bio
Margarita Lemann.
2008−2011 — Federal State University of Education, 2011−2016 — Moscow State Academic Art Institute name after V.I. Surikov (master's degree).
"The Harmony Keepers",
Kamila Rakhimova
Kamila Rakhimova
Open the book
Statement
This book was specifically written for teenagers, as they are the most vulnerable and emotionally confused group in society. Kamila herself was a confused teenager, drowning in uncertain feelings and wishing to understand them better. Even as an adult, it is sometimes difficult to truly explore one’s inner world. Therefore, this book can be useful for anyone who wants to better understand their emotions.
"I used a fairytale world to make the journey of self-discovery more engaging and insightful. I also often drew parallels between our inner world and the surrounding nature. The coloring pages in this book help express yourself and stimulate creativity. I believe that all these aspects can create a safe space for better self-understanding, which is probably the main goal of this book — to feel safe, understood, and not alone."
Bio
Kamila Rakhimova is a teacher who has worked with children of different ages in various countries and cultures. Wherever she taught, schools definitely taught moral values, but not how to understand oneself. By opening her own kindergarten, Kamila made helping children understand and manage their emotions one of the key values, believing that the mental health of future generations is extremely important.
Statement
This book was specifically written for teenagers, as they are the most vulnerable and emotionally confused group in society. Kamila herself was a confused teenager, drowning in uncertain feelings and wishing to understand them better. Even as an adult, it is sometimes difficult to truly explore one’s inner world. Therefore, this book can be useful for anyone who wants to better understand their emotions.
"I used a fairytale world to make the journey of self-discovery more engaging and insightful. I also often drew parallels between our inner world and the surrounding nature. The coloring pages in this book help express yourself and stimulate creativity. I believe that all these aspects can create a safe space for better self-understanding, which is probably the main goal of this book — to feel safe, understood, and not alone."
Bio
Kamila Rakhimova is a teacher who has worked with children of different ages in various countries and cultures. Wherever she taught, schools definitely taught moral values, but not how to understand oneself. By opening her own kindergarten, Kamila made helping children understand and manage their emotions one of the key values, believing that the mental health of future generations is extremely important.
"The Adventures of Floxie and the Enchanted Prince", Irena Yeremenko
Bio
I am an illustrator based in Leeds who graduated from art school, obtained a university degree in computer science, and has been working as a graphic designer.
My love to draw allowed me to blend my technical skills with my passion for visual storytelling, creating artwork.
I am inspired by the mixture of nature and urbanism, and I have a tender love for Victorian and Gothic architecture. The intricate details and historical significance of these styles often influence my work, adding depth and some magic to my illustrations.
I prefer to draw digital illustrations with mysterious lights, creating an enigmatic atmosphere in my pictures.
I am an illustrator based in Leeds who graduated from art school, obtained a university degree in computer science, and has been working as a graphic designer.
My love to draw allowed me to blend my technical skills with my passion for visual storytelling, creating artwork.
I am inspired by the mixture of nature and urbanism, and I have a tender love for Victorian and Gothic architecture. The intricate details and historical significance of these styles often influence my work, adding depth and some magic to my illustrations.
I prefer to draw digital illustrations with mysterious lights, creating an enigmatic atmosphere in my pictures.
Series of artworks,
Gerasim Kuznetsov
Gerasim Kuznetsov
1. "Our carpet is a flower meadow",
2. "Our walls are giant pines",
3. "Our roof is the blue sky",
Photo collages, colored pencils, print A3,
2024.
The first three works from the series Karaoke in Pine Forest are dedicated to the fairy tale Town Musicians of Bremen by the unforgettable Brothers Grimm, and also to the animated cartoon that was filmed in the USSR in 1969 by the incredible Inessa Kovalevskaya. By the way, this year we are celebrating the 55th anniversary of this cult cartoon. The immortal soundtrack from the cartoon was happy ever after imprinted in the memory of the artist, who spent a lot of time in Soviet pioneer camps as a kid.
4. "Whose Rye?", digital graphics (sketch of a wall carpet for a palace), A3 print, 2011
Another work that I would like to share with you is dedicated to two fairy tales at once: Town Musicians of Bremen (as I said, the soundtrack was happy ever after imprinted in the artist’s memory) and Puss in Boots by the great and terrible Charles Perrault. This work is an artist’s reflection on the issues of freedom and responsibility. One can say that it echoes the three other works above. Indeed, while some dudes in dark glasses and headphones enjoy karaoke in forest and sing the praises of freedom, equality and brotherhood, other guys are wondering how to pocket ownerless rye.
Bio
Gerasim Kuznetsov is a painter and a conceptual artist. Having graduated from the British School of Art and Design in Moscow back in 2007, he has been participant of over 50 shows. He has also done several solo shows and numerous group shows that were also invented and curated by him. Being a conceptual artist, Gerasim Kuznetsov combines a deep interest in the fabric of language with the absence of any specific dependence on the media employed and the form of conveying his messages. His works include but are not limited to drawing, painting, objects and ready-mades, installations, video, digital art and other artifacts. Gerasim Kuznetsov is a founding father of the Water Gallery of the year 12, a non-scientific and non-usual group of artists and poets that carries out art projects dedicated to water in its various states and manifestations (sweet and bitter water, snow, ice, steam, clouds, cosmic nebulae, etc.) on the territory of planet Earth and beyond. Works by Gerasim Kuznetsov can be found in museums and private collections in Russia, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and other countries of the world. Born in Moscow, Russia, Gerasim Kuznetsov is currently based in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Website: www.saatchiart.com/gerasim
2. "Our walls are giant pines",
3. "Our roof is the blue sky",
Photo collages, colored pencils, print A3,
2024.
The first three works from the series Karaoke in Pine Forest are dedicated to the fairy tale Town Musicians of Bremen by the unforgettable Brothers Grimm, and also to the animated cartoon that was filmed in the USSR in 1969 by the incredible Inessa Kovalevskaya. By the way, this year we are celebrating the 55th anniversary of this cult cartoon. The immortal soundtrack from the cartoon was happy ever after imprinted in the memory of the artist, who spent a lot of time in Soviet pioneer camps as a kid.
4. "Whose Rye?", digital graphics (sketch of a wall carpet for a palace), A3 print, 2011
Another work that I would like to share with you is dedicated to two fairy tales at once: Town Musicians of Bremen (as I said, the soundtrack was happy ever after imprinted in the artist’s memory) and Puss in Boots by the great and terrible Charles Perrault. This work is an artist’s reflection on the issues of freedom and responsibility. One can say that it echoes the three other works above. Indeed, while some dudes in dark glasses and headphones enjoy karaoke in forest and sing the praises of freedom, equality and brotherhood, other guys are wondering how to pocket ownerless rye.
Bio
Gerasim Kuznetsov is a painter and a conceptual artist. Having graduated from the British School of Art and Design in Moscow back in 2007, he has been participant of over 50 shows. He has also done several solo shows and numerous group shows that were also invented and curated by him. Being a conceptual artist, Gerasim Kuznetsov combines a deep interest in the fabric of language with the absence of any specific dependence on the media employed and the form of conveying his messages. His works include but are not limited to drawing, painting, objects and ready-mades, installations, video, digital art and other artifacts. Gerasim Kuznetsov is a founding father of the Water Gallery of the year 12, a non-scientific and non-usual group of artists and poets that carries out art projects dedicated to water in its various states and manifestations (sweet and bitter water, snow, ice, steam, clouds, cosmic nebulae, etc.) on the territory of planet Earth and beyond. Works by Gerasim Kuznetsov can be found in museums and private collections in Russia, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and other countries of the world. Born in Moscow, Russia, Gerasim Kuznetsov is currently based in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Website: www.saatchiart.com/gerasim
"Fairytales",
Elena Mosiyko
Elena Mosiyko
Statement
My artwork explores the theme of "fairy tales", drawing inspiration from the timeless human desire to escape into enchanting realms we often encounter in childhood fantasies. However, through my protagonist, I seek to convey a contrasting narrative. Upon entering these realms, she comes to the realization that the darker aspects of human nature inevitably accompany us. In these fantastical worlds, we, as humans, will always feel out of place, confronted by our own inner shadows. My art aims to provoke contemplation on our place within the juxtaposition of dream and reality, highlighting the perpetual presence of our darker selves, even amidst the most captivating illusions.
My artwork explores the theme of "fairy tales", drawing inspiration from the timeless human desire to escape into enchanting realms we often encounter in childhood fantasies. However, through my protagonist, I seek to convey a contrasting narrative. Upon entering these realms, she comes to the realization that the darker aspects of human nature inevitably accompany us. In these fantastical worlds, we, as humans, will always feel out of place, confronted by our own inner shadows. My art aims to provoke contemplation on our place within the juxtaposition of dream and reality, highlighting the perpetual presence of our darker selves, even amidst the most captivating illusions.
"Leftovers From Fairytale Princesses",
Burçak Yetkin
Burçak Yetkin
(1) "Redhood",
(2) "Cinderella".
Bio
Art photographer based in Istanbul, Turkey.
(2) "Cinderella".
Bio
Art photographer based in Istanbul, Turkey.
"When the Earth Was Flat and Shamans Walked Upon It", Alisa Benagueva
"Sometimes your shaman calls you to the crypt. Follow him, to slowly die and be reborn anew"
Bio
Alisa Benagueva (1987) was born in Saint Petersburg and studied at Saint Petersburg Stieglitz State Academy of Art and Design and Saint Petersburg State University of Film and Television.
Her childhood was spent in three countries: Russia (St. Petersburg), Ukraine (Melitopol), and Turkey (Istanbul).
Alisa is a contemporary multidisciplinary artist whose work spans art photography, decorative installations, costume design, and performative practices.
The key concepts in Alisa’s art are magic in the everyday world, spirituality, humor as a key to wisdom and growth, and outsiderism. She was deeply inspired by the diversity of cultures, folk art, and religions, and how they shape consciousness.
Fascinated by myths, legends, magic cults, rituals, and the religions of various peoples, she also enjoys attending services in different temples. Alice’s artistic language is rooted in a fairy tale vision of the world, exploring themes of outsiderness, myth, magical vision, esotericism, and spiritual practices.
She uses materials like beads, stones, building materials, everyday objects, and makeup to create magical images that appeal to the human subconscious and the irrational, evoking intuition and sensuality.
Bio
Alisa Benagueva (1987) was born in Saint Petersburg and studied at Saint Petersburg Stieglitz State Academy of Art and Design and Saint Petersburg State University of Film and Television.
Her childhood was spent in three countries: Russia (St. Petersburg), Ukraine (Melitopol), and Turkey (Istanbul).
Alisa is a contemporary multidisciplinary artist whose work spans art photography, decorative installations, costume design, and performative practices.
The key concepts in Alisa’s art are magic in the everyday world, spirituality, humor as a key to wisdom and growth, and outsiderism. She was deeply inspired by the diversity of cultures, folk art, and religions, and how they shape consciousness.
Fascinated by myths, legends, magic cults, rituals, and the religions of various peoples, she also enjoys attending services in different temples. Alice’s artistic language is rooted in a fairy tale vision of the world, exploring themes of outsiderness, myth, magical vision, esotericism, and spiritual practices.
She uses materials like beads, stones, building materials, everyday objects, and makeup to create magical images that appeal to the human subconscious and the irrational, evoking intuition and sensuality.
"Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland",
Lola Usupova
Lola Usupova
Bio
I'm Lola Usupova, a freelance illustrator from Nottingham, UK with a passion for children's picture books. Throughout my freelance journey, I've had the pleasure of collaborating with various independent publishers and studios. My work is known for its whimsical and vibrant illustrations, which bring to life board books, picture books, magazines, and coloring books.
Website: usupova.art
I'm Lola Usupova, a freelance illustrator from Nottingham, UK with a passion for children's picture books. Throughout my freelance journey, I've had the pleasure of collaborating with various independent publishers and studios. My work is known for its whimsical and vibrant illustrations, which bring to life board books, picture books, magazines, and coloring books.
Website: usupova.art
"Eurynome",
Anastasia Tribambuka
Anastasia Tribambuka
Statement
This is a scene from a Pelasgian creation myth. Pelsagians lived in a matriarchal society which changed into to a patriarchal one under continual pressure from victorious Greek-speaking tribes during Bronze Age. A supreme creatrix, Eurynome, "The Goddess of All Things", who rises naked from Chaos to part sea from sky so that she can dance upon the waves. Catching the north wind at her back and rubbing it between her hands, she spontaneously generates the serpent Ophion, who mates with her. In the form of a dove upon the waves she lays the Cosmic Egg and bids Ophion to incubate it by coiling seven times around until it splits in two and hatches "all things that exist … sun, moon, planets, stars, the earth with its mountains and rivers, its trees, herbs, and living creatures". Eurynome and Ophion settled on Olympus, but when he proclaimed himself the Creator, Eurynome kicked all his teeth out and banished him to the netherworld. In place of Ophion, Eurynome assigned the powers of the universe to a series of couples, each of a male and female Titan. Humans spring up from Ophion’s teeth, scattered under the heel of Eurynome.
Bio
Anastasia Tribambuka is a London based multidisciplinary artist, award-winning illustrator and animation director working predominantly in painting, printmaking and large-scale installations. Her practice is mainly concerned with the themes of shifting identity, home and belonging, as well as experience of living in a female body; with a strong participatory element and often involving audience interaction in the creation of the work. As a British artist with Russian roots, she takes a critical approach to the complexities of her heritage through a contemporary lens of feminist thought and mythological thinking. The striking, figurative visual language in her paintings is an amalgamation of her background in graphic design, the artistic elements found in Russian Avant-garde, French Analytical Cubism and Fauvism, as well influenced by the revolutionary spirit of swinging sixties.
Website: tribambuka.art
This is a scene from a Pelasgian creation myth. Pelsagians lived in a matriarchal society which changed into to a patriarchal one under continual pressure from victorious Greek-speaking tribes during Bronze Age. A supreme creatrix, Eurynome, "The Goddess of All Things", who rises naked from Chaos to part sea from sky so that she can dance upon the waves. Catching the north wind at her back and rubbing it between her hands, she spontaneously generates the serpent Ophion, who mates with her. In the form of a dove upon the waves she lays the Cosmic Egg and bids Ophion to incubate it by coiling seven times around until it splits in two and hatches "all things that exist … sun, moon, planets, stars, the earth with its mountains and rivers, its trees, herbs, and living creatures". Eurynome and Ophion settled on Olympus, but when he proclaimed himself the Creator, Eurynome kicked all his teeth out and banished him to the netherworld. In place of Ophion, Eurynome assigned the powers of the universe to a series of couples, each of a male and female Titan. Humans spring up from Ophion’s teeth, scattered under the heel of Eurynome.
Bio
Anastasia Tribambuka is a London based multidisciplinary artist, award-winning illustrator and animation director working predominantly in painting, printmaking and large-scale installations. Her practice is mainly concerned with the themes of shifting identity, home and belonging, as well as experience of living in a female body; with a strong participatory element and often involving audience interaction in the creation of the work. As a British artist with Russian roots, she takes a critical approach to the complexities of her heritage through a contemporary lens of feminist thought and mythological thinking. The striking, figurative visual language in her paintings is an amalgamation of her background in graphic design, the artistic elements found in Russian Avant-garde, French Analytical Cubism and Fauvism, as well influenced by the revolutionary spirit of swinging sixties.
Website: tribambuka.art
"Urban Tales",
Oksana Bochina
Oksana Bochina
1. "The Legacy of Sound (2024, Novi-Sad, Serbia)",
2. "The Guardian of the Stairs (2023, Dubrovnik, Croatia)".
Statement
In this series, Oksana explores the intersection of reality and the fantastical through the lens of urban life, reinterpreting everyday moments as modern-day fairy tales. The first image, "The Guardian of the Stairs," captures a lone cat as the silent protector of a hidden alley, reminiscent of the watchful creatures in folklore that guard secret paths and doorways. The second image, "The Legacy of Sound," portrays the passing of wisdom and tradition, echoing the timeless stories of mentors and apprentices found in countless tales. Through these photos, Oksana invites the viewer to find the magic in the mundane and to see the stories that unfold in the world around us.
Bio
My name is Oksana Bochina, and I am a street and travel photographer originally from Moscow, Russia. I have been living in Montenegro since 2021, where I explore the beauty of local culture, landscapes, and people through my lens. My journey in photography began with an inherent curiosity to capture moments that tell a story.
Instagram: @oksana_bochina
2. "The Guardian of the Stairs (2023, Dubrovnik, Croatia)".
Statement
In this series, Oksana explores the intersection of reality and the fantastical through the lens of urban life, reinterpreting everyday moments as modern-day fairy tales. The first image, "The Guardian of the Stairs," captures a lone cat as the silent protector of a hidden alley, reminiscent of the watchful creatures in folklore that guard secret paths and doorways. The second image, "The Legacy of Sound," portrays the passing of wisdom and tradition, echoing the timeless stories of mentors and apprentices found in countless tales. Through these photos, Oksana invites the viewer to find the magic in the mundane and to see the stories that unfold in the world around us.
Bio
My name is Oksana Bochina, and I am a street and travel photographer originally from Moscow, Russia. I have been living in Montenegro since 2021, where I explore the beauty of local culture, landscapes, and people through my lens. My journey in photography began with an inherent curiosity to capture moments that tell a story.
Instagram: @oksana_bochina
"Kristina's Dream",
Natalia Trubnikova
Natalia Trubnikova
Watch video performance
Statement
In this project "Kristina's Dream" Natalia Trubnikova directed a video performance that tells the story of magical female beings who appear in a young woman’s dream. Lost and overwhelmed in a large city by the sea (Istanbul), these guardian spirits dance a sacred dance to awaken her inner strength and inspiration, helping her find the resolve to keep moving forward.
Bio
Natalia Trubnikova is a theater director, performer, and video artist. She stages a wide range of theatrical productions, including children’s plays and experimental performances, across various cities in Russia. She has also created several art projects in Istanbul, Turkey.
Statement
In this project "Kristina's Dream" Natalia Trubnikova directed a video performance that tells the story of magical female beings who appear in a young woman’s dream. Lost and overwhelmed in a large city by the sea (Istanbul), these guardian spirits dance a sacred dance to awaken her inner strength and inspiration, helping her find the resolve to keep moving forward.
Bio
Natalia Trubnikova is a theater director, performer, and video artist. She stages a wide range of theatrical productions, including children’s plays and experimental performances, across various cities in Russia. She has also created several art projects in Istanbul, Turkey.
"A Kaleidoscope Of New Fairytales",
Maaike Engelen
Maaike Engelen
Open the book
Statement
Maaike Engelen presents the book with new fairytales. Fairytales are a magical and ageless genre appealing to all ages. The tales open up a fascinating and wonderful world in which children and adults can be in touch with the endless beauty of being human and magical at the same time. They offer the reader experiences of witches and wizards and dragons and trolls and many more fairytale creatures in a new and enchanting light.
Bio
Maaike Engelen is a psychoanalytic child and adolescent psychotherapist who works in private practice in London. She is interested in unconscious communication and she writes Zen poetry.
Statement
Maaike Engelen presents the book with new fairytales. Fairytales are a magical and ageless genre appealing to all ages. The tales open up a fascinating and wonderful world in which children and adults can be in touch with the endless beauty of being human and magical at the same time. They offer the reader experiences of witches and wizards and dragons and trolls and many more fairytale creatures in a new and enchanting light.
Bio
Maaike Engelen is a psychoanalytic child and adolescent psychotherapist who works in private practice in London. She is interested in unconscious communication and she writes Zen poetry.
"Tiny Khavroshechka",
Daria Zarina and Anna Gorina
Daria Zarina and Anna Gorina
Statement
Fairy tales carry the essence of ancient myths, archetypal narratives timeless in nature, playing out all roles within a single psyche. If the girl's childhood was unhappy, she more likely dreamed of magical help and justice, like Tiny Havroshechka. Growing up, she finds herself at the bottom of exhaustion from trying to please one cruel mistress after another—abusive relationships, societal expectations—and realizes that she is the mistress, slaughtering her cow every day. Only after such understanding she can grow into a golden apple tree, deciding by herself whom to share her fruits with— her care, love, children, or creative projects.
Bio
Daria Zarina
Multidisciplinary artist and performer, co-founder of hospital clown profession in Russia.
Assistant to theater artists Isabella Baywater and Paul Brown (UK) during their work at the Mariinsky Theatre.
Curator of exhibitions at Artplay (Russia).
Author and performer at the Theater Malenky (Israel).
Collaborated with Andrei Kezzin (Germany) and Alexander Lavrentyev (Russia) as a model.
Anna Gorina, Jungian therapist
Fairy tales carry the essence of ancient myths, archetypal narratives timeless in nature, playing out all roles within a single psyche. If the girl's childhood was unhappy, she more likely dreamed of magical help and justice, like Tiny Havroshechka. Growing up, she finds herself at the bottom of exhaustion from trying to please one cruel mistress after another—abusive relationships, societal expectations—and realizes that she is the mistress, slaughtering her cow every day. Only after such understanding she can grow into a golden apple tree, deciding by herself whom to share her fruits with— her care, love, children, or creative projects.
Bio
Daria Zarina
Multidisciplinary artist and performer, co-founder of hospital clown profession in Russia.
Assistant to theater artists Isabella Baywater and Paul Brown (UK) during their work at the Mariinsky Theatre.
Curator of exhibitions at Artplay (Russia).
Author and performer at the Theater Malenky (Israel).
Collaborated with Andrei Kezzin (Germany) and Alexander Lavrentyev (Russia) as a model.
Anna Gorina, Jungian therapist
"Hebridean shores",
Anastasia Rak
Anastasia Rak
Statement
These film pictures from the Outer Hebrides capture the perpetual mysterious beauty of the Scottish islands, both familiar and otherworldly. Time here stretches and bends, as hikers navigate through the stark beauty of the remote shores. In this liminal space, in-between the sea and the sky, we invite you to contemplate about the transience of everyday life.
Bio
Anastasia Rak, UK-based photographer.
"Through my work, I strive to open a window to the beauty of nature for viewers, using my film camera and drone. This love for photography is deeply rooted in my travels and the thrill of capturing the unique atmosphere of each place I visit.
My journey in photography began when I first arrived in St Andrews, a small but scenic Scottish village. Moving to Scotland from a big city was a significant change, but it immediately sparked my interest in landscape photography. I have embarked on photographic journeys across the UK, starting from the villages of Scotland to the landscapes of the Outer Hebrides. Every trip is a story and photography helps me capture the emotions I experience in a new place".
These film pictures from the Outer Hebrides capture the perpetual mysterious beauty of the Scottish islands, both familiar and otherworldly. Time here stretches and bends, as hikers navigate through the stark beauty of the remote shores. In this liminal space, in-between the sea and the sky, we invite you to contemplate about the transience of everyday life.
Bio
Anastasia Rak, UK-based photographer.
"Through my work, I strive to open a window to the beauty of nature for viewers, using my film camera and drone. This love for photography is deeply rooted in my travels and the thrill of capturing the unique atmosphere of each place I visit.
My journey in photography began when I first arrived in St Andrews, a small but scenic Scottish village. Moving to Scotland from a big city was a significant change, but it immediately sparked my interest in landscape photography. I have embarked on photographic journeys across the UK, starting from the villages of Scotland to the landscapes of the Outer Hebrides. Every trip is a story and photography helps me capture the emotions I experience in a new place".
"Wheels of Imagination",
Alexander Nikitin
Alexander Nikitin
Statement
In the ordinary streets of Istanbul, two boys find magic in the simplest of things—a cart and boundless imagination. While my work typically captures the rawness of urban life, this series reflects the innocence and creativity of childhood, where everyday moments transform into their own kind of fairy tale, untouched by the constraints of reality.
Bio
Art photographer based in Turkey, Istanbul
In the heart of cities, where history and modernity intertwine, I find the essence of my art. Inspired by urban landscapes, history, and the stories they hold, my work reflects the contrast between nature’s simplicity and urban complexity. My work is a study of contrasts — the raw simplicity of the natural world against the reality of city life. My artistic expression is captured through digital and film photography, with a special affinity for the unique character of vintage lenses and their interaction with light. This love for the tangible extends to my work with collages and paints. Recently, I’ve delved into the world of generative AI art, blending the timeless with the innovative. In my art, I explore themes of survival, inequality, and the beauty in simplicity, aiming to evoke a dialogue about our place in this ever-evolving world. It’s a narrative about living, adapting, and finding beauty in the most unassuming moments.
Website: www.nikitin.pw
In the ordinary streets of Istanbul, two boys find magic in the simplest of things—a cart and boundless imagination. While my work typically captures the rawness of urban life, this series reflects the innocence and creativity of childhood, where everyday moments transform into their own kind of fairy tale, untouched by the constraints of reality.
Bio
Art photographer based in Turkey, Istanbul
In the heart of cities, where history and modernity intertwine, I find the essence of my art. Inspired by urban landscapes, history, and the stories they hold, my work reflects the contrast between nature’s simplicity and urban complexity. My work is a study of contrasts — the raw simplicity of the natural world against the reality of city life. My artistic expression is captured through digital and film photography, with a special affinity for the unique character of vintage lenses and their interaction with light. This love for the tangible extends to my work with collages and paints. Recently, I’ve delved into the world of generative AI art, blending the timeless with the innovative. In my art, I explore themes of survival, inequality, and the beauty in simplicity, aiming to evoke a dialogue about our place in this ever-evolving world. It’s a narrative about living, adapting, and finding beauty in the most unassuming moments.
Website: www.nikitin.pw
"Void Flowers",
Anastasia Korolkova
Anastasia Korolkova
Statement
In times of social upheaval, when the world seems more complex, flawed, and fast-paced than ever, we are drawn to fictions that can distort the global picture. Our myths, stories, and fairy tales exist to help us digest the paradox of our existence. This project, titled "Void Flowers", combines digital and analog approaches and has become a focal point for exploring transgressiveness. It features traditional fairy tale symbolism and imagery, aiding in the initiation—the very magical transition from one state to another.
Bio
Anastasia Korolkova is an artist born in Moscow in 1998. After graduating from the British Higher School of Art & Design in 2016, she laid the foundation for her creative pursuits. In 2021, Anastasia continued her academic journey, earning a bachelor’s degree in media production from the Higher School of Economics. This educational background not only enriched her understanding of visual storytelling but also served as a catalyst for her evolving artistic practice. Since 2023, Anastasia has been a permanent lecturer at a stylist school, where she imparts her knowledge and expertise to students through engaging lectures in art photography and styling. Over the past ten years of Anastasia’s artistic practice, she has created her personal artistic worlds that explore the neurotic nature of the modern world.
In times of social upheaval, when the world seems more complex, flawed, and fast-paced than ever, we are drawn to fictions that can distort the global picture. Our myths, stories, and fairy tales exist to help us digest the paradox of our existence. This project, titled "Void Flowers", combines digital and analog approaches and has become a focal point for exploring transgressiveness. It features traditional fairy tale symbolism and imagery, aiding in the initiation—the very magical transition from one state to another.
Bio
Anastasia Korolkova is an artist born in Moscow in 1998. After graduating from the British Higher School of Art & Design in 2016, she laid the foundation for her creative pursuits. In 2021, Anastasia continued her academic journey, earning a bachelor’s degree in media production from the Higher School of Economics. This educational background not only enriched her understanding of visual storytelling but also served as a catalyst for her evolving artistic practice. Since 2023, Anastasia has been a permanent lecturer at a stylist school, where she imparts her knowledge and expertise to students through engaging lectures in art photography and styling. Over the past ten years of Anastasia’s artistic practice, she has created her personal artistic worlds that explore the neurotic nature of the modern world.
Series of artworks,
Ekaterina Seromakha
Ekaterina Seromakha
1. "Childhood", 80*100 cm, acrylic, mixed media, 2023.
This work explores the fleeting and mysterious nature of childhood. By juxtaposing a house with the symbol of dawn—the rooster’s crow—it reflects the formation of personality, the transient nature of innocence, and the conflicting forces that shape our formative years.
2. "Sea Underwater", 100*120 cm, acrylic, mixed media, 2023.
In the mysterious twilight of the sea’s depths, like in a deep dream, the image of a mysterious girl appears.
The girl has a special connection with nature. She spends her days immersing herself in her childhood dreams, contemplating the magical events that will transform her life. Her greatest dream was to swim among the waves like a wave-fish and witness the beautiful underwater world.
She lays out the maps of her fantasies on the floor, trying to find the path to her wave-fish. Her mind shines with bright ideas and the delicate colors of imagination. Like a little sorceress, she creates amazing stories where the ocean is recreated in miniature.
3. "Mermaids", 100*120 cm, mixed media, acrylic, 2023.
The painting invites us into a realm where reality and imagination converge in a mesmerizing dance. At the heart of the image is a girl with the grace of a mermaid and the allure of a siren. Her cascading hair blends with the foam, becoming an extension of her thoughts, evoking a mixture of conscious and subconscious feelings. Her hair falls like a symphony of captivating curls, resembling ribbons spun from gold.
Like the ancient songs of sirens, her charm captivates the viewer, inviting them to dive into the depths of their own thoughts and desires.
Bio
I am Ekaterina Seromakha, a science art artist from Moscow.
I am an artist. In my paintings, I express endless admiration for the world of nature and its variety of colors, forms and textures. In every brushstroke, I try to express this love and passion. My paintings are born deep inside me through meditation and by revisiting past experiences. I only observe as they come alive on the canvas. I want to share with the viewer the beauty of the world’s oceans, the diversity of the macro and microcosms, and the variety of marine nature. I enjoy directing attention inward, expanding perception and self-awareness of the viewer.
In my works, I combine realism and metaphors. I like integrating recognizable images into an imaginary world and connecting familiar phenomena with their spiritual beginnings. I learned this during seven years of study at the art studio.
This work explores the fleeting and mysterious nature of childhood. By juxtaposing a house with the symbol of dawn—the rooster’s crow—it reflects the formation of personality, the transient nature of innocence, and the conflicting forces that shape our formative years.
2. "Sea Underwater", 100*120 cm, acrylic, mixed media, 2023.
In the mysterious twilight of the sea’s depths, like in a deep dream, the image of a mysterious girl appears.
The girl has a special connection with nature. She spends her days immersing herself in her childhood dreams, contemplating the magical events that will transform her life. Her greatest dream was to swim among the waves like a wave-fish and witness the beautiful underwater world.
She lays out the maps of her fantasies on the floor, trying to find the path to her wave-fish. Her mind shines with bright ideas and the delicate colors of imagination. Like a little sorceress, she creates amazing stories where the ocean is recreated in miniature.
3. "Mermaids", 100*120 cm, mixed media, acrylic, 2023.
The painting invites us into a realm where reality and imagination converge in a mesmerizing dance. At the heart of the image is a girl with the grace of a mermaid and the allure of a siren. Her cascading hair blends with the foam, becoming an extension of her thoughts, evoking a mixture of conscious and subconscious feelings. Her hair falls like a symphony of captivating curls, resembling ribbons spun from gold.
Like the ancient songs of sirens, her charm captivates the viewer, inviting them to dive into the depths of their own thoughts and desires.
Bio
I am Ekaterina Seromakha, a science art artist from Moscow.
I am an artist. In my paintings, I express endless admiration for the world of nature and its variety of colors, forms and textures. In every brushstroke, I try to express this love and passion. My paintings are born deep inside me through meditation and by revisiting past experiences. I only observe as they come alive on the canvas. I want to share with the viewer the beauty of the world’s oceans, the diversity of the macro and microcosms, and the variety of marine nature. I enjoy directing attention inward, expanding perception and self-awareness of the viewer.
In my works, I combine realism and metaphors. I like integrating recognizable images into an imaginary world and connecting familiar phenomena with their spiritual beginnings. I learned this during seven years of study at the art studio.
"The Scarlet Flower",
Tatiana Semkova
Tatiana Semkova
Statement
The painting "The Scarlet Flower" reinterprets the traditional Russian fairy tale, transforming the flower into a symbol of inner mystery and transformation. Through vibrant colors and a whimsical central figure, the artist explores themes of enchantment, innocence, and the hidden magic within everyday life. This work invites viewers to reconnect with the wonder and beauty of fairy tales, bringing them into a contemporary context.
Bio
For the past 20 years, I have been bringing beauty to the world and the people in it. I am the founder of several projects, including the international children’s textile brand Lovebabytoys. Each project is like a child, born to bring people joy and happiness. I carefully consider every detail of the products, constantly refining the design, quality, technology, and service, while adding deeper meaning to them. My products are a blend of craftsmanship and art. My mission is to share the magic of handmade work, design, and beauty, and to inspire people to create beauty and comfort in their daily lives—at home, in their city, their country, and on the planet.
The painting "The Scarlet Flower" reinterprets the traditional Russian fairy tale, transforming the flower into a symbol of inner mystery and transformation. Through vibrant colors and a whimsical central figure, the artist explores themes of enchantment, innocence, and the hidden magic within everyday life. This work invites viewers to reconnect with the wonder and beauty of fairy tales, bringing them into a contemporary context.
Bio
For the past 20 years, I have been bringing beauty to the world and the people in it. I am the founder of several projects, including the international children’s textile brand Lovebabytoys. Each project is like a child, born to bring people joy and happiness. I carefully consider every detail of the products, constantly refining the design, quality, technology, and service, while adding deeper meaning to them. My products are a blend of craftsmanship and art. My mission is to share the magic of handmade work, design, and beauty, and to inspire people to create beauty and comfort in their daily lives—at home, in their city, their country, and on the planet.
"Spirals of Myth",
Maksim Ilyasov
Maksim Ilyasov
Watch video
Statement
"Spirals of Myth" delves into the cyclical nature of fairy tales and their reinterpretation. The video blends forest, sky, and sea—symbols of classic fairy tale landscapes. Through swirling, disorienting visuals, it immerses the viewer in a world where myth and reality converge.
The forest represents an inward journey, while the sky and sea symbolize freedom and the unknown. Birds, as recurring motifs, connect these realms, embodying the ever-evolving narratives we inherit and reshape.
Bio
I am 40 years old and I live in Montenegro, but I was born in Russia, graduated from the Institute of Television and Radio, as well as the technical University with a degree in engineering. Most of the time I work as an independent video content creator. Since 2003, I have been working as a cameraman, colorist and director in various genres of video production. All this time I have been looking for extraordinary compositions, unique lighting effects, and trying to combine all possible image and sound tools to create content with a special mood and meaning. For me, it’s not just a job or an attempt to express myself, but a way of thinking. This is my job, my hobby and my passion. My favorite kind of work is making videos related to music, as well as videos that convey the incredible beauty of our planet. I also like to film the emotions of people, and capture their lifestyle in a shot.
Statement
"Spirals of Myth" delves into the cyclical nature of fairy tales and their reinterpretation. The video blends forest, sky, and sea—symbols of classic fairy tale landscapes. Through swirling, disorienting visuals, it immerses the viewer in a world where myth and reality converge.
The forest represents an inward journey, while the sky and sea symbolize freedom and the unknown. Birds, as recurring motifs, connect these realms, embodying the ever-evolving narratives we inherit and reshape.
Bio
I am 40 years old and I live in Montenegro, but I was born in Russia, graduated from the Institute of Television and Radio, as well as the technical University with a degree in engineering. Most of the time I work as an independent video content creator. Since 2003, I have been working as a cameraman, colorist and director in various genres of video production. All this time I have been looking for extraordinary compositions, unique lighting effects, and trying to combine all possible image and sound tools to create content with a special mood and meaning. For me, it’s not just a job or an attempt to express myself, but a way of thinking. This is my job, my hobby and my passion. My favorite kind of work is making videos related to music, as well as videos that convey the incredible beauty of our planet. I also like to film the emotions of people, and capture their lifestyle in a shot.
"Baba Yaga's New House",
Mila Rosha
Mila Rosha
Statement
We all heard about Baba Yaga as the wicked witch who haunts children and whose house is crooked and old and is standing on chicken legs. And in our imagination Baba Yaga is also an old and ugly lady. But reflecting on this fairy (or horror) tale as a grown up I thought — what if she’s just a strong and independent woman in her late fifties? She just retired and uses her mortar as a plant pot now growing lavender to add it to her raf coffee. She also renovated her house and painted it pink, a color she had admired since childhood but was too unsure of how well it would fit the gothic look of her lifestyle. But she just decided to give it a go, and in fact everything turned out exactly as she had always imagined it. Night has fallen on the town, and now that she is not working the night shift, flying in a mortar and looking after the forest, Baba Yaga can simply relax with a book and coffee. But something is missing, and that is her cat familiar. Come in, silly, Baba Yaga is waiting for you to cuddle in her new, softest rocking chair. But all this is left to the viewer’s discretion, and in this work you actually see that this is the most comfortable house in the middle of the forest, it is not scary, but a very friendly area, with many flowers and cute animals. You may notice that there is a witch living in the house, she left her boots and broom outside. But you feel that she is kind, and you can’t help but want to come in, have a nice chat and drink a cup of warm tea with that lady called Baba Yaga.
Bio
Mila Rosha is an illustrator based in Cyprus. Working as a printmaker, Mila founded her shop in 2015. After moving countries in 2022, she had to close her business and has since been trying to find her new path in art, creating illustrations and aspiring to draw for picture books. Her biggest sources of inspiration are nature, books, times long past — the Middle Ages, Victorian and Edwardian eras, and more recently, her son. In her art, Mila explores light and dark and how they always go hand in hand, the contrast of beautiful and ugly, sweet and scary.
We all heard about Baba Yaga as the wicked witch who haunts children and whose house is crooked and old and is standing on chicken legs. And in our imagination Baba Yaga is also an old and ugly lady. But reflecting on this fairy (or horror) tale as a grown up I thought — what if she’s just a strong and independent woman in her late fifties? She just retired and uses her mortar as a plant pot now growing lavender to add it to her raf coffee. She also renovated her house and painted it pink, a color she had admired since childhood but was too unsure of how well it would fit the gothic look of her lifestyle. But she just decided to give it a go, and in fact everything turned out exactly as she had always imagined it. Night has fallen on the town, and now that she is not working the night shift, flying in a mortar and looking after the forest, Baba Yaga can simply relax with a book and coffee. But something is missing, and that is her cat familiar. Come in, silly, Baba Yaga is waiting for you to cuddle in her new, softest rocking chair. But all this is left to the viewer’s discretion, and in this work you actually see that this is the most comfortable house in the middle of the forest, it is not scary, but a very friendly area, with many flowers and cute animals. You may notice that there is a witch living in the house, she left her boots and broom outside. But you feel that she is kind, and you can’t help but want to come in, have a nice chat and drink a cup of warm tea with that lady called Baba Yaga.
Bio
Mila Rosha is an illustrator based in Cyprus. Working as a printmaker, Mila founded her shop in 2015. After moving countries in 2022, she had to close her business and has since been trying to find her new path in art, creating illustrations and aspiring to draw for picture books. Her biggest sources of inspiration are nature, books, times long past — the Middle Ages, Victorian and Edwardian eras, and more recently, her son. In her art, Mila explores light and dark and how they always go hand in hand, the contrast of beautiful and ugly, sweet and scary.
"How does our psyche work, Alice?", Svetlana Litvinova
Statement
Lewis Carroll in "Alice in Wonderland" revealed the secrets about the work of our psyche:
Years later, Lewis Carroll’s discoveries were confirmed by neuropsychologists and psychophysiologists.
In my work, visually and figuratively, I want to show the structure of human thinking and memory, to touch upon the issues of the nonlinearity of time and its perception.
Alice, having studied with us all the confusion and absurdity of our psyche, eventually showed us that by making strong-willed efforts, you can sort out your psyche, organize your thoughts without rejecting yourself, and come to your true self.
I return to this fairy tale over and over again and each time I am surprised by the opening depths of the human psyche.
Bio
Svetlana Litvinova. An artist and decorator. 45 years old.
After my first education, I am a psychologist and psychology always runs through my work like a red thread. In my work, I try to understand how our psyche works, how our thinking and other mental processes work. I am interested in revealing hidden processes, putting them in real shapes and colors, in what can be seen, in what can be touched.
I work in different techniques, I like to mix materials, I often give a second "life" to used plastic and cardboard packaging (as, for example, in this work)
Lewis Carroll in "Alice in Wonderland" revealed the secrets about the work of our psyche:
- Thoughts in our head are chaotic and ridiculous, thinking in general is chaotic and not logical. To build logic inside thinking, you need to make a great effort of will. Many people cannot do this, and most of us live in a world of myths and do not reach the level of awareness of our thoughts.
- Memory runs ahead of us. Every time we remember, we "remember" the future. After all, we build our future based on past experience. That is, in order to "run" forward, to develop, you must first "run" backwards, regress to past experience, and from there, from regression, take a step forward.
- Time has a density. There is no present, past and future. If in the past there was an emotional situation that deeply hooked you, then in the present we will experience the whole range of emotions and feelings, up to psychosomatic changes, as if the situation did not happen in the past, but continues to happen "here and now".
Years later, Lewis Carroll’s discoveries were confirmed by neuropsychologists and psychophysiologists.
In my work, visually and figuratively, I want to show the structure of human thinking and memory, to touch upon the issues of the nonlinearity of time and its perception.
Alice, having studied with us all the confusion and absurdity of our psyche, eventually showed us that by making strong-willed efforts, you can sort out your psyche, organize your thoughts without rejecting yourself, and come to your true self.
I return to this fairy tale over and over again and each time I am surprised by the opening depths of the human psyche.
Bio
Svetlana Litvinova. An artist and decorator. 45 years old.
After my first education, I am a psychologist and psychology always runs through my work like a red thread. In my work, I try to understand how our psyche works, how our thinking and other mental processes work. I am interested in revealing hidden processes, putting them in real shapes and colors, in what can be seen, in what can be touched.
I work in different techniques, I like to mix materials, I often give a second "life" to used plastic and cardboard packaging (as, for example, in this work)
"Where is this sound coming from?", Sonya Nechai
Statement
The work is based on the medieval German legend of The Pied Piper of Hamelin. Whose voice is sounding in our heads? In the tale, the Pied Piper leads the children away from the town using his music. How often does this music play in our minds, calling us to actions that are not characteristic of us? This painting reveals the theme of the polyphony of many internal voices that form the basis of the human soul. Joy and bitterness, sorrows and doubts—all resound in chorus, creating a melody that compels us to live. But what if these voices urge us to do something that goes against our ideals? Whom will we blame—ourselves or the forces that prompted us to act? This work reflects on the fickleness of the human soul, asking itself the question: is someone calling me to follow them? Or is it just the wind blowing in my head?
Bio
Sonya Nechai is an artist who was born in St. Petersburg. She obtained her first degree in Folklore and Philology, then gradually changed her career to art practice. She has been involved in the creation of many exhibitions and personal works shown globally. Her recent exhibitions include "Where is the Childhood," Karaganda (2022); "Woman (Only)," Hong Kong (2022); and "Eaves," Barcelona (2021). She was shortlisted for the Third Heartbeat of Macao Competition (2022). The main material of Nechai’s work is ink. She creates a contrasting space that strives for transformation. Within the framework of an existential approach, emotional and archetypal readings are supported by surrealistic space.
The work is based on the medieval German legend of The Pied Piper of Hamelin. Whose voice is sounding in our heads? In the tale, the Pied Piper leads the children away from the town using his music. How often does this music play in our minds, calling us to actions that are not characteristic of us? This painting reveals the theme of the polyphony of many internal voices that form the basis of the human soul. Joy and bitterness, sorrows and doubts—all resound in chorus, creating a melody that compels us to live. But what if these voices urge us to do something that goes against our ideals? Whom will we blame—ourselves or the forces that prompted us to act? This work reflects on the fickleness of the human soul, asking itself the question: is someone calling me to follow them? Or is it just the wind blowing in my head?
Bio
Sonya Nechai is an artist who was born in St. Petersburg. She obtained her first degree in Folklore and Philology, then gradually changed her career to art practice. She has been involved in the creation of many exhibitions and personal works shown globally. Her recent exhibitions include "Where is the Childhood," Karaganda (2022); "Woman (Only)," Hong Kong (2022); and "Eaves," Barcelona (2021). She was shortlisted for the Third Heartbeat of Macao Competition (2022). The main material of Nechai’s work is ink. She creates a contrasting space that strives for transformation. Within the framework of an existential approach, emotional and archetypal readings are supported by surrealistic space.
"Obscure series", Olya Getman
- "Source",
- "Beliefs".
Statement
I found my life to be dual. It became complicated with meanings after moving from the countryside to the big city. As a child, I used to scratch out nonsensical pictures with my finger on plywood covered with a mixture of tooth powder. I still know the childlike awe in me and strive to show it. I still say hello to trees when their branches are at arm’s length. Time and experience changes us and our view of social reality. The paintings are reflections on the distortion of perception and the transference of emotions accumulated since childhood. But who are we without a layer of information?
Bio
Olya Getman is the artist based in Turkey (b. 1991 in Russia).
Olya Getman works with the themes of emotional states, the attachment of feelings to body memory, the influence of external situations on the internal, the ambiguity of the interpretation of signs. By collecting images and symbols, particles of reality and memory, the author reflects on the truthfulness of feelings and the search for Objectivity. The author’s mythology is based on personal background and emotional experiences. Medium: author’s technique of watercolor painting, mix media, installation, video art.
Website: www.getman.studio
Instagram: @getman_o
"A Tale of Darkness", Natasha Antipova-Kaploukhaya
Statement
The inner world of a person is sometimes far from peaceful. Mental disorders turn each day into an endless struggle. This can be called a struggle for oneself, and this struggle is often the only way to hold on to life. This series of photographs was created thanks to my work with clients diagnosed with various mental disorders, who revealed themselves during our psychological sessions, allowing me to see frames from their inner world of very complex experiences.
The series "A Tale of Darkness" dedicated to Major Depressive Disorder is a metaphorical tale of darkness. It is the kind of darkness where anything can happen. It is a place from which it seems impossible to escape, and it feels useless to call for help, even in a crowd. It is a dark place where there is nothing but the faint hope of finding a way out.
Bio
A photographer who speaks about clinical psychology and psychoanalysis through images.
Photography is my passion and a way of seeing the world. In a still image, there is sometimes more movement and meaning than in the hustle filled with flashing and changing scenes. Our inner world often consists of memories more like static images: individual objects, a certain glance, a silhouette, the sun just seconds before it hides behind the horizon, joy, or tears on the faces of loved ones — everything that once brought joy or pain. Everything that made us feel alive. Everything that is life… And thoughts, like captions to these frames — our reflective attempt to explain and understand what happened long ago or just a few moments earlier…
The inner world of a person is sometimes far from peaceful. Mental disorders turn each day into an endless struggle. This can be called a struggle for oneself, and this struggle is often the only way to hold on to life. This series of photographs was created thanks to my work with clients diagnosed with various mental disorders, who revealed themselves during our psychological sessions, allowing me to see frames from their inner world of very complex experiences.
The series "A Tale of Darkness" dedicated to Major Depressive Disorder is a metaphorical tale of darkness. It is the kind of darkness where anything can happen. It is a place from which it seems impossible to escape, and it feels useless to call for help, even in a crowd. It is a dark place where there is nothing but the faint hope of finding a way out.
Bio
A photographer who speaks about clinical psychology and psychoanalysis through images.
Photography is my passion and a way of seeing the world. In a still image, there is sometimes more movement and meaning than in the hustle filled with flashing and changing scenes. Our inner world often consists of memories more like static images: individual objects, a certain glance, a silhouette, the sun just seconds before it hides behind the horizon, joy, or tears on the faces of loved ones — everything that once brought joy or pain. Everything that made us feel alive. Everything that is life… And thoughts, like captions to these frames — our reflective attempt to explain and understand what happened long ago or just a few moments earlier…
“Stepmother”, Nataliia Andriianova
Statement
The work was painted on canvas, in oil, in 2023, using impasto technique. The woman in the picture represents the image of a negative character — an evil stepmother.
A woman stands with her head held high and body pushed forward to show her pride and determination in achieving her goals. Regardless of the villainous nature, the image is stately, majestic and proud.
Bio
Nataliia Andriianova artist from Russia, 23 years old, works in impasto painting techniques. She has been studying painting for 5 years, but she began to engage in creativity in yoong. Hopes to continue to develop further in her creativity.
The work was painted on canvas, in oil, in 2023, using impasto technique. The woman in the picture represents the image of a negative character — an evil stepmother.
A woman stands with her head held high and body pushed forward to show her pride and determination in achieving her goals. Regardless of the villainous nature, the image is stately, majestic and proud.
Bio
Nataliia Andriianova artist from Russia, 23 years old, works in impasto painting techniques. She has been studying painting for 5 years, but she began to engage in creativity in yoong. Hopes to continue to develop further in her creativity.
"Peter Pan", Maria Cherkasova
Statement
I address the theme of the past, both in terms of heritage and country history, exploring the phenomena of hauntology and post-memory, particularly focusing on the notions of wandering and finding home. My personal children’s story of moving from the always sunny the Central Asia to Moscow and later movements around the world found their embodiment in an artistic exploring of the theme of wandering, the history of the forced resettlement of peoples, the longing for the abandoned sunny house and, ultimately, security.
Movements in space, the loss of a supportive environment and familiar rituals, lead us to seek support within ourselves.
A person’s environment is larger than it seems at first glance. The feeling of home and security is given not only by the externally well-perceived comfortable existence and strong walls, but by the invisible things that form a safe cocoon, moving alongside in space.
This cocoon is woven from our childhood memories, from symbols that came from legends and tales, from archetypal figures. I reveal these figures, comprehend their influence on our lives and our sense of security.
Bio
Maria Cherkasova spent her early years on the Russian border of the Orenburg region and Central Asia. A lot of sun, a lot of wide-open spaces, the steppe, sometimes covered with blooming tulips and sometimes scorched, exotic dresses of Uzbek women — all these things have been imprinted in her visual memory forever. Craving for the sun and bright colors determined Maria’s creative approach. Maria concentrates on exploring a family and country history by the relationship between people and things. She believes that the objects and architecture buildings are true witnesses unlike inherited photographs or letters that could embellish events or even be censored.
Maria has an impressive background including many years of painting and drawing study as well as university degree in math, and that allows her to go deeper into understanding and depiction of invisible relations and parts of the world.
Since 2016 Maria has actively begun to study and practice contemporary art, participating in more than 15 group and 2 solo exhibitions and attending famous the Slade School of Fine Art (London, UK).
I address the theme of the past, both in terms of heritage and country history, exploring the phenomena of hauntology and post-memory, particularly focusing on the notions of wandering and finding home. My personal children’s story of moving from the always sunny the Central Asia to Moscow and later movements around the world found their embodiment in an artistic exploring of the theme of wandering, the history of the forced resettlement of peoples, the longing for the abandoned sunny house and, ultimately, security.
Movements in space, the loss of a supportive environment and familiar rituals, lead us to seek support within ourselves.
A person’s environment is larger than it seems at first glance. The feeling of home and security is given not only by the externally well-perceived comfortable existence and strong walls, but by the invisible things that form a safe cocoon, moving alongside in space.
This cocoon is woven from our childhood memories, from symbols that came from legends and tales, from archetypal figures. I reveal these figures, comprehend their influence on our lives and our sense of security.
Bio
Maria Cherkasova spent her early years on the Russian border of the Orenburg region and Central Asia. A lot of sun, a lot of wide-open spaces, the steppe, sometimes covered with blooming tulips and sometimes scorched, exotic dresses of Uzbek women — all these things have been imprinted in her visual memory forever. Craving for the sun and bright colors determined Maria’s creative approach. Maria concentrates on exploring a family and country history by the relationship between people and things. She believes that the objects and architecture buildings are true witnesses unlike inherited photographs or letters that could embellish events or even be censored.
Maria has an impressive background including many years of painting and drawing study as well as university degree in math, and that allows her to go deeper into understanding and depiction of invisible relations and parts of the world.
Since 2016 Maria has actively begun to study and practice contemporary art, participating in more than 15 group and 2 solo exhibitions and attending famous the Slade School of Fine Art (London, UK).
"The Stolen Sun", Maria Akopova
Statement
Inspired by Chukovsky’s tale "The Stolen Sun," this piece reimagines the crocodile as a factory that has swallowed the sun, casting the world into shadow. The animals, once full of life, have become mechanical, wandering through a desolate landscape. This work explores the themes of industrialization, environmental degradation, and the loss of natural harmony.
Bio
Maria Akopova is a visionary artist who seamlessly blends various mediums to create captivating works that push the boundaries of creative expression. With a diverse background spanning graphic design, illustrations, 3D art, and artistic production, she has honed a unique ability to breathe life into her artistic visions. Akopova’s journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation, a deep appreciation for storytelling, and a commitment to exploring uncharted artistic territories.
Inspired by Chukovsky’s tale "The Stolen Sun," this piece reimagines the crocodile as a factory that has swallowed the sun, casting the world into shadow. The animals, once full of life, have become mechanical, wandering through a desolate landscape. This work explores the themes of industrialization, environmental degradation, and the loss of natural harmony.
Bio
Maria Akopova is a visionary artist who seamlessly blends various mediums to create captivating works that push the boundaries of creative expression. With a diverse background spanning graphic design, illustrations, 3D art, and artistic production, she has honed a unique ability to breathe life into her artistic visions. Akopova’s journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation, a deep appreciation for storytelling, and a commitment to exploring uncharted artistic territories.
Series of artworks, Margarita Lemann
1. "The Allegory of Water", hot batik, silk, 200*90 cm, 2021.
Through this work, I explore the intersection of nature and storytelling, inviting viewers to delve into the hidden narratives of the natural world. A pair of herons elegantly froze, one of them frozen in fishing — an image that echoes the symbolic themes of patience and reward, often found both in folklore and in the natural world. The water medium mirrors the seamless blending of reality and myth, where ripple in the water hints at deeper, unseen currents.
2. "The Wind", hot batik, silk, 100*170 cm, 2024.
My artwork is inspired by the whimsy and wonder found in fairy tales, where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. A visual metaphor deeply rooted in folklore, where birds often symbolize the bridge between the earth and sky. Through the fluidity of batik, I seek to evoke the timeless essence of these stories, blending nature with fantasy.
3. "The Old Staircase", oil on canvas, 40*30 cm, 2016.
On this canvas, an ancient staircase decorated with delicate yellow flowers captures a moment of quiet charm when the ordinary becomes a portal to the fantastic. The staircase, a symbol of ascent and opportunity, intertwined with the unexpected beauty of flowers, recalls the magic of fairy tales, where even the mundane can lead to extraordinary realms. The delicate plants that make their way out of the cracks of the stairs remind of the hidden magic of forgotten places, where every step can lead to an unexpected adventure. With this game of decadence and beauty, I aim to show the charming possibilities that arise when the ordinary intersects with the unusual
Bio
Margarita Lemann.
2008−2011 — Federal State University of Education, 2011−2016 — Moscow State Academic Art Institute name after V.I. Surikov (master's degree).
Through this work, I explore the intersection of nature and storytelling, inviting viewers to delve into the hidden narratives of the natural world. A pair of herons elegantly froze, one of them frozen in fishing — an image that echoes the symbolic themes of patience and reward, often found both in folklore and in the natural world. The water medium mirrors the seamless blending of reality and myth, where ripple in the water hints at deeper, unseen currents.
2. "The Wind", hot batik, silk, 100*170 cm, 2024.
My artwork is inspired by the whimsy and wonder found in fairy tales, where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. A visual metaphor deeply rooted in folklore, where birds often symbolize the bridge between the earth and sky. Through the fluidity of batik, I seek to evoke the timeless essence of these stories, blending nature with fantasy.
3. "The Old Staircase", oil on canvas, 40*30 cm, 2016.
On this canvas, an ancient staircase decorated with delicate yellow flowers captures a moment of quiet charm when the ordinary becomes a portal to the fantastic. The staircase, a symbol of ascent and opportunity, intertwined with the unexpected beauty of flowers, recalls the magic of fairy tales, where even the mundane can lead to extraordinary realms. The delicate plants that make their way out of the cracks of the stairs remind of the hidden magic of forgotten places, where every step can lead to an unexpected adventure. With this game of decadence and beauty, I aim to show the charming possibilities that arise when the ordinary intersects with the unusual
Bio
Margarita Lemann.
2008−2011 — Federal State University of Education, 2011−2016 — Moscow State Academic Art Institute name after V.I. Surikov (master's degree).
"The Harmony Keepers", Kamila Rakhimova
Open the book
Statement
This book was specifically written for teenagers, as they are the most vulnerable and emotionally confused group in society. Kamila herself was a confused teenager, drowning in uncertain feelings and wishing to understand them better. Even as an adult, it is sometimes difficult to truly explore one’s inner world. Therefore, this book can be useful for anyone who wants to better understand their emotions.
"I used a fairytale world to make the journey of self-discovery more engaging and insightful. I also often drew parallels between our inner world and the surrounding nature. The coloring pages in this book help express yourself and stimulate creativity. I believe that all these aspects can create a safe space for better self-understanding, which is probably the main goal of this book — to feel safe, understood, and not alone."
Bio
Kamila Rakhimova is a teacher who has worked with children of different ages in various countries and cultures. Wherever she taught, schools definitely taught moral values, but not how to understand oneself. By opening her own kindergarten, Kamila made helping children understand and manage their emotions one of the key values, believing that the mental health of future generations is extremely important.
Statement
This book was specifically written for teenagers, as they are the most vulnerable and emotionally confused group in society. Kamila herself was a confused teenager, drowning in uncertain feelings and wishing to understand them better. Even as an adult, it is sometimes difficult to truly explore one’s inner world. Therefore, this book can be useful for anyone who wants to better understand their emotions.
"I used a fairytale world to make the journey of self-discovery more engaging and insightful. I also often drew parallels between our inner world and the surrounding nature. The coloring pages in this book help express yourself and stimulate creativity. I believe that all these aspects can create a safe space for better self-understanding, which is probably the main goal of this book — to feel safe, understood, and not alone."
Bio
Kamila Rakhimova is a teacher who has worked with children of different ages in various countries and cultures. Wherever she taught, schools definitely taught moral values, but not how to understand oneself. By opening her own kindergarten, Kamila made helping children understand and manage their emotions one of the key values, believing that the mental health of future generations is extremely important.
"The Adventures of Floxie and the Enchanted Prince", Irena Yeremenko
Bio
I am an illustrator based in Leeds who graduated from art school, obtained a university degree in computer science, and has been working as a graphic designer.
My love to draw allowed me to blend my technical skills with my passion for visual storytelling, creating artwork.
I am inspired by the mixture of nature and urbanism, and I have a tender love for Victorian and Gothic architecture. The intricate details and historical significance of these styles often influence my work, adding depth and some magic to my illustrations.
I prefer to draw digital illustrations with mysterious lights, creating an enigmatic atmosphere in my pictures.
I am an illustrator based in Leeds who graduated from art school, obtained a university degree in computer science, and has been working as a graphic designer.
My love to draw allowed me to blend my technical skills with my passion for visual storytelling, creating artwork.
I am inspired by the mixture of nature and urbanism, and I have a tender love for Victorian and Gothic architecture. The intricate details and historical significance of these styles often influence my work, adding depth and some magic to my illustrations.
I prefer to draw digital illustrations with mysterious lights, creating an enigmatic atmosphere in my pictures.
Series of artworks, Gerasim Kuznetsov
1. "Our carpet is a flower meadow",
2. "Our walls are giant pines",
3. "Our roof is the blue sky",
Photo collages, colored pencils, print A3,
2024.
The first three works from the series Karaoke in Pine Forest are dedicated to the fairy tale Town Musicians of Bremen by the unforgettable Brothers Grimm, and also to the animated cartoon that was filmed in the USSR in 1969 by the incredible Inessa Kovalevskaya. By the way, this year we are celebrating the 55th anniversary of this cult cartoon. The immortal soundtrack from the cartoon was happy ever after imprinted in the memory of the artist, who spent a lot of time in Soviet pioneer camps as a kid.
4. "Whose Rye?", digital graphics (sketch of a wall carpet for a palace), A3 print, 2011
Another work that I would like to share with you is dedicated to two fairy tales at once: Town Musicians of Bremen (as I said, the soundtrack was happy ever after imprinted in the artist’s memory) and Puss in Boots by the great and terrible Charles Perrault. This work is an artist’s reflection on the issues of freedom and responsibility. One can say that it echoes the three other works above. Indeed, while some dudes in dark glasses and headphones enjoy karaoke in forest and sing the praises of freedom, equality and brotherhood, other guys are wondering how to pocket ownerless rye.
Bio
Gerasim Kuznetsov is a painter and a conceptual artist. Having graduated from the British School of Art and Design in Moscow back in 2007, he has been participant of over 50 shows. He has also done several solo shows and numerous group shows that were also invented and curated by him. Being a conceptual artist, Gerasim Kuznetsov combines a deep interest in the fabric of language with the absence of any specific dependence on the media employed and the form of conveying his messages. His works include but are not limited to drawing, painting, objects and ready-mades, installations, video, digital art and other artifacts. Gerasim Kuznetsov is a founding father of the Water Gallery of the year 12, a non-scientific and non-usual group of artists and poets that carries out art projects dedicated to water in its various states and manifestations (sweet and bitter water, snow, ice, steam, clouds, cosmic nebulae, etc.) on the territory of planet Earth and beyond. Works by Gerasim Kuznetsov can be found in museums and private collections in Russia, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and other countries of the world. Born in Moscow, Russia, Gerasim Kuznetsov is currently based in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Website: www.saatchiart.com/gerasim
2. "Our walls are giant pines",
3. "Our roof is the blue sky",
Photo collages, colored pencils, print A3,
2024.
The first three works from the series Karaoke in Pine Forest are dedicated to the fairy tale Town Musicians of Bremen by the unforgettable Brothers Grimm, and also to the animated cartoon that was filmed in the USSR in 1969 by the incredible Inessa Kovalevskaya. By the way, this year we are celebrating the 55th anniversary of this cult cartoon. The immortal soundtrack from the cartoon was happy ever after imprinted in the memory of the artist, who spent a lot of time in Soviet pioneer camps as a kid.
4. "Whose Rye?", digital graphics (sketch of a wall carpet for a palace), A3 print, 2011
Another work that I would like to share with you is dedicated to two fairy tales at once: Town Musicians of Bremen (as I said, the soundtrack was happy ever after imprinted in the artist’s memory) and Puss in Boots by the great and terrible Charles Perrault. This work is an artist’s reflection on the issues of freedom and responsibility. One can say that it echoes the three other works above. Indeed, while some dudes in dark glasses and headphones enjoy karaoke in forest and sing the praises of freedom, equality and brotherhood, other guys are wondering how to pocket ownerless rye.
Bio
Gerasim Kuznetsov is a painter and a conceptual artist. Having graduated from the British School of Art and Design in Moscow back in 2007, he has been participant of over 50 shows. He has also done several solo shows and numerous group shows that were also invented and curated by him. Being a conceptual artist, Gerasim Kuznetsov combines a deep interest in the fabric of language with the absence of any specific dependence on the media employed and the form of conveying his messages. His works include but are not limited to drawing, painting, objects and ready-mades, installations, video, digital art and other artifacts. Gerasim Kuznetsov is a founding father of the Water Gallery of the year 12, a non-scientific and non-usual group of artists and poets that carries out art projects dedicated to water in its various states and manifestations (sweet and bitter water, snow, ice, steam, clouds, cosmic nebulae, etc.) on the territory of planet Earth and beyond. Works by Gerasim Kuznetsov can be found in museums and private collections in Russia, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and other countries of the world. Born in Moscow, Russia, Gerasim Kuznetsov is currently based in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Website: www.saatchiart.com/gerasim
"Fairytales", Elena Mosiyko
Statement
My artwork explores the theme of "fairy tales", drawing inspiration from the timeless human desire to escape into enchanting realms we often encounter in childhood fantasies. However, through my protagonist, I seek to convey a contrasting narrative. Upon entering these realms, she comes to the realization that the darker aspects of human nature inevitably accompany us. In these fantastical worlds, we, as humans, will always feel out of place, confronted by our own inner shadows. My art aims to provoke contemplation on our place within the juxtaposition of dream and reality, highlighting the perpetual presence of our darker selves, even amidst the most captivating illusions.
My artwork explores the theme of "fairy tales", drawing inspiration from the timeless human desire to escape into enchanting realms we often encounter in childhood fantasies. However, through my protagonist, I seek to convey a contrasting narrative. Upon entering these realms, she comes to the realization that the darker aspects of human nature inevitably accompany us. In these fantastical worlds, we, as humans, will always feel out of place, confronted by our own inner shadows. My art aims to provoke contemplation on our place within the juxtaposition of dream and reality, highlighting the perpetual presence of our darker selves, even amidst the most captivating illusions.
"Leftovers From Fairytale Princesses", Burçak Yetkin
(1) "Redhood",
(2) "Cinderella".
Bio
Art photographer based in Istanbul, Turkey.
(2) "Cinderella".
Bio
Art photographer based in Istanbul, Turkey.
"When the Earth Was Flat and Shamans Walked Upon It", Alisa Benagueva
"Sometimes your shaman calls you to the crypt. Follow him, to slowly die and be reborn anew"
Bio
Alisa Benagueva (1987) was born in Saint Petersburg and studied at Saint Petersburg Stieglitz State Academy of Art and Design and Saint Petersburg State University of Film and Television.
Her childhood was spent in three countries: Russia (St. Petersburg), Ukraine (Melitopol), and Turkey (Istanbul).
Alisa is a contemporary multidisciplinary artist whose work spans art photography, decorative installations, costume design, and performative practices.
The key concepts in Alisa’s art are magic in the everyday world, spirituality, humor as a key to wisdom and growth, and outsiderism. She was deeply inspired by the diversity of cultures, folk art, and religions, and how they shape consciousness.
Fascinated by myths, legends, magic cults, rituals, and the religions of various peoples, she also enjoys attending services in different temples. Alice’s artistic language is rooted in a fairy tale vision of the world, exploring themes of outsiderness, myth, magical vision, esotericism, and spiritual practices.
She uses materials like beads, stones, building materials, everyday objects, and makeup to create magical images that appeal to the human subconscious and the irrational, evoking intuition and sensuality.
Bio
Alisa Benagueva (1987) was born in Saint Petersburg and studied at Saint Petersburg Stieglitz State Academy of Art and Design and Saint Petersburg State University of Film and Television.
Her childhood was spent in three countries: Russia (St. Petersburg), Ukraine (Melitopol), and Turkey (Istanbul).
Alisa is a contemporary multidisciplinary artist whose work spans art photography, decorative installations, costume design, and performative practices.
The key concepts in Alisa’s art are magic in the everyday world, spirituality, humor as a key to wisdom and growth, and outsiderism. She was deeply inspired by the diversity of cultures, folk art, and religions, and how they shape consciousness.
Fascinated by myths, legends, magic cults, rituals, and the religions of various peoples, she also enjoys attending services in different temples. Alice’s artistic language is rooted in a fairy tale vision of the world, exploring themes of outsiderness, myth, magical vision, esotericism, and spiritual practices.
She uses materials like beads, stones, building materials, everyday objects, and makeup to create magical images that appeal to the human subconscious and the irrational, evoking intuition and sensuality.
"Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland", Lola Usupova
Bio
I'm Lola Usupova, a freelance illustrator from Nottingham, UK with a passion for children's picture books. Throughout my freelance journey, I've had the pleasure of collaborating with various independent publishers and studios. My work is known for its whimsical and vibrant illustrations, which bring to life board books, picture books, magazines, and coloring books.
Website: usupova.art
I'm Lola Usupova, a freelance illustrator from Nottingham, UK with a passion for children's picture books. Throughout my freelance journey, I've had the pleasure of collaborating with various independent publishers and studios. My work is known for its whimsical and vibrant illustrations, which bring to life board books, picture books, magazines, and coloring books.
Website: usupova.art
"Eurynome", Anastasia Tribambuka
Statement
This is a scene from a Pelasgian creation myth. Pelsagians lived in a matriarchal society which changed into to a patriarchal one under continual pressure from victorious Greek-speaking tribes during Bronze Age. A supreme creatrix, Eurynome, "The Goddess of All Things", who rises naked from Chaos to part sea from sky so that she can dance upon the waves. Catching the north wind at her back and rubbing it between her hands, she spontaneously generates the serpent Ophion, who mates with her. In the form of a dove upon the waves she lays the Cosmic Egg and bids Ophion to incubate it by coiling seven times around until it splits in two and hatches "all things that exist … sun, moon, planets, stars, the earth with its mountains and rivers, its trees, herbs, and living creatures". Eurynome and Ophion settled on Olympus, but when he proclaimed himself the Creator, Eurynome kicked all his teeth out and banished him to the netherworld. In place of Ophion, Eurynome assigned the powers of the universe to a series of couples, each of a male and female Titan. Humans spring up from Ophion’s teeth, scattered under the heel of Eurynome.
Bio
Anastasia Tribambuka is a London based multidisciplinary artist, award-winning illustrator and animation director working predominantly in painting, printmaking and large-scale installations. Her practice is mainly concerned with the themes of shifting identity, home and belonging, as well as experience of living in a female body; with a strong participatory element and often involving audience interaction in the creation of the work. As a British artist with Russian roots, she takes a critical approach to the complexities of her heritage through a contemporary lens of feminist thought and mythological thinking. The striking, figurative visual language in her paintings is an amalgamation of her background in graphic design, the artistic elements found in Russian Avant-garde, French Analytical Cubism and Fauvism, as well influenced by the revolutionary spirit of swinging sixties.
Website: tribambuka.art
This is a scene from a Pelasgian creation myth. Pelsagians lived in a matriarchal society which changed into to a patriarchal one under continual pressure from victorious Greek-speaking tribes during Bronze Age. A supreme creatrix, Eurynome, "The Goddess of All Things", who rises naked from Chaos to part sea from sky so that she can dance upon the waves. Catching the north wind at her back and rubbing it between her hands, she spontaneously generates the serpent Ophion, who mates with her. In the form of a dove upon the waves she lays the Cosmic Egg and bids Ophion to incubate it by coiling seven times around until it splits in two and hatches "all things that exist … sun, moon, planets, stars, the earth with its mountains and rivers, its trees, herbs, and living creatures". Eurynome and Ophion settled on Olympus, but when he proclaimed himself the Creator, Eurynome kicked all his teeth out and banished him to the netherworld. In place of Ophion, Eurynome assigned the powers of the universe to a series of couples, each of a male and female Titan. Humans spring up from Ophion’s teeth, scattered under the heel of Eurynome.
Bio
Anastasia Tribambuka is a London based multidisciplinary artist, award-winning illustrator and animation director working predominantly in painting, printmaking and large-scale installations. Her practice is mainly concerned with the themes of shifting identity, home and belonging, as well as experience of living in a female body; with a strong participatory element and often involving audience interaction in the creation of the work. As a British artist with Russian roots, she takes a critical approach to the complexities of her heritage through a contemporary lens of feminist thought and mythological thinking. The striking, figurative visual language in her paintings is an amalgamation of her background in graphic design, the artistic elements found in Russian Avant-garde, French Analytical Cubism and Fauvism, as well influenced by the revolutionary spirit of swinging sixties.
Website: tribambuka.art
"Urban Tales", Oksana Bochina
1. "The Legacy of Sound (2024, Novi-Sad, Serbia)",
2. "The Guardian of the Stairs (2023, Dubrovnik, Croatia)".
Statement
In this series, Oksana explores the intersection of reality and the fantastical through the lens of urban life, reinterpreting everyday moments as modern-day fairy tales. The first image, "The Guardian of the Stairs," captures a lone cat as the silent protector of a hidden alley, reminiscent of the watchful creatures in folklore that guard secret paths and doorways. The second image, "The Legacy of Sound," portrays the passing of wisdom and tradition, echoing the timeless stories of mentors and apprentices found in countless tales. Through these photos, Oksana invites the viewer to find the magic in the mundane and to see the stories that unfold in the world around us.
Bio
My name is Oksana Bochina, and I am a street and travel photographer originally from Moscow, Russia. I have been living in Montenegro since 2021, where I explore the beauty of local culture, landscapes, and people through my lens. My journey in photography began with an inherent curiosity to capture moments that tell a story.
Instagram: @oksana_bochina
2. "The Guardian of the Stairs (2023, Dubrovnik, Croatia)".
Statement
In this series, Oksana explores the intersection of reality and the fantastical through the lens of urban life, reinterpreting everyday moments as modern-day fairy tales. The first image, "The Guardian of the Stairs," captures a lone cat as the silent protector of a hidden alley, reminiscent of the watchful creatures in folklore that guard secret paths and doorways. The second image, "The Legacy of Sound," portrays the passing of wisdom and tradition, echoing the timeless stories of mentors and apprentices found in countless tales. Through these photos, Oksana invites the viewer to find the magic in the mundane and to see the stories that unfold in the world around us.
Bio
My name is Oksana Bochina, and I am a street and travel photographer originally from Moscow, Russia. I have been living in Montenegro since 2021, where I explore the beauty of local culture, landscapes, and people through my lens. My journey in photography began with an inherent curiosity to capture moments that tell a story.
Instagram: @oksana_bochina
"Kristina's Dream", Natalia Trubnikova
Watch video performance
Statement
In this project "Kristina's Dream" Natalia Trubnikova directed a video performance that tells the story of magical female beings who appear in a young woman’s dream. Lost and overwhelmed in a large city by the sea (Istanbul), these guardian spirits dance a sacred dance to awaken her inner strength and inspiration, helping her find the resolve to keep moving forward.
Bio
Natalia Trubnikova is a theater director, performer, and video artist. She stages a wide range of theatrical productions, including children’s plays and experimental performances, across various cities in Russia. She has also created several art projects in Istanbul, Turkey.
Statement
In this project "Kristina's Dream" Natalia Trubnikova directed a video performance that tells the story of magical female beings who appear in a young woman’s dream. Lost and overwhelmed in a large city by the sea (Istanbul), these guardian spirits dance a sacred dance to awaken her inner strength and inspiration, helping her find the resolve to keep moving forward.
Bio
Natalia Trubnikova is a theater director, performer, and video artist. She stages a wide range of theatrical productions, including children’s plays and experimental performances, across various cities in Russia. She has also created several art projects in Istanbul, Turkey.
"A Kaleidoscope Of New Fairytales", Maaike Engelen
Open the book
Statement
Maaike Engelen presents the book with new fairytales. Fairytales are a magical and ageless genre appealing to all ages. The tales open up a fascinating and wonderful world in which children and adults can be in touch with the endless beauty of being human and magical at the same time. They offer the reader experiences of witches and wizards and dragons and trolls and many more fairytale creatures in a new and enchanting light.
Bio
Maaike Engelen is a psychoanalytic child and adolescent psychotherapist who works in private practice in London. She is interested in unconscious communication and she writes Zen poetry.
Statement
Maaike Engelen presents the book with new fairytales. Fairytales are a magical and ageless genre appealing to all ages. The tales open up a fascinating and wonderful world in which children and adults can be in touch with the endless beauty of being human and magical at the same time. They offer the reader experiences of witches and wizards and dragons and trolls and many more fairytale creatures in a new and enchanting light.
Bio
Maaike Engelen is a psychoanalytic child and adolescent psychotherapist who works in private practice in London. She is interested in unconscious communication and she writes Zen poetry.
"Tiny Khavroshechka", Daria Zarina and Anna Gorina
Statement
Fairy tales carry the essence of ancient myths, archetypal narratives timeless in nature, playing out all roles within a single psyche. If the girl's childhood was unhappy, she more likely dreamed of magical help and justice, like Tiny Havroshechka. Growing up, she finds herself at the bottom of exhaustion from trying to please one cruel mistress after another—abusive relationships, societal expectations—and realizes that she is the mistress, slaughtering her cow every day. Only after such understanding she can grow into a golden apple tree, deciding by herself whom to share her fruits with— her care, love, children, or creative projects.
Bio
Daria Zarina
Multidisciplinary artist and performer, co-founder of hospital clown profession in Russia.
Assistant to theater artists Isabella Baywater and Paul Brown (UK) during their work at the Mariinsky Theatre.
Curator of exhibitions at Artplay (Russia).
Author and performer at the Theater Malenky (Israel).
Collaborated with Andrei Kezzin (Germany) and Alexander Lavrentyev (Russia) as a model.
Anna Gorina, Jungian therapist
Fairy tales carry the essence of ancient myths, archetypal narratives timeless in nature, playing out all roles within a single psyche. If the girl's childhood was unhappy, she more likely dreamed of magical help and justice, like Tiny Havroshechka. Growing up, she finds herself at the bottom of exhaustion from trying to please one cruel mistress after another—abusive relationships, societal expectations—and realizes that she is the mistress, slaughtering her cow every day. Only after such understanding she can grow into a golden apple tree, deciding by herself whom to share her fruits with— her care, love, children, or creative projects.
Bio
Daria Zarina
Multidisciplinary artist and performer, co-founder of hospital clown profession in Russia.
Assistant to theater artists Isabella Baywater and Paul Brown (UK) during their work at the Mariinsky Theatre.
Curator of exhibitions at Artplay (Russia).
Author and performer at the Theater Malenky (Israel).
Collaborated with Andrei Kezzin (Germany) and Alexander Lavrentyev (Russia) as a model.
Anna Gorina, Jungian therapist
"Hebridean shores", Anastasia Rak
Statement
These film pictures from the Outer Hebrides capture the perpetual mysterious beauty of the Scottish islands, both familiar and otherworldly. Time here stretches and bends, as hikers navigate through the stark beauty of the remote shores. In this liminal space, in-between the sea and the sky, we invite you to contemplate about the transience of everyday life.
Bio
Anastasia Rak, UK-based photographer.
"Through my work, I strive to open a window to the beauty of nature for viewers, using my film camera and drone. This love for photography is deeply rooted in my travels and the thrill of capturing the unique atmosphere of each place I visit.
My journey in photography began when I first arrived in St Andrews, a small but scenic Scottish village. Moving to Scotland from a big city was a significant change, but it immediately sparked my interest in landscape photography. I have embarked on photographic journeys across the UK, starting from the villages of Scotland to the landscapes of the Outer Hebrides. Every trip is a story and photography helps me capture the emotions I experience in a new place".
These film pictures from the Outer Hebrides capture the perpetual mysterious beauty of the Scottish islands, both familiar and otherworldly. Time here stretches and bends, as hikers navigate through the stark beauty of the remote shores. In this liminal space, in-between the sea and the sky, we invite you to contemplate about the transience of everyday life.
Bio
Anastasia Rak, UK-based photographer.
"Through my work, I strive to open a window to the beauty of nature for viewers, using my film camera and drone. This love for photography is deeply rooted in my travels and the thrill of capturing the unique atmosphere of each place I visit.
My journey in photography began when I first arrived in St Andrews, a small but scenic Scottish village. Moving to Scotland from a big city was a significant change, but it immediately sparked my interest in landscape photography. I have embarked on photographic journeys across the UK, starting from the villages of Scotland to the landscapes of the Outer Hebrides. Every trip is a story and photography helps me capture the emotions I experience in a new place".
"Wheels of Imagination", Alexander Nikitin
Statement
In the ordinary streets of Istanbul, two boys find magic in the simplest of things—a cart and boundless imagination. While my work typically captures the rawness of urban life, this series reflects the innocence and creativity of childhood, where everyday moments transform into their own kind of fairy tale, untouched by the constraints of reality.
Bio
Art photographer based in Turkey, Istanbul
In the heart of cities, where history and modernity intertwine, I find the essence of my art. Inspired by urban landscapes, history, and the stories they hold, my work reflects the contrast between nature’s simplicity and urban complexity. My work is a study of contrasts — the raw simplicity of the natural world against the reality of city life. My artistic expression is captured through digital and film photography, with a special affinity for the unique character of vintage lenses and their interaction with light. This love for the tangible extends to my work with collages and paints. Recently, I’ve delved into the world of generative AI art, blending the timeless with the innovative. In my art, I explore themes of survival, inequality, and the beauty in simplicity, aiming to evoke a dialogue about our place in this ever-evolving world. It’s a narrative about living, adapting, and finding beauty in the most unassuming moments.
Website: www.nikitin.pw
In the ordinary streets of Istanbul, two boys find magic in the simplest of things—a cart and boundless imagination. While my work typically captures the rawness of urban life, this series reflects the innocence and creativity of childhood, where everyday moments transform into their own kind of fairy tale, untouched by the constraints of reality.
Bio
Art photographer based in Turkey, Istanbul
In the heart of cities, where history and modernity intertwine, I find the essence of my art. Inspired by urban landscapes, history, and the stories they hold, my work reflects the contrast between nature’s simplicity and urban complexity. My work is a study of contrasts — the raw simplicity of the natural world against the reality of city life. My artistic expression is captured through digital and film photography, with a special affinity for the unique character of vintage lenses and their interaction with light. This love for the tangible extends to my work with collages and paints. Recently, I’ve delved into the world of generative AI art, blending the timeless with the innovative. In my art, I explore themes of survival, inequality, and the beauty in simplicity, aiming to evoke a dialogue about our place in this ever-evolving world. It’s a narrative about living, adapting, and finding beauty in the most unassuming moments.
Website: www.nikitin.pw
"Void Flowers", Anastasia Korolkova
Statement
In times of social upheaval, when the world seems more complex, flawed, and fast-paced than ever, we are drawn to fictions that can distort the global picture. Our myths, stories, and fairy tales exist to help us digest the paradox of our existence. This project, titled "Void Flowers", combines digital and analog approaches and has become a focal point for exploring transgressiveness. It features traditional fairy tale symbolism and imagery, aiding in the initiation—the very magical transition from one state to another.
Bio
Anastasia Korolkova is an artist born in Moscow in 1998. After graduating from the British Higher School of Art & Design in 2016, she laid the foundation for her creative pursuits. In 2021, Anastasia continued her academic journey, earning a bachelor’s degree in media production from the Higher School of Economics. This educational background not only enriched her understanding of visual storytelling but also served as a catalyst for her evolving artistic practice. Since 2023, Anastasia has been a permanent lecturer at a stylist school, where she imparts her knowledge and expertise to students through engaging lectures in art photography and styling. Over the past ten years of Anastasia’s artistic practice, she has created her personal artistic worlds that explore the neurotic nature of the modern world.
In times of social upheaval, when the world seems more complex, flawed, and fast-paced than ever, we are drawn to fictions that can distort the global picture. Our myths, stories, and fairy tales exist to help us digest the paradox of our existence. This project, titled "Void Flowers", combines digital and analog approaches and has become a focal point for exploring transgressiveness. It features traditional fairy tale symbolism and imagery, aiding in the initiation—the very magical transition from one state to another.
Bio
Anastasia Korolkova is an artist born in Moscow in 1998. After graduating from the British Higher School of Art & Design in 2016, she laid the foundation for her creative pursuits. In 2021, Anastasia continued her academic journey, earning a bachelor’s degree in media production from the Higher School of Economics. This educational background not only enriched her understanding of visual storytelling but also served as a catalyst for her evolving artistic practice. Since 2023, Anastasia has been a permanent lecturer at a stylist school, where she imparts her knowledge and expertise to students through engaging lectures in art photography and styling. Over the past ten years of Anastasia’s artistic practice, she has created her personal artistic worlds that explore the neurotic nature of the modern world.
Series of artworks, Ekaterina Seromakha
1. "Childhood", 80*100 cm, acrylic, mixed media, 2023.
This work explores the fleeting and mysterious nature of childhood. By juxtaposing a house with the symbol of dawn—the rooster’s crow—it reflects the formation of personality, the transient nature of innocence, and the conflicting forces that shape our formative years.
2. "Sea Underwater", 100*120 cm, acrylic, mixed media, 2023.
In the mysterious twilight of the sea’s depths, like in a deep dream, the image of a mysterious girl appears.
The girl has a special connection with nature. She spends her days immersing herself in her childhood dreams, contemplating the magical events that will transform her life. Her greatest dream was to swim among the waves like a wave-fish and witness the beautiful underwater world.
She lays out the maps of her fantasies on the floor, trying to find the path to her wave-fish. Her mind shines with bright ideas and the delicate colors of imagination. Like a little sorceress, she creates amazing stories where the ocean is recreated in miniature.
3. "Mermaids", 100*120 cm, mixed media, acrylic, 2023.
The painting invites us into a realm where reality and imagination converge in a mesmerizing dance. At the heart of the image is a girl with the grace of a mermaid and the allure of a siren. Her cascading hair blends with the foam, becoming an extension of her thoughts, evoking a mixture of conscious and subconscious feelings. Her hair falls like a symphony of captivating curls, resembling ribbons spun from gold.
Like the ancient songs of sirens, her charm captivates the viewer, inviting them to dive into the depths of their own thoughts and desires.
Bio
I am Ekaterina Seromakha, a science art artist from Moscow.
I am an artist. In my paintings, I express endless admiration for the world of nature and its variety of colors, forms and textures. In every brushstroke, I try to express this love and passion. My paintings are born deep inside me through meditation and by revisiting past experiences. I only observe as they come alive on the canvas. I want to share with the viewer the beauty of the world’s oceans, the diversity of the macro and microcosms, and the variety of marine nature. I enjoy directing attention inward, expanding perception and self-awareness of the viewer.
In my works, I combine realism and metaphors. I like integrating recognizable images into an imaginary world and connecting familiar phenomena with their spiritual beginnings. I learned this during seven years of study at the art studio.
This work explores the fleeting and mysterious nature of childhood. By juxtaposing a house with the symbol of dawn—the rooster’s crow—it reflects the formation of personality, the transient nature of innocence, and the conflicting forces that shape our formative years.
2. "Sea Underwater", 100*120 cm, acrylic, mixed media, 2023.
In the mysterious twilight of the sea’s depths, like in a deep dream, the image of a mysterious girl appears.
The girl has a special connection with nature. She spends her days immersing herself in her childhood dreams, contemplating the magical events that will transform her life. Her greatest dream was to swim among the waves like a wave-fish and witness the beautiful underwater world.
She lays out the maps of her fantasies on the floor, trying to find the path to her wave-fish. Her mind shines with bright ideas and the delicate colors of imagination. Like a little sorceress, she creates amazing stories where the ocean is recreated in miniature.
3. "Mermaids", 100*120 cm, mixed media, acrylic, 2023.
The painting invites us into a realm where reality and imagination converge in a mesmerizing dance. At the heart of the image is a girl with the grace of a mermaid and the allure of a siren. Her cascading hair blends with the foam, becoming an extension of her thoughts, evoking a mixture of conscious and subconscious feelings. Her hair falls like a symphony of captivating curls, resembling ribbons spun from gold.
Like the ancient songs of sirens, her charm captivates the viewer, inviting them to dive into the depths of their own thoughts and desires.
Bio
I am Ekaterina Seromakha, a science art artist from Moscow.
I am an artist. In my paintings, I express endless admiration for the world of nature and its variety of colors, forms and textures. In every brushstroke, I try to express this love and passion. My paintings are born deep inside me through meditation and by revisiting past experiences. I only observe as they come alive on the canvas. I want to share with the viewer the beauty of the world’s oceans, the diversity of the macro and microcosms, and the variety of marine nature. I enjoy directing attention inward, expanding perception and self-awareness of the viewer.
In my works, I combine realism and metaphors. I like integrating recognizable images into an imaginary world and connecting familiar phenomena with their spiritual beginnings. I learned this during seven years of study at the art studio.
"The Scarlet Flower", Tatiana Semkova
Statement
The painting "The Scarlet Flower" reinterprets the traditional Russian fairy tale, transforming the flower into a symbol of inner mystery and transformation. Through vibrant colors and a whimsical central figure, the artist explores themes of enchantment, innocence, and the hidden magic within everyday life. This work invites viewers to reconnect with the wonder and beauty of fairy tales, bringing them into a contemporary context.
Bio
For the past 20 years, I have been bringing beauty to the world and the people in it. I am the founder of several projects, including the international children’s textile brand Lovebabytoys. Each project is like a child, born to bring people joy and happiness. I carefully consider every detail of the products, constantly refining the design, quality, technology, and service, while adding deeper meaning to them. My products are a blend of craftsmanship and art. My mission is to share the magic of handmade work, design, and beauty, and to inspire people to create beauty and comfort in their daily lives—at home, in their city, their country, and on the planet.
The painting "The Scarlet Flower" reinterprets the traditional Russian fairy tale, transforming the flower into a symbol of inner mystery and transformation. Through vibrant colors and a whimsical central figure, the artist explores themes of enchantment, innocence, and the hidden magic within everyday life. This work invites viewers to reconnect with the wonder and beauty of fairy tales, bringing them into a contemporary context.
Bio
For the past 20 years, I have been bringing beauty to the world and the people in it. I am the founder of several projects, including the international children’s textile brand Lovebabytoys. Each project is like a child, born to bring people joy and happiness. I carefully consider every detail of the products, constantly refining the design, quality, technology, and service, while adding deeper meaning to them. My products are a blend of craftsmanship and art. My mission is to share the magic of handmade work, design, and beauty, and to inspire people to create beauty and comfort in their daily lives—at home, in their city, their country, and on the planet.
“Spirals of Myth”, Maksim Ilyasov
Watch video
Statement
"Spirals of Myth" delves into the cyclical nature of fairy tales and their reinterpretation. The video blends forest, sky, and sea—symbols of classic fairy tale landscapes. Through swirling, disorienting visuals, it immerses the viewer in a world where myth and reality converge.
The forest represents an inward journey, while the sky and sea symbolize freedom and the unknown. Birds, as recurring motifs, connect these realms, embodying the ever-evolving narratives we inherit and reshape.
Bio
I am 40 years old and I live in Montenegro, but I was born in Russia, graduated from the Institute of Television and Radio, as well as the technical University with a degree in engineering. Most of the time I work as an independent video content creator. Since 2003, I have been working as a cameraman, colorist and director in various genres of video production. All this time I have been looking for extraordinary compositions, unique lighting effects, and trying to combine all possible image and sound tools to create content with a special mood and meaning. For me, it’s not just a job or an attempt to express myself, but a way of thinking. This is my job, my hobby and my passion. My favorite kind of work is making videos related to music, as well as videos that convey the incredible beauty of our planet. I also like to film the emotions of people, and capture their lifestyle in a shot.
Statement
"Spirals of Myth" delves into the cyclical nature of fairy tales and their reinterpretation. The video blends forest, sky, and sea—symbols of classic fairy tale landscapes. Through swirling, disorienting visuals, it immerses the viewer in a world where myth and reality converge.
The forest represents an inward journey, while the sky and sea symbolize freedom and the unknown. Birds, as recurring motifs, connect these realms, embodying the ever-evolving narratives we inherit and reshape.
Bio
I am 40 years old and I live in Montenegro, but I was born in Russia, graduated from the Institute of Television and Radio, as well as the technical University with a degree in engineering. Most of the time I work as an independent video content creator. Since 2003, I have been working as a cameraman, colorist and director in various genres of video production. All this time I have been looking for extraordinary compositions, unique lighting effects, and trying to combine all possible image and sound tools to create content with a special mood and meaning. For me, it’s not just a job or an attempt to express myself, but a way of thinking. This is my job, my hobby and my passion. My favorite kind of work is making videos related to music, as well as videos that convey the incredible beauty of our planet. I also like to film the emotions of people, and capture their lifestyle in a shot.
"Baba Yaga's New House", Mila Rosha
Statement
We all heard about Baba Yaga as the wicked witch who haunts children and whose house is crooked and old and is standing on chicken legs. And in our imagination Baba Yaga is also an old and ugly lady. But reflecting on this fairy (or horror) tale as a grown up I thought — what if she’s just a strong and independent woman in her late fifties? She just retired and uses her mortar as a plant pot now growing lavender to add it to her raf coffee. She also renovated her house and painted it pink, a color she had admired since childhood but was too unsure of how well it would fit the gothic look of her lifestyle. But she just decided to give it a go, and in fact everything turned out exactly as she had always imagined it. Night has fallen on the town, and now that she is not working the night shift, flying in a mortar and looking after the forest, Baba Yaga can simply relax with a book and coffee. But something is missing, and that is her cat familiar. Come in, silly, Baba Yaga is waiting for you to cuddle in her new, softest rocking chair. But all this is left to the viewer’s discretion, and in this work you actually see that this is the most comfortable house in the middle of the forest, it is not scary, but a very friendly area, with many flowers and cute animals. You may notice that there is a witch living in the house, she left her boots and broom outside. But you feel that she is kind, and you can’t help but want to come in, have a nice chat and drink a cup of warm tea with that lady called Baba Yaga.
Bio
Mila Rosha is an illustrator based in Cyprus. Working as a printmaker, Mila founded her shop in 2015. After moving countries in 2022, she had to close her business and has since been trying to find her new path in art, creating illustrations and aspiring to draw for picture books. Her biggest sources of inspiration are nature, books, times long past — the Middle Ages, Victorian and Edwardian eras, and more recently, her son. In her art, Mila explores light and dark and how they always go hand in hand, the contrast of beautiful and ugly, sweet and scary.
We all heard about Baba Yaga as the wicked witch who haunts children and whose house is crooked and old and is standing on chicken legs. And in our imagination Baba Yaga is also an old and ugly lady. But reflecting on this fairy (or horror) tale as a grown up I thought — what if she’s just a strong and independent woman in her late fifties? She just retired and uses her mortar as a plant pot now growing lavender to add it to her raf coffee. She also renovated her house and painted it pink, a color she had admired since childhood but was too unsure of how well it would fit the gothic look of her lifestyle. But she just decided to give it a go, and in fact everything turned out exactly as she had always imagined it. Night has fallen on the town, and now that she is not working the night shift, flying in a mortar and looking after the forest, Baba Yaga can simply relax with a book and coffee. But something is missing, and that is her cat familiar. Come in, silly, Baba Yaga is waiting for you to cuddle in her new, softest rocking chair. But all this is left to the viewer’s discretion, and in this work you actually see that this is the most comfortable house in the middle of the forest, it is not scary, but a very friendly area, with many flowers and cute animals. You may notice that there is a witch living in the house, she left her boots and broom outside. But you feel that she is kind, and you can’t help but want to come in, have a nice chat and drink a cup of warm tea with that lady called Baba Yaga.
Bio
Mila Rosha is an illustrator based in Cyprus. Working as a printmaker, Mila founded her shop in 2015. After moving countries in 2022, she had to close her business and has since been trying to find her new path in art, creating illustrations and aspiring to draw for picture books. Her biggest sources of inspiration are nature, books, times long past — the Middle Ages, Victorian and Edwardian eras, and more recently, her son. In her art, Mila explores light and dark and how they always go hand in hand, the contrast of beautiful and ugly, sweet and scary.
