Smirnova Elena
Contemporary artist /Symbolism, realism, surrealism/
Member of the National Union of Pastelists
Member of the National Union of Pastelists
Bio
1974 b.y.
Born in 1974 in Gorky city, currently resides in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
Since 2016, she has been working with various materials and techniques, with a preference for oil painting and pastel.
Currently, she is in a creative exploration, experimenting and developing her own style.
Since 2018, she has been actively engaged in social activities.
Artist statement
Art changes reality. As an artist, I have the opportunity to share my world with the audience. It is reflected in my paintings, allowing each viewer to travel through them, discovering new facets and personal meanings.
The search for ways to enhance the impact on the viewer led me to collaborate with a writer. This resulted in the project "Paintings with Stories", where text accompanies the artwork, making the artistic reality even more immersive. The project "Paintings with Stories" consists of several series.
The first series, "Thoughts on Meaning", inspired the creation of a transformational game of the same name and a novel has been written.
Metaphors take the viewer to a deeper level of self-awareness and have a therapeutic effect, which I consider most important, as it brings the audience closer to themselves, helps them find harmony, and ultimately leads to greater happiness.
E x h i b i t i o n s :
Personal Exhibitions:
2024 "When the Brush Meets the Word...", KuranoVa Art Gallery, Nizhny Novgorod.
2024 Exhibition and presentation of a transformational game based on the art project "Paintings with
Stories", Interregional Festival of Transformational Games, Nizhny Novgorod.
2017–2020, 2024 Exhibitions at the Interregional Festival of Transformational Games, Nizhny Novgorod.
2019 "My Path", Woman Russia Magazine Presentation, Nizhny Novgorod.
2019 "My Path", Center for Wellness and Rehabilitation, Nizhny Novgorod.
Group Exhibitions:
2025 International Exhibition and Competition of Contemporary Art "St.Petersburg Art Week", Halls of the Imperial Society for the Encouragement of the Arts, St.Petersburg
2025 Exhibition and sale "Russian Happiness ", Sergiyenko Art Center, St.Petersburg
2025 Curator of the exhibition "Art Heals with Beauty", organized by the Ministry of Health of the
Nizhny Novgorod Region and the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Organization of the Healthcare Workers'
Union of the Russian Federation. KuranoVa Art Gallery, Nizhny Novgorod.
2024 "Portrait of My City", Nizhny Novgorod State Art Museum, Nizhny Novgorod.
2024 "ART World", Exhibition Center Nizhny Novgorod Fair, Nizhny Novgorod.
2024 "Vertical", Museum and Exhibition Center Mikula, Nizhny Novgorod.
2024 "Magnificent Chaos", KuranoVa Art Gallery, Nizhny Novgorod.
2024 "Gardens-Flowers", Creative Group Nothing to Worry About, Zapovednye Kvartaly, Nizhny
Novgorod.
2024 "Art – NAVIgator", International Forum of Contemporary Artists.
2023 Finalist of the "Positive Art: Season II" competition, Open Calls.
2017 "ART Russia", Exhibition Center Nizhny Novgorod Fair, Nizhny Novgorod
2024 "When the Brush Meets the Word...", KuranoVa Art Gallery, Nizhny Novgorod.
2024 Exhibition and presentation of a transformational game based on the art project "Paintings with
Stories", Interregional Festival of Transformational Games, Nizhny Novgorod.
2017–2020, 2024 Exhibitions at the Interregional Festival of Transformational Games, Nizhny Novgorod.
2019 "My Path", Woman Russia Magazine Presentation, Nizhny Novgorod.
2019 "My Path", Center for Wellness and Rehabilitation, Nizhny Novgorod.
Group Exhibitions:
2025 International Exhibition and Competition of Contemporary Art "St.Petersburg Art Week", Halls of the Imperial Society for the Encouragement of the Arts, St.Petersburg
2025 Exhibition and sale "Russian Happiness ", Sergiyenko Art Center, St.Petersburg
2025 "Russia's Talent", Center for Contemporary Arts and Art-Kommuna Gallery, Moscow
2025 Traditions and Modernity Festival, Moscow.
2025 "World Art Dubai 2025", Dubai, UAE.2025 Curator of the exhibition "Art Heals with Beauty", organized by the Ministry of Health of the
Nizhny Novgorod Region and the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Organization of the Healthcare Workers'
Union of the Russian Federation. KuranoVa Art Gallery, Nizhny Novgorod.
2024 "Portrait of My City", Nizhny Novgorod State Art Museum, Nizhny Novgorod.
2024 "ART World", Exhibition Center Nizhny Novgorod Fair, Nizhny Novgorod.
2024 "Vertical", Museum and Exhibition Center Mikula, Nizhny Novgorod.
2024 "Magnificent Chaos", KuranoVa Art Gallery, Nizhny Novgorod.
2024 "Gardens-Flowers", Creative Group Nothing to Worry About, Zapovednye Kvartaly, Nizhny
Novgorod.
2024 "Art – NAVIgator", International Forum of Contemporary Artists.
2023 Finalist of the "Positive Art: Season II" competition, Open Calls.
2017 "ART Russia", Exhibition Center Nizhny Novgorod Fair, Nizhny Novgorod
S o c i a l A c t i v i t i e s :
2025 The Art Heals project at the Yantar Rehabilitation Center, supported by Yuri Omelchenko, a gallery owner and founder of the ARTPatrol project. A specially designed workshop, The Hero's Path, developed in collaboration with writer Ekaterina Kopchinskaya. Nizhny Novgorod Region.
2025 Preparation for the filming of the First Channel of «The Art Tram» project forthe program "Let's Go". Nizhniy Novgorod.
2025 Curator of the exhibition of works by medical artists «The Art heals with
beauty", organized by the Ministry of Health of the Nizhny Novgorod region and
the Nizhny Novgorod regional organization of the Professional Union of
Healthcare Workers of the Russian Federation. KuranoVa GallEry of Modern Art,
Nizhny Novgorod.
2024 Head of the jury for the exhibition "The World Through the Eyes of Doctors",
organized by the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Organization of the Healthcare
Workers' Union of the Russian Federation.
2019–2024 Head of the jury for the annual interregional children's drawing
competition, organized by the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Organization of the
Healthcare Workers' Union of the Russian Federation.
2019–2020 «Zhuravushka» Social Assistance Center for Families and Children.
Volunteered as an art teacher for children (ages 6–8 and 9–12) throughout the
academic year.
2019 Federal educational program-competition "Queens of Business", Nizhny
Novgorod. My paintings were presented to the winners three times.
2018 Rosbank sold my painting at a charity auction.
2018 Charity "Art Flashmob" for Children's City Hospital No. 1, Nizhny Novgorod.
Wall painting.
Art Project "Paintings with Stories" (2023 — 2025)
Unique diptychs of images and texts invite viewers into a world created by the authors—a world of metaphors, reflections on life, and the search for meaning and beauty in the present moment.
This is a collaborative art project with the writer Ekaterina Kopchinskaya.
The first series, "Thoughts on Meaning", includes twelve paintings, each accompanied by a story written by the author. A book based on these paintings and stories is in a progress and is already with the editor.
In 2024, an exhibition featuring this series was held at the contemporary art gallery KuranoVa GallEry (Nizhny Novgorod). Each painting was displayed alongside its corresponding story. At the opening, we presented a performance: a video of the paintings was projected onto a full-wall screen, the writer read the stories aloud, music played, and a dancer embodied the main character of the stories. By engaging multiple senses, we immersed the audience as if they had stepped inside the paintings
themselves. The audience was deeply moved—some were brought to tears, saying that we had touched them to their very core. As a result, we were invited to host a creative evening and participate in the "Cultural Environment" project.
Inspired by this series, a transformational game titled "Thoughts on Meaning", has also been created and a novel has been written.
Enjoy my paintings
Paintings with Stories
Series «Illusions»
«Cherchez la femme»
Yes. That’s right. In every destiny, look for the Woman.
She may not be on the board — but her hand invisibly guides the game.
“Make your move. I believe in you. Be bold!”
The King is in the spotlight. But behind him always — the breath of the one who inspired the game.
The world is a chessboard. Life — a game in progress.
The Muse may seem like a silent witness, yet she is the one who decides everything.
Seek her…
Series «Illusions»
«Cherchez la femme»
Yes. That’s right. In every destiny, look for the Woman.
She may not be on the board — but her hand invisibly guides the game.
“Make your move. I believe in you. Be bold!”
The King is in the spotlight. But behind him always — the breath of the one who inspired the game.
The world is a chessboard. Life — a game in progress.
The Muse may seem like a silent witness, yet she is the one who decides everything.
Seek her…
«Cherchez la femme»
canvas, oil
70х80cm, 2025
70х80cm, 2025
Paintings with Stories
Series «Illusions»
«A game of your own»
Life from beginning to end is a game. Each person plays his
own: chess, monopoly, poker, horse racing...
Anyone who dares to play is courageous. They already have
a chance to win.
The loser is always the timid one who never made a move.
Luck will meet the stubborn people who believed in
themselves and continued to play: - As you wish! Oh, lucky
one!
Series «Illusions»
«A game of your own»
Life from beginning to end is a game. Each person plays his
own: chess, monopoly, poker, horse racing...
Anyone who dares to play is courageous. They already have
a chance to win.
The loser is always the timid one who never made a move.
Luck will meet the stubborn people who believed in
themselves and continued to play: - As you wish! Oh, lucky
one!
«A game of your own»
canvas, oil
60х70cm, 2025
Historica Gallery
Dubai
60х70cm, 2025
Historica Gallery
Dubai
Paintings with Stories
Series «Illusions»
«Force majeure»
The world has shrunk to the size of a game board, or the
game board has taken over the whole world... The stakes
are so high that life seems pointless without winning.
Yet... there is always irony in the game. Any game can be
interrupted by force majeure.
Is there a winner in this case? There is. The one who didn't
give up and started a new game.
Series «Illusions»
«Force majeure»
The world has shrunk to the size of a game board, or the
game board has taken over the whole world... The stakes
are so high that life seems pointless without winning.
Yet... there is always irony in the game. Any game can be
interrupted by force majeure.
Is there a winner in this case? There is. The one who didn't
give up and started a new game.
«Force majeure»
canvas, oil
60х70cm, 2025
Historica Gallery
Dubai
60х70cm, 2025
Historica Gallery
Dubai
Paintings with Stories
Series «Illusions»
«Wisdom»
The beginner in the game desperately craves victory and is
ashamed of defeat.
A mature player views failure as a valuable experience and
uses it for future wins.
For a wise player, nothing is more important than the game
itself, so he is invincible.
Series «Illusions»
«Wisdom»
The beginner in the game desperately craves victory and is
ashamed of defeat.
A mature player views failure as a valuable experience and
uses it for future wins.
For a wise player, nothing is more important than the game
itself, so he is invincible.
«Wisdom»
canvas, oil
60х70cm, 2025
Historica Gallery
Dubai
60х70cm, 2025
Historica Gallery
Dubai
Paintings with Stories
Series «Thoughts on Meaning»
« Height »
It is dangerous to be at great heights when the goal is merely to
impress and assert superiority.
Impressions fade, and superiority is not an axiom—it must be
proven again and again.
To keep reaching new heights, ignoring dizziness, the fear of
falling, pain, injuries, and losses.
Yet giving up the heights feels even scarier.
Failing to conquer the peak means facing disappointment—both
from others and within oneself.
But what if you choose a height? Not the one that dazzles others,
but the one that is truly yours. A height from which you can
admire the view, simply live and be—without the fear of taking a
wrong step and falling into the abyss. To be at the top, not for
others — but for yourself.
Bravely.
Series «Thoughts on Meaning»
« Height »
It is dangerous to be at great heights when the goal is merely to
impress and assert superiority.
Impressions fade, and superiority is not an axiom—it must be
proven again and again.
To keep reaching new heights, ignoring dizziness, the fear of
falling, pain, injuries, and losses.
Yet giving up the heights feels even scarier.
Failing to conquer the peak means facing disappointment—both
from others and within oneself.
But what if you choose a height? Not the one that dazzles others,
but the one that is truly yours. A height from which you can
admire the view, simply live and be—without the fear of taking a
wrong step and falling into the abyss. To be at the top, not for
others — but for yourself.
Bravely.
« Height »
« Height »
canvas, oil
60х70 cm, 2024
canvas, oil
60х70 cm, 2024
Paintings with Stories
Series « Thoughts on Meaning »
« Choice »
Life suddenly faded, like an old painting forgotten in the attic.
Dull colors turned the canvas into a dust-covered window,
obscuring the story once envisioned by the artist. A once-vibrant
silhouette is now doomed to remain trapped in a created matrix,
day after day.
The paints are gone. No more colors left. The outside world
insists on offering only gray—stain-resistant, understated,
universal.
A perfect choice. No visible marks, no mess. Convenient.
Practical.
What? Other colors? Sorry, they’re all taken. Too many people
wanted them, and your time for color has run out. Take what’s
given. That’s what most do.
But it’s a lie. Colors are always there—all shades, the whole
palette. They exist within. To see, to listen, to know yourself is to
live in full brightness. A new day—a new tint. That’s a choice.
Just like a choice of gray.
Series « Thoughts on Meaning »
« Choice »
Life suddenly faded, like an old painting forgotten in the attic.
Dull colors turned the canvas into a dust-covered window,
obscuring the story once envisioned by the artist. A once-vibrant
silhouette is now doomed to remain trapped in a created matrix,
day after day.
The paints are gone. No more colors left. The outside world
insists on offering only gray—stain-resistant, understated,
universal.
A perfect choice. No visible marks, no mess. Convenient.
Practical.
What? Other colors? Sorry, they’re all taken. Too many people
wanted them, and your time for color has run out. Take what’s
given. That’s what most do.
But it’s a lie. Colors are always there—all shades, the whole
palette. They exist within. To see, to listen, to know yourself is to
live in full brightness. A new day—a new tint. That’s a choice.
Just like a choice of gray.
« Choice »
canvas, oil
50х60cm, 2024
50х60cm, 2024
Paintings with Stories
Series « Thoughts on Meaning »
« Waiting »
I noticed her by chance. How did she even end up here?
I step closer. An elegant silhouette. A frozen grace. An otherworldly
refinement. Against the backdrop of time-worn dark trunks, her marble
skin dazzles with its whiteness.
I read the faded golden inscription on the pedestal: Amalia…
— Nice to meet you. What are you doing here, Amalia?
— Waiting…
— For long?
— I don’t know. An eternity. Or maybe a little less. I’m in no hurry…
— I envy you. I wish I knew how to wait without rushing.
— You can!
I sit on the grass, covered with dry leaves. The marble chill presses
against my back. I close my eyes and inhale.
The air, sharp and slightly damp, tickles my nostrils.
I want to freeze this moment—suddenly so beautiful. I exhale. Open my
eyes. The still world comes to life.
— Do you understand now?
— It must be cherished. The waiting. Waiting is life…
A barely noticeable smile touches the marble lips. Or was it just a
sunbeam gliding over the frozen face? It doesn’t matter.
I smile back.
Series « Thoughts on Meaning »
« Waiting »
I noticed her by chance. How did she even end up here?
I step closer. An elegant silhouette. A frozen grace. An otherworldly
refinement. Against the backdrop of time-worn dark trunks, her marble
skin dazzles with its whiteness.
I read the faded golden inscription on the pedestal: Amalia…
— Nice to meet you. What are you doing here, Amalia?
— Waiting…
— For long?
— I don’t know. An eternity. Or maybe a little less. I’m in no hurry…
— I envy you. I wish I knew how to wait without rushing.
— You can!
I sit on the grass, covered with dry leaves. The marble chill presses
against my back. I close my eyes and inhale.
The air, sharp and slightly damp, tickles my nostrils.
I want to freeze this moment—suddenly so beautiful. I exhale. Open my
eyes. The still world comes to life.
— Do you understand now?
— It must be cherished. The waiting. Waiting is life…
A barely noticeable smile touches the marble lips. Or was it just a
sunbeam gliding over the frozen face? It doesn’t matter.
I smile back.
« Waiting »
canvas, oil
50х60cm, 2023
50х60cm, 2023
Paintings with Stories
Series « Thoughts on Meaning »
« Dreams »
Everyone has them. Collecting dust somewhere. Forgotten, lost
in the move to adulthood, abandoned in the whirlwind of
important matters—yet still deeply needed. Childhood dreams.
Or not-so-childish ones.
The dreams that can paint the future in your favorite colors—if
only you dare to believe in them again. And in yourself.
There are dreams you can't grow out of, you can only fulfill
them.
Now and here—the perfect time.
Dreams are tired of waiting.
Series « Thoughts on Meaning »
« Dreams »
Everyone has them. Collecting dust somewhere. Forgotten, lost
in the move to adulthood, abandoned in the whirlwind of
important matters—yet still deeply needed. Childhood dreams.
Or not-so-childish ones.
The dreams that can paint the future in your favorite colors—if
only you dare to believe in them again. And in yourself.
There are dreams you can't grow out of, you can only fulfill
them.
Now and here—the perfect time.
Dreams are tired of waiting.
« Dreams »
canvas, oil
60х70cm, 2024
In a private collection
60х70cm, 2024
In a private collection
Paintings with Stories
Series « Thoughts on Meaning »
«Ice»
A winter in a heart turns life into a snow-covered desert. A
blinding white void where there are no feelings, no
emotions, no desires—nothing that could break the
flawless sterility of a safe vacuum.
Only loneliness roams free. With a ruthless icy needle, it
reaches for the soul, promising to end the pain. Forever.
Just one more moment to endure.
The unrelenting tip draws closer. Injection. The soul
hardens, becoming a perfect, unfeeling statue.
Then suddenly, the needle starts to melt—meeting a tiny
ember of love. Love for oneself.
The ember bravely smolders, flares up, scatters sparks,
driving away the freezing haze creeping into the soul.
Loneliness does not exist. You have you. Forever.
Series « Thoughts on Meaning »
«Ice»
A winter in a heart turns life into a snow-covered desert. A
blinding white void where there are no feelings, no
emotions, no desires—nothing that could break the
flawless sterility of a safe vacuum.
Only loneliness roams free. With a ruthless icy needle, it
reaches for the soul, promising to end the pain. Forever.
Just one more moment to endure.
The unrelenting tip draws closer. Injection. The soul
hardens, becoming a perfect, unfeeling statue.
Then suddenly, the needle starts to melt—meeting a tiny
ember of love. Love for oneself.
The ember bravely smolders, flares up, scatters sparks,
driving away the freezing haze creeping into the soul.
Loneliness does not exist. You have you. Forever.
« Ice »
canvas, oil
40х30cm, 2024
In a private collection
40х30cm, 2024
In a private collection
Paintings with Stories
Series « Thoughts on Meaning »
«Déjà Vu»
The other shore beckons. Always. It is precisely THERE that
the perfect place exists, where one invariably wishes to go.
Perfect for a picnic, a walk, for life.Tranquility, confidence,
harmony, fulfilled dreams. Everything is THERE.
The main thing is to overcome the obstacle. By wading or
swimming. By boat. To build a bridge. To fly across, finally.
And then THERE becomes Here.
To cast a glance at the abandoned shore, to bid it farewell
forever, before departing into a new life. Strange. The other
shore beckons again...
Déjà vu.
Series « Thoughts on Meaning »
«Déjà Vu»
The other shore beckons. Always. It is precisely THERE that
the perfect place exists, where one invariably wishes to go.
Perfect for a picnic, a walk, for life.Tranquility, confidence,
harmony, fulfilled dreams. Everything is THERE.
The main thing is to overcome the obstacle. By wading or
swimming. By boat. To build a bridge. To fly across, finally.
And then THERE becomes Here.
To cast a glance at the abandoned shore, to bid it farewell
forever, before departing into a new life. Strange. The other
shore beckons again...
Déjà vu.
« Déjà vu »
canvas, oil
70х60cm, 2024
70х60cm, 2024
Paintings with Stories
Series « Thoughts on Meaning »
«Side»
Which side to choose? On each there is "yes" and there is
"no", there is black and white, there are questions without
answers. And there is a boat, but where is that very pier?
Very close. It has always been nearby. Inconspicuous. Modest.
To make up one's mind. To notice and choose oneself.
To be on one's own side..
Series « Thoughts on Meaning »
«Side»
Which side to choose? On each there is "yes" and there is
"no", there is black and white, there are questions without
answers. And there is a boat, but where is that very pier?
Very close. It has always been nearby. Inconspicuous. Modest.
To make up one's mind. To notice and choose oneself.
To be on one's own side..
« Side »
canvas, oil
60х70cm, 2024
60х70cm, 2024
Paintings with Stories
Series « Thoughts on Meaning »
«Gaze»
How does the past sound? An anguished moan of pain or
laughter through tears.
And what about the yet uncomposed melody of the
future? Woven from faith in oneself and in better things, or
from broken hopes and unfulfilled dreams.
The gaze determines the face of reality. Everything
depends on the gaze.
Whether to seek a catch or an opportunity in the unknown
is decided by the one who casts the gaze.
Series « Thoughts on Meaning »
«Gaze»
How does the past sound? An anguished moan of pain or
laughter through tears.
And what about the yet uncomposed melody of the
future? Woven from faith in oneself and in better things, or
from broken hopes and unfulfilled dreams.
The gaze determines the face of reality. Everything
depends on the gaze.
Whether to seek a catch or an opportunity in the unknown
is decided by the one who casts the gaze.
« Gaze »
canvas, oil
60х70cm, 2024
In a private collection
60х70cm, 2024
In a private collection
«Wild» Series
«Wild Grace»
Paper, pastel
33х46cm, 2024
In the private collection
33х46cm, 2024
In the private collection
«Wild» Series
«Wild Gaze»
Paper, pastel
30х40cm, 2023
In a private collection
30х40cm, 2023
In a private collection
«Wild» Series
«Wild at Home»
Paper, pastel
26х33cm, 2023
In a private collection
26х33cm, 2023
In a private collection
«Wild» Series
«Wild Night»
Paper, pastel
35х50cm, 2025
In a private collection
35х50cm, 2025
In a private collection
«Wild» Series
«Wild Snowiness»
Paper, pastel
35х50cm, 2025
35х50cm, 2025
Series «Fairy Tales in the Big City»
Life rushes at super speeds, technological progress is relentless, globalization is
inevitable, but there are things we still "just know.
" They are literally embedded in our
worldview. You can move to the other side of the world and learn ten languages, but
the cultural code ingrained in the DNA of a Russian person remains unaffected by
location or social status.
That's why we immediately add "Ryaba" to "the hen," if it's a hut, it must be on chicken
legs, when we see a frog, we understand it might well be a princess, and cunning is
always symbolized by the fox, from whom no Kolobok has ever escaped.
The series of paintings "Fairy Tales in the Big City" is about how the familiar childhood
stories that have come down to us through the centuries do not grow old but continue
their journey. They evolve and are reinterpreted—yes, but they will certainly never
disappear.
There is far more fairy-tale magic in life than we usually notice. Just look around,
observe a little more closely—you'll recognize those very fairy-tale characters, and the
reality that seems so intimidating in its instability will become a little more friendly.
Life rushes at super speeds, technological progress is relentless, globalization is
inevitable, but there are things we still "just know.
" They are literally embedded in our
worldview. You can move to the other side of the world and learn ten languages, but
the cultural code ingrained in the DNA of a Russian person remains unaffected by
location or social status.
That's why we immediately add "Ryaba" to "the hen," if it's a hut, it must be on chicken
legs, when we see a frog, we understand it might well be a princess, and cunning is
always symbolized by the fox, from whom no Kolobok has ever escaped.
The series of paintings "Fairy Tales in the Big City" is about how the familiar childhood
stories that have come down to us through the centuries do not grow old but continue
their journey. They evolve and are reinterpreted—yes, but they will certainly never
disappear.
There is far more fairy-tale magic in life than we usually notice. Just look around,
observe a little more closely—you'll recognize those very fairy-tale characters, and the
reality that seems so intimidating in its instability will become a little more friendly.
Series
«Fairy Tales in the Big City»
«No slouch»
Everyone has a talent. And it’s not always obvious.
Sometimes, talent needs time to reveal itself. And even
then, it’s not enough to just notice it—you have to
believe in it, nurture it, and develop it. Gradually,
carefully, persistently.
If you’re lucky, there will come a moment when the
bearer of the talent astonishes not others, but
themselves. They’ll overcome impostor syndrome, take a
step back, and finally admit:
"After all, I’m not just a pretty face…"
«Fairy Tales in the Big City»
«No slouch»
Everyone has a talent. And it’s not always obvious.
Sometimes, talent needs time to reveal itself. And even
then, it’s not enough to just notice it—you have to
believe in it, nurture it, and develop it. Gradually,
carefully, persistently.
If you’re lucky, there will come a moment when the
bearer of the talent astonishes not others, but
themselves. They’ll overcome impostor syndrome, take a
step back, and finally admit:
"After all, I’m not just a pretty face…"
«No slouch»
Canvas, oil
60х70см, 2024
60х70см, 2024
Series
«Fairy Tales in the Big City»
«Grandma said it in two» /«We shall see what we shall
see»/
Moscow does not believe in tears. It had seen too many
of them. Sincere and fake, joyful and bitter, angry,
powerless, furious, hopeless. Moscow has immunity,
indefinite vaccination against pity.
Moscow cannot be won by tears, only by deeds.
Is it difficult?
Yes.
Impossible?
And that's what “Grandma said in two” («We shall see
what we shall see»)!
«Fairy Tales in the Big City»
«Grandma said it in two» /«We shall see what we shall
see»/
Moscow does not believe in tears. It had seen too many
of them. Sincere and fake, joyful and bitter, angry,
powerless, furious, hopeless. Moscow has immunity,
indefinite vaccination against pity.
Moscow cannot be won by tears, only by deeds.
Is it difficult?
Yes.
Impossible?
And that's what “Grandma said in two” («We shall see
what we shall see»)!
«Grandma said it in two»
/«we shall see what we
shall see»/
/«we shall see what we
shall see»/
Canvas, oil
60х70cm, 2024
60х70cm, 2024
Series
«Fairy Tales in the Big City»
«Thinking of the Sublime»
A frog, sitting in a swamp, thought of the sublime. Of a
distinguished prince who would appear, figure things out,
kiss her, and save her from the dreary pond.
Goodbye, frog skin! Hello, new life!
The poor, naive frog wasn’t to blame. She didn’t know that
a prince, even if he’s tall and clever, doesn’t guarantee
happiness—it’s not his area of expertise.
So what to do? Waste away in the swamp? Not an option.
There’s a working plan: to see the princess within, even if
the frog skin is misleading. To see it and keep thinking of
the sublime.
«Fairy Tales in the Big City»
«Thinking of the Sublime»
A frog, sitting in a swamp, thought of the sublime. Of a
distinguished prince who would appear, figure things out,
kiss her, and save her from the dreary pond.
Goodbye, frog skin! Hello, new life!
The poor, naive frog wasn’t to blame. She didn’t know that
a prince, even if he’s tall and clever, doesn’t guarantee
happiness—it’s not his area of expertise.
So what to do? Waste away in the swamp? Not an option.
There’s a working plan: to see the princess within, even if
the frog skin is misleading. To see it and keep thinking of
the sublime.
«Thinking of the
Sublime»
Sublime»
Canvas, oil
60х70cm, 2024
60х70cm, 2024
Series
«Fairy Tales in the Big City»
«The Cornerstone»
You can bury talent in the ground accidentally. Through
carelessness or ignorance. Due to self-doubt or excessive
attention to others' opinions. Anything can happen.
That’s life.
The most remarkable thing is that talent has no
expiration date.
It’s never too late to start digging and find your true
self—your cornerstone.
«Fairy Tales in the Big City»
«The Cornerstone»
You can bury talent in the ground accidentally. Through
carelessness or ignorance. Due to self-doubt or excessive
attention to others' opinions. Anything can happen.
That’s life.
The most remarkable thing is that talent has no
expiration date.
It’s never too late to start digging and find your true
self—your cornerstone.
«The Cornerstone»
Canvas, oil
60х70cm, 2024
60х70cm, 2024
Series
«Fairy Tales in the Big City»
«And Vaska listens, but keeps eating»
"May you never live in times of change," warned the ancient Chinese—supposedly Confucius.
And yet, here we are. Living through it. And it's fine. We’re managing.
Change, in the end, is always for the better—especially once the stages of "denial" and "bargaining" are behind us.
But our era holds something worse than change: the gusty wind of news, splashes of clickbait, waves of trends, attacks of contextual ads disguised as signs of fate, messengers shrieking every second...
Being connected 24/7, just to make sure you don’t miss "anything".
May you never live in an age of overwhelming informational noise!
And yet, here we are. Living through it. And it's fine. We’re managing.
We take an example from Vaska—who listens, but keeps eating...
*Note: “And Vaska listens, but keeps eating” is a Russian idiom from Krylov’s fable, implying indifference or passive disregard. It’s used here ironically—to suggest the wisdom of tuning out the informational noise and simply going on with life.
«Fairy Tales in the Big City»
«And Vaska listens, but keeps eating»
"May you never live in times of change," warned the ancient Chinese—supposedly Confucius.
And yet, here we are. Living through it. And it's fine. We’re managing.
Change, in the end, is always for the better—especially once the stages of "denial" and "bargaining" are behind us.
But our era holds something worse than change: the gusty wind of news, splashes of clickbait, waves of trends, attacks of contextual ads disguised as signs of fate, messengers shrieking every second...
Being connected 24/7, just to make sure you don’t miss "anything".
May you never live in an age of overwhelming informational noise!
And yet, here we are. Living through it. And it's fine. We’re managing.
We take an example from Vaska—who listens, but keeps eating...
*Note: “And Vaska listens, but keeps eating” is a Russian idiom from Krylov’s fable, implying indifference or passive disregard. It’s used here ironically—to suggest the wisdom of tuning out the informational noise and simply going on with life.
«And Vaska listens, but keeps eating»
Canvas, oil
60х70cm, 2025
60х70cm, 2025
Series
«Fairy Tales in the Big City»
«No rose without thorns»
The social vixen Patrikeevna* was walking through the Patriarch ponds, constantly catching glances thrown her way. The looks were different: intrigued, admiring, envious, disapproving.
Patrikeevna accepted them all with equal calm, not reacting in any way as she continued to display her graceful walk.
Suddenly, Kolobok* rolled right under her paws.
He started bouncing in front of the vixen like a basketball at practice.
-Your… beauty… is just… a trick…- Kolobok shouted out, hitting the pavement after each word.
-Being irresistible is hard work,- Patrikeevna’s eyes flashed dangerously, - and I don’t just mean in appearance, of course…
-A trick! A trick! A trick!- Kolobok stubbornly chanted.
The social vixen spread her paws in a gesture of indifference, swished her tail, and gracefully walked around her indignant opponent, resuming her interrupted promenade.
-No rose without thorns,- she tossed over her shoulder. - And roses go to the brave...
*Note: The names and imagery evoke Russian folklore. Kolobok is a small round pancake. Patrikeevna is the fox who was the only one able to cleverly eat Kolobok through her cunning tricks.
«Fairy Tales in the Big City»
«No rose without thorns»
The social vixen Patrikeevna* was walking through the Patriarch ponds, constantly catching glances thrown her way. The looks were different: intrigued, admiring, envious, disapproving.
Patrikeevna accepted them all with equal calm, not reacting in any way as she continued to display her graceful walk.
Suddenly, Kolobok* rolled right under her paws.
He started bouncing in front of the vixen like a basketball at practice.
-Your… beauty… is just… a trick…- Kolobok shouted out, hitting the pavement after each word.
-Being irresistible is hard work,- Patrikeevna’s eyes flashed dangerously, - and I don’t just mean in appearance, of course…
-A trick! A trick! A trick!- Kolobok stubbornly chanted.
The social vixen spread her paws in a gesture of indifference, swished her tail, and gracefully walked around her indignant opponent, resuming her interrupted promenade.
-No rose without thorns,- she tossed over her shoulder. - And roses go to the brave...
*Note: The names and imagery evoke Russian folklore. Kolobok is a small round pancake. Patrikeevna is the fox who was the only one able to cleverly eat Kolobok through her cunning tricks.
«No rose without thorns»
Canvas, oil
60х70cm, 2025
60х70cm, 2025
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