Stories to Tell
Moscow-based painter and illustrator Irina Novikova indulges in the magic of reinvented fairytales and modern folklore. However, the artist does more than merely illustrate the stories, tales, and poems which inspire, but leads us viewers into twisted worlds where we can intimately interpret their mysteries. Novikova conjures earthy magic and mythological might in frenzied etching and serene watercolors, thanks to a long-time passion for the arts and an incredible ability to continuously find intriguing narratives in everything. It seems that Irina Novikova will never run out of stories to tell or fairytales to reframe, and the artist’s works show us there is no limit to the ways in which literature and poetry can be reinvented.
Part One: Who is Irina Novikova?
Question #1: Who are you?
My story is most likely typical, I wanted to be an artist from childhood, for the first time picking up colored pencils at the age of three, I declared that I would be an artist. While still at art school, I myself learned to paint with watercolors. At the age of thirteen, my first personal exhibition was held in Minsk in the museum of Maxim Bagdanovich, the exhibition was called “My soul is like a wild hawk”, these are the first lines of the poet’s poem. I then drew an illustration for this poem. Since then I have had 20 personal exhibitions in my hometown of Minsk (Belarus). At the age of 20, I left for Moscow and entered the Faculty of Art History, then graduated as a graphic designer. When I was studying, I could not participate as actively in exhibitions as before. Now after I graduated from the Academy, as an artist, I took part in more than 40 projects in six months. The materials I use are paper, ink and watercolor.
Question #2: Who are you as an artist?
What I like to portray is animals and landscapes. .. I also like to paint on mythological themes. Often I myself compose fairytales and draw illustrations for them.
Question #3: In terms of your artistic journey, why are you here and where are you going?
I want to paint and write canvases on mythological themes, as an artist, I want to do several projects, one of which is a story about modern Judith, transferring the legend to the future where the girl will appear in a different image. I have an illustration for a poem by Kharms.
Question #4: What do you absolutely need your audience to know about you or your work?
As an artist, I want a personal exhibition … And the publication of my works in a worthy and large magazine.
Question #5: What has the process of making art taught you or given you?
Art taught me patience, that even a small and insignificant piece of paper can be turned into beauty.
Question #7: What keeps you going?
I am supported by the realization that someone can understand what I am drawing, that there is a grateful viewer. Probably the love of those people who believe in me.
Part Two: Poetry on Paper
What is your artistic practice?
My favorite material is paper and paints, I experiment a lot on paper that was previously in use. Very often I sketch with a gel pen and then paint with watercolors or acrylics.
Watercolor, paper. Size 60×40 cm.
| Where/ How can Vacant Museum viewers see more of your work and where can they purchase it? |
| https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?v=photos&lst=100009868569… https://www.instagram.com/irinanov4155/?hl=ru |