Ekaterina Chirkova @ artavita

Ekaterina Chirkova

1971. Self-made artist

I am for meanings. I like a voluminous, multi-layered and multi-valued world, in which every centimeter and every moment can be "dug deeper".

My system of coordinates is based on the study of oppositions: healthy vs sick, spiritual vs physiological; sensual vs sexless; internal vs external.

Visualization of a person's mental life is my favorite topic.

I am inspired by symbols, metaphors, Jung's concept, mythology. On the other hand, meetings with people, places, and art trigger the work of thought and feeling.

I am interested in references to the language of medieval art, with its naïve symbolism. But no less precious is the ability to play with styles and mix them, the freedom that a modern view of the world gives.

I would call neo-impressionism my direction - if there is a need to classify.

I love handicraft in art. Brush marks, strokes, body prints and testimonies of the soul, unevenness and trembling lines - this is what is precious.

I love irony and self-irony. I love funny details, even in existential themes

The series "At Home" and "Travel Notes" are a break from existential reflection, these works return to simple joys and impressions. "Life can just be bright," I recall.

Portfolio:

Existential

“THE INFANT SOUL IN A DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTSoul and illnesses”

(from left to right: asociality, phobias, schizophrenia, hysteria, narcissism, psychopathy, aggression, dependence, dissociative disorder, depression, infantilism)
Canvas. Acrylic, pastel, sanguine, pigments.
120x180 cm
2016

“Thoughts Oil on canvas, acrylic, pigments, charcoal, sanguine 160x130 2024”

When I think about the future, I don't want to think about high technology, artificial intelligence, and progress. I would like to hope that the future is freedom, human feelings and clear skies. Clear skies are already happiness. Tomorrow is the future

“THE SOUL AND ITS HELPERS. Canvas. Acrylic, oil, pastel, sanguine, pigments. 120x100 cm 2019”

One of the first works of the inside series, dedicated to the visualization of the internal mental states of a person.
And the first one, in which the theme of wings appears. It can be called programmatic.
The soul - in the center - with freshly erupted, still bleeding wings, weakened by the painful process of their germination.
The two figures supporting her originally symbolized love and meaning. To be honest, for me, their "prototypes" change depending on their mood and life situation.
But the one who grows wings always has support

My skyes. Puzzle. Oil on canvas, acrylic, enamel, pigments. 150x150, 2024 “My skyes. Puzzle. Oil on canvas, acrylic, enamel, pigments. 150x150, 2024”

Someone likes to look at fire, at water, or how others work. I love to look at the sky. There is always beauty, mystery and movement. Clear sky is about happiness, about the future, about freedom.
Breathe...
During the period of passion for paragliding, the feeling of the sky around, flight and the illusion of complete freedom were unforgettable.
Paragliders have been around for a long time, then there were many wings and pieces of the sky in painting.
Now the sky is covered to the fullest.
A free flap of the hand – with a wing or a hand – is priceless.

My skyes. Puzzle. Oil on canvas, acrylic, enamel, pigments. 150x150 2024 “My skyes. Puzzle. Oil on canvas, acrylic, enamel, pigments. 150x150 2024”

to be a mom is not so easy

“FIFTIETH BIRTHDAY. ”

Canvas.
Acrylic, pastel, sanguine, pigments.
160x140 cm
2021