Artists Members
NELYA AKIMOVA
Artist Nelya Akimova (NELYA-NAKI) is an artist who creates spectacular oil-on-canvas images and also works with digital photographic art. The primary goal of her research is to understand how illusionary our reality is and to encourage the audience to view things differently.
What if it turns out that everyone on Earth is an AVATAR and that everything we do is simply a giant game? And we have the power to determine our own fate for the ensuing 100 years? As a result, Nelya Akimova (NELYA-NAKI), an artist, reexamines the reality of the present world in her work and imagines a variety of potential futures for humans as well as AVATARS. "Welcome to the Game on Earth!"
Her works are evocative of the immensity and purity of snowy vistas, which stand in stark contrast to the imposing presence of contemporary concrete construction. Akimova is able to give her compositions a rough, concrete-like feel by using oil on the canvas surfaces of her works.
Figures appear out of the white expanses of paint in Akimova's work, which she creates through an instinctive approach without having any preconceived notions about how the composition would develop. She uses a limited colour scheme and a stark contrast between light and dark to create elegant simplicity. Akimova had a prosperous career in the pharmaceutical sector before deciding to devote her time solely to making art. But she felt compelled to live a life that went beyond the security and predictability to which she had become accustomed. When she started working on her new collection of paintings in Prague in 2018, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
MARIA AKOPOVA
Maria Akopova is a pioneering artist whose unique blend of various mediums creates captivating experiences that go beyond traditional art forms. Her body of work showcases her exceptional skills in graphic design, illustration, 3D art, and artistic production, with each creation telling a story inspired by her vibrant imagination.
Akopova’s artistic journey is marked by relentless innovation, celebrating the art of storytelling while boldly venturing into uncharted creative territories. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from the Moscow Art and Industry Institute (MHPI) and has furthered her education with courses in Comics and Illustrations, Autodesk 3ds Max, Art Management, and Gallery Management.
In 2022, she collaborated with the Kabanetto NFT team on an NFT project. Her artworks are part of collections around the globe.
OXANA AKOPOV
Visual artist Oxana Akopov is based in Southern California, USA. The primary areas of focus in her multidisciplinary work include installations, art, and photography. In an attempt to engage the audience, she incorporates simplicity, symbolism, and cultural innuendos into her artwork, drawing on her own experiences as an immigrant.
In addition to her training as a journalist, Oxana has experience working in communications for a large international company. Her ability to express her imagination via art is enhanced by these abilities and experiences. Symbols, passion and independence are the guiding principles of her art.
Works by Oxana are held in private collections in Armenia and the United States. In addition to the USA (Miami, New York, California), she has shown in the UK and Greece.
Artist about her work:
My art resembles "Little America." I conduct study on and communicate with the world around me through my work. My installations use an interdisciplinary approach to convey the intended message by fusing aspects of painting and photography. In order to create meaningful images, information must be creatively contextualised in my work. My art is governed by symbols, emotion, independence, and self-identification. Every piece of art turns into a metaphor that enables the observer to always "read" it differently and discover something new in it.
KATERINA BOGINA
Kate Bogina is a passionate visual artist who excels in sketching, art posters, visual performances, and digital creations. Her work beautifully blends contemporary and traditional styles, exploring themes of self-awareness, societal change, and human psychology. Through her art, she aims to provoke thought, evoke emotions, and inspire transformation.
For more than a decade, she has dedicated herself to promoting modern visual performance, enriching galleries and exhibitions with her vibrant presentations, and developing innovative educational methods in the art world. Her artistic skill set encompasses graphic recording, sketching, graffiti, social illustration, digital illustration, and pop art. She enjoys merging different media to create visual projects that resonate deeply and encourage reflection.
In her artistic exploration, she examines the influence of art on personal development and its function as a psychological tool. This includes investigating ways to nurture artistic skills, use art for stress relief, implement creative techniques in teaching both children and adults, and incorporate art into coaching for personal growth. She has shared her expertise through numerous workshops and masterclasses, leading over a hundred events focused on visual mastery. To further spread her knowledge, she founded a Visual Academy that offers online courses accessible to everyone.
Kate is enthusiastic about analyzing contemporary societal trends and expressing them through her visual art and performances. Since 2022, she has shifted her focus to acrylic painting and digital illustrations, aiming to convey important messages to a wider audience in a remote format. She enjoys tackling complex topics such as politics, psychology, self-development, and philosophy, transforming them into modern art forms that engage and captivate viewers.
Her artworks are part of private and corporate collections globally. She has showcased her work in Russia, Armenia, the UK, and the USA, and served as a board member for an organization dedicated to visual practitioners. In 2018, she performed a visual art piece in Atlanta.
Recognized for her creativity, she has received several awards. She studied fine arts at the S. T. Richter School of Arts in Moscow and holds a degree in Fashion Design from the British Higher School of Art and Design. Additionally, she has completed courses in creative economy, photography, and digital design.
Artist about her work:
“As an artist, I perceive my creations as a form of visual activism, blending elements of psychology, social critique, and human growth. My main medium is acrylic painting, but I also participate in live visual performances at public events, where expansive canvases transform in real-time before an audience. Through my artwork, I strive to address and illuminate the urgent issues of our era, including the evolution of human connections, gender dynamics, the influence of artificial intelligence, political landscapes, and the future of our society.
I draw profound inspiration from the trends and changes that shape our world, incorporating insights from philosophy, human psychology, and the rich wisdom found in various cultures. My art acts as a reflective surface for viewers, encouraging them to ponder, reassess, and possibly challenge their viewpoints. I want my audience to engage with more than mere images on a canvas; I want them to confront significant questions about their identities and the world they inhabit. Through this interaction, I aspire to stimulate thought, enhance awareness, and ultimately inspire personal development and a deeper understanding.
In my exhibitions, whether they explore the future, the human mind, or intercultural conversations, my mission remains unwavering: to highlight crucial issues that affect both humanity and individuals. My art serves as a spark for reflection and dialogue, urging viewers to think critically, reassess their beliefs, and seek greater wisdom and clarity in an intricate world.”
ROB CHEVALLIER
Rob Chevallier was born in 1957 in Oss, The Netherlands, and currently resides and works in Steenderen, Netherlands.
He pursued his studies in graphic design at the Art Academy in Arnhem. Since 2006, he has been active as a photographer across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. In 2017, he expanded his artistic practice to include the creation of photo objects and installations.
His artistic endeavors, which encompass mixed media photography, objects, and installations, primarily focus on themes of climate change, nature conservation, and sustainability. The aim of his work is to raise awareness about these critical issues.
Recent exhibitions include the EuropArtFair in Amsterdam 2024, where he received the 2nd prize jury award, as well as participation in the Artist Meeting at the Knokke Art Fair and the Climate Expo at the National Museum Muiderslot in Muiden. Between 2018 and 2023, he showcased his work in various venues, including the Dutch Climate Expo in Zwolle, CODA Museum in Apeldoorn, IJsselbiënnale, Zandvoort Museum, Watermuseum in Arnhem, and Museum Energeticon in Aachen.
In November 2024, he is scheduled to exhibit at Brussels Expo in Brussels, Belgium, as part of Art3F in collaboration with Gabriel Fine Arts.
His works have been acquired by private collectors across Europe.
ELENA DOBROVOLSKAYA
Artist Elena Dobrovolskaya was born in Russia and currently resides in New York. After receiving private tuition from renowned artist and distinguished member of the Russian Academy of Fine Arts Oleg Leonov, she began painting in Moscow in 2010. Later, Elena relocated to the US. She joined the International Art Alliance New York in 2012 and is a lifetime member of the Circle Foundation for Arts (France).
Artist about her work:
“First of all I need to say I am a realist. That means I am drawing and painting real objects and people around me. I am a figurative artist concentrated mostly on portraiture. I really believe there is nothing more interesting in nature than a human face. It is always about a character and a story behind it, which is marvellous! In my recent works, I was trying to combine my love for graphics with oil painting – using the dominance of Her Majesty Line to bring a fine silhouette definition on the sole-coloured background. Drawing itself is very important for me as well as color combinations. I am always carefully thinking about it before I start a new portrait because it’s the first thing which attracts a viewer.
Looking at my portraits, people are usually saying something about Gauguin or Van Gogh's resemblance, perhaps because of my colour palette. I do want to say that I found my inspiration in the portraits of late 15th- century German artists like Hans Memling (my favourite), Albrecht Durer, Hans Holbein the Younger and others. They belong to the Northern Renaissance period and have this beautiful elegant simplicity (which is false by the way), a fine silhouette definition on the sole-colored background, triumph and dominance of Her Majesty Line, herefrom they look more like graphic works than oil paintings. I love that, as the drawing itself is very important to me. I started as a graphic artist and brought it into my oil works. Also, their ability to use just a few colours is fascinating and so powerful! It immediately catches the viewer's eye from any corner of the room but when they approach the portrait attracted by Color, they see only the Face, everything else is flickering out... that is Mastery!”
PETER GÖRS
Peter Görs is a visual artist based in Stralsund, Germany. Born into a milieu of narrow-mindedness, greyness, and artistic restrictions in the summer of 1961 in the former GDR, the artist has always looked for ways to escape creative limitations. In the socialist regime, it was not acceptable to listen to certain "Western music styles". We may understand what it means to work with genuine devotion when we hear his tales of having to travel to more liberal Eastern states and make illicit links with the West to obtain the highly sought-after and rare recordings.
These days, Peter’s art represents one of, if not the most important, aspects of his life, having started out as a modest "sideline". It functions as an additional channel for his spirit of liberation. Initially, the self-taught artist focused mostly on portraiture, which he captured on canvas in his characteristically quirky colour arrangements. He experimented with distinct geometric shapes on vibrantly coloured backgrounds. The motifs will eventually give rise to abstract paintings. Since just the eye and the soul perceive the image, the mind is spared from dealing with figurative subjects when colours and shapes interact to create an aspect of spontaneous glancing. He strongly believes that every piece of art intended for seeing must be framed. For this reason, each picture, be it oil or acrylic, on canvas or thick industrial board, is meticulously and uniquely framed.
In addition to painting, Peter contributes to a Frank Zappa fanzine and plays with the bands STRING THERAPY, BLANCK ZAPPATH, and ZAPPNOISE. As one of its founders, the Frank Zappa periodical "The Arf-Dossier" is a must-read for fans and friends of the renowned "Zappanale" festival in Bad Doberan (see Wikipedia: Zappanale History).
His works are in private collections in the USA, Sweden, Norway, Holland and Germany. He has had multiple exhibitions in Germany and in the UK.
CARINE HAYOZ
Carine Hayoz is an architect and painter from Bern, Switzerland, who enjoys painting acrylics on canvas. She employs the formal vocabulary of landscape and architecture. She assembles compositions of surface, colour, and light that she artistically abstracts into a singular piece. The range of hues and shapes allows us both our personal interpretations and the unadorned and flawed.
In order to investigate the landscape and architectural components, Carine Hayoz uses atmospheric hues, abstract shapes and lines, accents, and subtle contrasts in her acrylic paintings.
On the square canvases, human forms start to appear more and more, capturing the buildings and landscapes.
She has participated in numerous solo and group exhibits over the past ten years in art galleries in Zürich, Basel, London, New York, Milan, Perugia, and Venice.
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“In every image, I give an unfinished story that the audience is free to add to, imagine, or even remake. Every motion, every position, and every interaction with the environment that the human being in my paintings makes conveys a fresh, insightful tale. "
KARAYA
Charlotte Baqai, who goes by the artistic name Karaya, was born in the UK in 1984. Residing in London, a city known for its rich artistic heritage, Karaya is quickly becoming an internationally recognized artist, with several shows lined up across Europe and the USA. Her art serves as a vivid illustration of energy transformation, depicting the metamorphosis of darkness into light, stagnation into vibrancy, and shadows into color.
Karaya is a firm believer in the therapeutic potential of creative expression and strives to convey this message to audiences around the globe. Her journey into the realm of painting took a significant turn after she trained and worked as a doctor within the NHS, inspired by transformative life experiences that led her to embrace her artistic side and become a Reiki Master. Since then, she has channeled her deepest emotions into her creations. Her unique technique of blending acrylic paints and inks with hands not only highlights her artistic skills but also reflects her profound dedication to healing through creativity.
Her works have been featured in galleries and art fairs around the world, including Italy, Germany, and Spain. She has successfully sold her works to collectors in both the United Kingdom and the United States.
Artist about her work:
“Painting for me is pure alchemy – driven entirely by the energy of emotions that need transmuting through paint covered hands, which channel and transform them into a dance of vibrant colours to create something magical. My desire is for the observer to deeply connect with my work- for it to awaken something in their soul that has long lain dormant that opens a portal to their own healing.”
KOVALESIK
Lesia Kovalenko, known by the pen name Kovalesik, is a self-taught Ukrainian artist whose artistic path diverged unexpectedly from her academic roots. Once an associate professor of world history, Lesia found a new passion for the arts through her fascination with astronomy.
Enthralled by the celestial beauty of the night sky, Lesia immersed herself in the study of astronomy, drawing inspiration from the enchanting allure of constellations. Combining her knowledge of art history with her newfound love for astronomy, she began to infuse her digital paintings with her cosmic fascination.
Lesia's art delves into the intricate relationship between art and science, merging astronomical elements with artistic expression. Each piece reflects her unyielding curiosity about the universe and is a product of her meditative practice.
Through her artwork, Lesia encourages viewers to embark on a voyage through the boundless cosmos, where art and science harmonize in a seamless blend of creativity and exploration.
Artist about her work:
“My creative journey encompasses both traditional graphics and digital media, reflecting my exploration of the world and the introspective path that follows. Currently, I am focused on unraveling the celestial beauty and profound wisdom found within the vast expanse of the sky, stars, and constellations. Ultimately, my aspiration is for my artwork to inspire and encourage viewers to embark on their own quests for knowledge and understanding. By fostering a deeper connection between cosmic phenomena and the individual, I hope to ignite a sense of wonder and curiosity, driving others to explore the intricate interplay between the universe and themselves.”
LUCY MEEBER
Lucy Meeber (b.2000, Nanjing, China) lives and works in London. Her works unfold from the book art installation, and unite with sculpture, photography, video, performance and etc. She is keen on using the speciality and multiformity of the language of architecture to recall her on-site works and examine from the reading perspective, in order to re-define the intention and directionality of reading.
“Everything is interdependent and mutually influenced.” To reflect and express these ideas, in her most recent works, she highlights the relationships with children, dreams, fairy tales, paper, and books. One of her major research is the senses of books. Engaging with multi-sensory experiences guides her separately and simultaneously to a sense of existence both spiritual and physical. As with the spontaneity of book space — both existing and non-existent during the reading process, her practical work attempts to hunt interrelationships between the inner self and the languages of the physical and symbolic body through clues…
Meeber exhibits internationally and her recent group exhibitions include Afterlives of Empire — Encounters in Art and Academia, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany (2023); Apparition, Fusion Arts, Oxford, UK (2023) and New Look, ShangART Gallery, Nanjing, China (2020). She studied MFA in Fine Art at the University of Oxford and BA in Fine Art and History of Art at Goldsmiths, University of London.
IRINA METZ
Irina Metz lives and works in Armenia with her family. Her work is a reflection of decades of cross-cultural research that she conducted while completing her doctoral thesis in philology and on several trips throughout the world. It makes sense that Irina's art would reflect her academic interests, which have always been the quest and perception of happiness in literature, history, culture, sociology, and psychology.
Irina studied oil painting under eminent modern impressionists such as Olga Kurilova, Svetlana and Federico Perotti, Igor Raevich, and Grigory Kuznetsov, to mention a few. Irina has modified their methods for transferring elusive moments of joy and beauty to the canvas in order to portray vivid impressions, priceless memories, and vibrant, valued dreams in her works. Numerous esteemed commissions have been given to the artist, including paintings for private collections and five-star design hotels in Asia, the USA, and Europe. Her artwork took home the First Prize at the 2016 Verona, Italy, Art Festival. Irina mostly creates her art in her Yerevan studio and en plein air while she is travelling.
Turbulent times make us strive for eternal values. My paintings are an investigation into how the world is changing as humanity moves from self-destruction to re-creation on the path to the conscious pursuit of Happiness. I am going back to the basics of impressionist painting, to their struggle to freeze moments of feeling, dreams, and recollections. Considering an alternative strategy, I am utilising two theoretically distinct but related media either separately or in combination. Vivid full-bodied images are created with oil colours linking my art to historical traditions of depicting the eternal beauty of humans and nature. Acrylic is a contemporary medium that creates a contrasting synthetic canvas of our lives today, which are characterised by fake news and veiled identities. Both oil and acrylic abstracts serve as valuable supplements to overarching ideas by capturing the deeper sensations and emotions that the outside world arouses in us. The quest of happiness in my art becomes a key to both inner and exterior balance through a combination of timeless and contemporary components. I want my paintings to inspire others to embrace joy, celebrate beauty, and accept life as it is, as well as to assist them get through difficult times.
MOMALYU
Liubov Kriuchkova, aka Momalyu, is an interdisciplinary artist based in Slovenia, Europe, who specialises in floral painting and pattern design. Her entire career has been centred around design and creativity. She was educated at the School of Fine Arts and she has a successful background in the furniture industry and interior design, along with a professional education in design.
Liubov was born in Siberia, and she has been painting ever since she was a young child. She has used painting to express her feelings and emotions. When she painted interior design projects for her clients, that's when she gained her first significant clientele. Then, after moving to Thailand in 2015, she gave everything up to pursue professional career in arts. The fragrant nature of Asia gave her works and paintings an air of warmth and sunlight. She is currently living and working as an artist in Slovenia and her art focuses on the relationship between nature and humanity. In addition to collaborating with several companies to create original prints and patterns for textiles and wallpaper, she is working on a new series of paintings. These days, she mostly paints scenes from nature, a theme that permeates both her artistic and commercial endeavours.
Liubov takes part in regular exhibitions and she exhibited her works in Slovenia and Czech Republic . Her works are in private collections in Thailand, China, Australia, USA, Canada and Europe.
"Love (translate Liubov) is who I am. That's my name, and that's how I investigate and reinterpret the world I live in. In the fast-paced world of today, I have a great desire to keep my inner equilibrium and shine a light on other people. Through contemplation of the beauty of nature and connection with it, my art serves as a means of reestablishing a connection with my true beginning and highlighting all that is good and good in myself and others.
Thinking about how the sun's rays open up nature, I see a lot of similarities between how our souls open up to love and transform. Using natural materials, I thus create light and harmony in my paintings. The Impressionists' use of a solar palette and their capacity to capture the fleeting moment of the present speak to me in this way.
"Know yourself - and you know the world," the ancient sages said, and these are not just words to me. My creativity is an extension of my worldview and a means of self-discovery. I express my sense of oneness with nature on canvases using oil paints that appear noble and deep to me. Their natural colours - earthen - represent support, and green - energy of growth, development, and harmony. According to Galen, "Nature is the highest wisdom embodied."
SLART
Steven Light AKA SLART is a figurative expressionist artist working and living in Swindon, UK. His work mainly revolves around portraiture and figurative art. He has always loved drawing since early childhood and is drawn to creating people-centric art because he loves the diversity of people, their stories, problems, issues, baggage, quirks, and personalities.
He dropped out of his A-level Art class because of an unsupportive tutor who said, “You can’t draw on a large scale”. Since then, he rekindled his love for art and has painted multiple large-scale murals in his town, produced many works from his studio, and has been part of group exhibitions in the UK and Germany as well as 2 well-received UK solo exhibits. One of the solo exhibitions, Fistula, documented his journey in living with chronic kidney failure.
Artist about his work: "I am a figurative expressionist at heart, who reveals and disarms human issues through my art. Some of my expressions include body image, anxiety, adoption trauma, kidney failure and crippling shyness. I enjoy using large canvases and outdoor spaces to make a big impact. I have been told my style is unique and has something special about it. I certainly agree that it is my own unique style and I let my passion for drawing and painting come through naturally, rather than trying to apply a particular technique. Being self-taught affords me this freedom."
QINGZHU LIN
Qingzhu Lin is a permanent resident of the US and he resides in Sunnyvale, California. He was born in China in 1951.
Growing up in a conventional family, he reminisced about his childhood when he would use chalk to draw on the ground and pencils to sketch on the walls at home. Initially, his parents scolded him for his artistic endeavors, but soon they couldn't help but appreciate his creations. Encouraged by their words, they recognized his talent in art and supported his pursuit of an artistic career. However, due to unfortunate circumstances, he never had the opportunity to further his studies in art, causing him to lose precious time. In the 80s, he dedicated himself to self-studying English for approximately five years and eventually obtained a diploma in English literature from Shandong University around 1989. Simultaneously, after three years of studying on campus, he also earned a Diploma in International Trade from Shandong Foreign Trade College. During this period, he broadened his horizons and developed self-confidence. Since his retirement in 2006, he embarked on his artistic journey, focusing on watercolor and oil painting. Determined to make up for lost time and fulfill his own sense of purpose, he poured his heart into each artwork, teaching himself along the way. Despite facing numerous challenges, the joy brought by his artistic creations outweighed the hardships. By experimenting with new techniques and perfecting his craft, each stroke of his brush became a testament to his steadfast dedication to capturing the essence of beauty and sharing his distinct artistic viewpoint.
Qingzhu Lin's body of work stands as a tribute to his commitment, influenced by his Chinese roots and the aesthetics of the Renaissance. His paintings embody a seamless blend of styles, cultures, and inspirations. Drawing inspiration from Leonardo Da Vinci's meticulous portrayal of the human form, his portraits captivate audiences, showcasing his precision and dedication to capturing the essence of his subjects. His primary focus lies in creating figurative paintings and landscapes that mirror the wonders of the natural world, seamlessly merging tradition with innovation. His artistic journey can be traced back to the enchanting marvels of childhood memories. The stamps he collected and the vivid memory of a beloved oil painting that adorned his childhood home sparked a deep-seated inspiration within him, igniting a lifelong passion for the realm of art.
Since 2021, Qingzhu Lin has showcased his works in both the United States and Europe.
Artist about his work:
"In my artistic pursuit, I aspire to create artworks that not only possess inherent beauty but also resonate with the desires and aspirations of the audience. With unwavering dedication, I strive to capture the true essence of art and unravel the profound significance it holds for the world. Through a harmonious fusion of styles and cultures, I aim to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of aesthetic exploration and discovery. My ultimate goal is to create art that transcends boundaries, inspiring and enriching the lives of those who behold it."
MODUPE ODUSOTE
Self-taught figurative painter Modupe Odusote is originally from Nigeria. She was raised in Lagos and is a Southern Nigerian Yoruba ethnic tribe native to Nigeria.
She has been a resident of the United States since 2008, and in that time, as a professional in human capital and organisation development, she has had the chance to live and work in other countries such as South Africa and Ghana. She is also actively involved in non-profit work that promotes the empowerment of women throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on those living with HIV and encouraging good mental health habits. She frequently engages with issues regarding representation, human aspirations, self-identity and actualization, internal growth struggles and equity.
PARJAM PARSI
Parjam Parsi was born in 1988 in Tehran. He currently resides in Yerevan , Armenia. He works in a variety of media. He is also a multi-instrumentalist, producer, audio engineer, and composer who is renowned for his mastery of several instruments and creative control.
Ha has created numerous abstract works using acrylic, mixed media, and ink drawings. He appreciates physically involving the viewer and holds fast to the belief that function comes before form in a work of art in order to address a variety of themes in a multi-layered manner. In his works, reality and fiction intersect, well-known analogies diverge, meanings change, and the past and present converge. Memory and time are always crucial. Using a lyrical and usually metaphorical vocabulary, he frequently creates several works that are practically identical and allow for the expression of opinions. By developing compositions or settings that produce serene poetic images that leave traces and balance on the edge of recognition and alienation, Parsi uses a conceptual approach to heighten the spectator's surprise.
DIANE PONDER
Diane Ponder is an American painter, digital photographer, sculptor, and videographer. She was born in Virginia and spent her early years in Missouri canoeing, hiking, cliff climbing, and swimming. She started reading early and read a lot. She has travelled much and lived in many other countries as well as states including Maine, Pennsylvania, and California. She currently has a live/work space in Evanston and a studio in Chicago. Additionally, she has had exhibitions of her work all around the world, and some of the most notable collections she is a part of include an Irish castle.
Diane has participated in numerous shows with the gallery in New York and Los Angeles as well as at the Gabriel Fine Arts Gallery in London. She additionally took part in the Hyperkewl collaborative initiative at the international MDW and Axis fairs. She participated in group exhibitions at the La Mama Gallery in New York and the JMC Gallery in Hells Kitchen in October and November 2021, respectively. She was a featured artist in the drive-through Eco Art presentation at Gateway Technical College in Racine, Wisconsin. She also participated in the 100th-anniversary members' show of the Oak Park Art League.
Locally, her work has been shown at Navy Pier, Grant Park, and Oak Park; globally, it has been shown at Vinalhaven and The Rockford Gallery in Rockford, Maine. She exhibited her work in the New York Art Expo, the Art Center in Orinda, California, and internationally at the first abstract art exhibition in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where she was the sole female artist. Her most notable exhibitions were Aqua Art Miami, Art Expo NYC, Chicago, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, and Singapore; Art on Paper; Chicago New Materials Art Fair; Verge Art Fair in Miami, Florida; and New York; as well as at the Hyde Park Art Center, Not Just Another Pretty Face; the 47th Ward Alderman's Office, which also hosted the 2014 1+1 show; Chicago multiples; and the Chicago Art Department.
Articles regarding Diane's work have appeared in the Oak Park Wednesday Journal, NBC, and the Chicago Tribune. The Living Room Gallery was an interdisciplinary art venue run by Diane. She collaborated with the artist collective Art House, and one of her pieces was featured in a PBS documentary about an art show that benefitted the women's shelter Sarah's Inn. Diane exhibited the Mark di Suervo sculpture "The Peace Tower" at both the Lincoln Park Art Fair and the Chicago Cultural Center. She also created a Peace Tower, which was used at numerous events to exhibit children's artwork. In addition, she supported an eco-art group by taking part in the Chicago Creative Expo at the Cultural Center. The Clio art fair, Blue Gallery, and Art St. Gallery all showcased her in September 2022.
GAREGIN PROTOPOPOV
Garegin Protopopov was born in 1979 in Moscow, in a family of hereditary artists and architects. He resides and works in Tenerife, Spain's Canary Islands.
Garegin pursued his studies in jewellery creation at the Carl Faberge Lyceum of Decorative and Applied Arts in Moscow, Russia. He studied art history and art theory at the Moscow State University of Fine Arts named after S.G. Stroganov, where he received his degree in 2002. He then spent several years working in the stained-glass studios of Alexander Popov and Vladimir Mikhailov, where she assisted in the restoration of the Novoslobodskaya metro station's stained-glass windows in Moscow, Russia. The artist was also engaged in mosaic production. Namely, he participated in the restoration of mosaics of most pavilions of the VDNKh Expo Centre in Moscow, Russia and created mosaic decorations for the St. Sava Cathedral in Belgrade, Serbia. Notably, he is also a co-founder of "Goldsmalt," a company that produces coloured and gold jewelry.
In 2023 he decided to devote himself to painting and creativity, where he connects his love for colour and beauty with all the experience accumulated over the years of working with noble metals, stone and coloured glass. His works are in private collections in Spain, Greece, Russia. He exhibited in the UK, Russia, USA, Spain and Italy.
As an artist, he reinvents his world. This is what he says about his work: “My themes are self-discovery through connecting with the beauty of this World. Landscapes and their fragments, caught at the point of revealing their beauty, details, the essence of things, their design, fractal structure and the logic of lines reveal to me the world of perfect proportions, integrity and infinite harmony.”
CHRIS RIGGS
Chris Riggs for Mayor is contemporary NewYork City artist, whose art works are based on a unique combination of cubism, abstract, surrealism, minimalism, pop and street art has made him a leading artist of his generation. His paintings and sculptures are in museums, galleries, and private collections in over 50 countries.
VEERA ROMANOFF
Veera Romanoff, a talented Finnish artist and architect, honed her skills through practical courses in drawing, painting, and sculpture before earning her degree from the Moscow Architectural Institute in 1992. Based in Finland, she draws inspiration from Fauvism and metamodernism, infusing her works with vibrant colors and free forms.
Blending aesthetics with visual language, Veera's art juxtaposes the mundane with the lively, creating a unique interplay of elements. Her background in architecture adds a layer of functionality to her artistic endeavors, resulting in a harmonious blend of beauty and purpose.
Having showcased her work in prestigious art exhibitions like the Synergy Art Fair/Art Miami Week 2023 and Art Market San Francisco 2024, Veera has gained recognition both locally and internationally. Her paintings, numbering over 300 from 2015 to 2024, are now housed in private collections across more than 20 countries worldwide, a testament to her global appeal and artistic vision.
Artist about her work:
"I have a strong belief in the impact of color and the influence of time. Color is not just a passion for me, but a way to express emotions and feelings. Time, on the other hand, is an artist that constantly reshapes the world. I aim to capture its fleeting nature in my art, using bold colors and free forms to stand out against the monotonous routine of everyday life. As an architect and artist, I strive to integrate modern trends with the timeless values of art, creating a new visual culture that sparks philosophical reflection and engages viewers in a dialogue about perception and interpretation. Together, let's embrace the beauty of the world and create our own interpretations. With love for color and faith in the power of art."
BEATA MARIA RZEPECKA
British visual artist and curator Beata Maria was born in Poland in 1984. She has been a creative force in the UK for almost 20 years.
In 2011, she completed an MA in Image and Communication from Goldsmiths, University of London, under the mentorship of Nigel Perkins. Her journey continued at the University of Oxford, sponsored for a two-year study in Project Management in 2019. As the founder of Gabriel Fine Arts, she's dedicated the last decade to breaking barriers and empowering artists globally. Known for her commitment to diversity, she's earned a respected position in the art world.
Her research connects the arts, science and philosophy through a series of projects. She enjoys exploring light and colour theories, visual perception, art symbolism, philosophy and cultural studies as part of her independent research.
Beata Maria is the UK Advisory Member for G100 Arts Leadership & Films. https://www.g100.in/Beata
BEA SCHUBERT
Bea Schubert, born in 1959, is not just an artist who has travelled the world, but one who has truly internalized its essence. Her artistic journey began at the University of Fine Arts in Braunschweig, Germany, where she studied under Professor Hermann Albert and honed her painting skills.
However, the pivotal moment in her career came post-graduation when she chose to diverge from the traditional path and embarked on a seven-year backpacking adventure around the globe. This expedition was more than just a thrill; it was a pursuit of light and colour in a world often shrouded in darkness, a search for happiness and vibrancy amidst global turmoil. This profound experience moulded her artistic perspective and eventually led her back to her true passion: painting.
It was here that she discovered her unique style and coined the term "AbstractPop," a perfect representation of her art. Bea blends vivid neon hues with everyday objects to craft pieces that radiate the sheer joy of life. Her fondness for large canvases enables her to create a visual impact that mesmerizes onlookers. The central theme of her work revolves around childhood.
With studios in Nienburg, Germany, and the sunny Spanish island of Mallorca, Bea Schubert has garnered international acclaim. Her pieces are showcased in galleries and esteemed art exhibitions worldwide. The accolades she has received from prestigious institutions like the German Embassy in Athens and the Chagall Museum in Vitebsk, Belarus, are truly remarkable. Moreover, her creations have found homes in significant international collections.
Looking ahead, Bea harbours ambitious dreams. She aims to exhibit her art in museums and public spaces in Mallorca, spreading her vision of a more vibrant, colourful world. Bea Schubert is not just an artist; she is a visionary who, through her art, enriches the world with more liveliness and colour.
Artist about her work:
My artistic expression is a rebellion against the dreariness of the everyday, a manifesto for the joy and wonder of childhood. In my works, I create a world where lightheartedness and imagination reign, where colors come alive, and hope and courage assume a tangible form.
Each of my paintings is an invitation to let yourself be swept away by the power of optimism. They are meant to lift and inspire the soul: Don’t just dream you dreams. Live them, boldly!
In my works, you will find a colorful oasis that will motivate you to discover your own, unique story. I want you to be the hero of your life, surrounded by a world infused with joy, hope, and boundless energy.
MAYA SCHULZ
Maya was born in 1973 in Sylhet, just after Bangladesh's civil war. She moved to the UK with her family in 1977 and she has been a resident ever since. Being a self-taught artist, she portrays the essence of cultures in her work, highlighting the beauty in our differences and the connections we all share.
Maya became passionate about painting at a very young age, and she now uses art as a form of self-expression. At the age of seven, she was encouraged to enter the national UK painting competition conducted to commemorate Prince Charles and Lady Diana's royal wedding, and as a result, she won the competition, which was judged by Her Majesty the late Queen. It is important to mention that Maya's father, an immigrant who founded his own business, had a significant impact on her and greatly encouraged her to achieve success. Many of her father's restaurants had her debut artwork on display and thanks to this she then attracted commissions from other businesses to create paintings for their restaurants and started selling her art.
Maya’s journey from a young immigrant to a successful artist, TV presenter, and tech leader has been shaped by her passion for art, resilience, and determination. Despite facing personal challenges, she has consistently pursued her artistic endeavours, leaving a mark in various industries including Design, Media, Fashion, Finance and IT. Unfortunately, in 2022, Maya lost her close friend who had been struggling with her mental health for years under extremely tragic circumstances. This caused her to reevaluate her life, and she took the decision to pursue her passion for art in honour of her close friend, who was the largest supporter of her work. Since then Maya has chosen to participate in the Weybridge Visual Arts Festival, where her artwork was displayed in several Weybridge locations, including the famed Oatlands Park Hotel. After being chosen for the Surrey Moving Arts Festival, a producer hired Maya to create a drawing for the director Steve McQueen, the actors Paul Weller and Saoirse Ronan, and the film Blitz. Presently, Maya's artwork may be seen in the prominent Edward Alexander Group-affiliated Collier Webb showrooms on Pimlico Road and Chelsea Design Centre. She has also held her first successful solo exhibition at Walton-on-the-Thames' Robert Phillips Gallery, which honoured her dear friend who passed away after years of mental health struggles.
Maya's artwork is visually engaging and carries a powerful message of empowerment for women. Her paintings are a testament to the strength, resilience, and beauty of women all over the world. As an artist, Maya recognizes that art is subjective; that is why she works in a collaborative and engaging process with clients when working on bespoke pieces of work. Maya wants people to enjoy and connect with the art. It allows her to take people on her journey, so they are part of creating art that is truly personal, meaningful and something they can treasure forever.
Artist about her work:
“My latest work explores the potential of layering in mixed media to build depth of colour, texture and story. I love experimenting and creating something unique. I am fascinated with the power of colour and how it can evoke emotions. This leads to bold, vibrant pieces to fill any space with joy and wonder!”
DALIA SLEP
Dalia Slep, originally from Lithuania, has been making waves in the art world for over five years. Her journey into the realm of abstract art began with a deep fascination for the unbounded nature of creativity. Through abstract painting, she found a powerful medium to convey her emotions and personal experiences, leading her to fully immerse herself in this expressive form.
As she delved into various techniques, her artistic style evolved, drawing her increasingly towards surrealism. This genre captivated her, allowing her to explore the intricate layers of the subconscious and to create enchanting, dream-like landscapes. In her work, she skillfully blends different forms of expression, crafting multi-dimensional narratives that invite viewers to engage and uncover deeper meanings.
Dalia's impressive portfolio has been showcased in numerous galleries and exhibitions, both in Lithuania and internationally. Her art has graced the walls of prominent venues in major European cities such as Milan, Madrid, Paris, Rome, Dubai, and London, as well as in Alicante, Fuerteventura, Genoa, Monaco, and Venice. With a commitment to evolving her artistic practice, she aspires to make a significant impact on the contemporary art scene, offering a distinctive and captivating voice.
ARRON STURGEON
Arron Sturgeon is an artist and musician living and working in San Diego, California. Born in Saigon, Vietnam and raised in Southern California, Arron draws inspiration from both Western and Eastern traditions of art from calligraphy and scroll landscape painting to abstract expressionism and conceptual art. Arron creates “conceptual abstract paintings”. Every series of paintings explore a specific idea and theme but all within a non-representational visual language.
In the “Form Follows Force” series, a design principle where form follows the flow of forces, rather than function, layers of semi-dry encaustic paint are violently scraped from the surface using large paint removing devices (the force). The remnants serve as the underlying structure which is then reworked and reconstructed into unexpected and dynamic compositions. The “form” articulates the “force” of the destructive act and is a metaphor for the destructive/creative force of nature and evolution.
In the “Geometric Theurgy” series, monist metaphysics is expressed through the process of hypostasis from the “one” to the “many” through a symbolic geometric system based on the principles of the golden ratio and music theory. Inspired by the mysticism of the Pythagoreans and Neoplatonists, compositional dice rolling games of Mozart and the “Le modulor final” of Le Corbusier, this geometric system also uses chance, color, ratio and patterning to code colour and generate unique musical compositions in Sonata form. These paintings are “musical paintings” and can be both seen and heard.
PATRICIA TOKAV-SEDH
Patricia was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 1978. Her artistic journey began at a young age, as she was always drawn to expressing herself through various forms of art. Growing up in Kyiv, she was surrounded by a rich cultural heritage that influenced her creative vision. Her works are characterized by vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and a sense of whimsy that captivates viewers. As she honed her craft over the years, Patricia's style evolved to incorporate elements of surrealism and abstraction. Her collages, in particular, are a reflection of her eclectic taste and keen eye for detail. By combining different textures, images, and materials, she creates visually captivating pieces that challenge conventional notions of beauty and aesthetics.
Having resided in Reykjavík for some time, Patricia now lives in Berlin, and she continues to push the boundaries of her art, exploring new techniques and mediums to express her ever-evolving worldview. Her fashion sense, too, has become an integral part of her artistic identity, as she uses clothing and accessories to convey her message of empowerment and self-expression.
Through her art, Patricia seeks to spark conversations about important social issues and provoke thought about the complexities of human existence. Her work serves as a reminder that art has the power to transcend boundaries and connect people from all walks of life. As a member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine, she is committed to using her platform to advocate for positive change and promote a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Artist about her work:
"My art practices are a constant reflection of my complex national identity. I have origins in multiple lands, and I have travelled and lived for long periods across the continents. Various cultural and social backgrounds I've inherited through my personal history intertwine and fuse inside of me, giving birth to my self-identification.
Thus, collage feels like a representative genre of who I am in terms of intermixing, mutual exchange, and synergy.
Collage is a dynamic structure that vigorously transforms by responding to arising challenges and shiftable external factors. It constantly comes into contact with my life and lies at the very heart of my creative vision. Although I've turned to this artistic method earlier, recently, collage has taken on a new round. It is also an essential way of expression for me because it proves that I can make something meaningful out of apparently nothing. I can create something new and powerful by collecting fragmented elements, ideas, and legends.
It seems that collages are kin to how we remember people and events because various heterogeneous associations about an object always pop up in memory. Therefore, my artworks reconcile differing visual forms, but they also seem to store even textures and smells that get in touch with the viewer's subconscious."
OSCAR TARNEBERG
Oscar is a self-taught travel and landscape photographer living in Devon. Over the past decade, he spent much of his time travelling, working and living in Asia, during which time he became increasingly interested in capturing his experiences through photography. He has had pictures published in publications and contests, including the UK-based Travel Photographer of the Year contest. He is also the author of an online photography guide to Shanghai and a contributor to a range of stock agencies, including Getty Images and 4CornersImages.
“I enjoy the more meditative aspects of photography - the moments I’m able to slow down, be fully present and aware of my surroundings. The challenge of capturing a good image is the best way I can think of to explore new places, or even enjoy locations that are more familiar."
KATHLENE TRACY
Kathlene Tracy's artwork is a culmination of an in-depth understanding of human behaviour and interest in art as a medium for expression that is able to transcend many of the barriers of other forms of communication. She began art classes at the same time as beginning school winning National Juried Competitions at very young ages and also pursued higher education for understanding human behavior holding faculty appointments at Yale University, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and other prestigious academic institutions while sustaining dual careers in psychology and the visual arts fields. Within New York City she has participated in multiple solo and group exhibitions of her work and is now exhibiting in London. In addition, her work is included in both public and private collections.
EMILY TRAYNOR
Emily Traynor is an abstract painter living in Somerset, UK, with her partner, three children and the family dog. Her work has been quietly developing since she graduated from the University of Plymouth in 2014 with a BA(Hons) in Fine Art, having written her thesis on prehistoric imagery. Traynor studied under a North American Shaman for several years and continued this as a philosophical enquiry and lifestyle while supporting young people with mental health challenges to discover their creativity. Traynor’s practice is fluid, and energetic and speaks of the depths of a spiritual practice that evolved with and through her art. Her mark-making is reminiscent of archaic and indigenous art and utilises a language in which humans have expressed themselves throughout millennia. Traynor describes her work as, “speaking without words”.
Traynor’s work illustrates a fluid, organic communication that softly draws together the layers of our existence, in a dynamic yet ethereal frame.
Traynor’s work has been exhibited in group shows at the Truman Brewery in London, chosen to represent the Plymouth University Fine Arts degree and been on display at business and hospitality venues in Somerset. Private collectors reside in the USA, Canada, Italy and Hong Kong as well as the UK and include prominent actors and sportspeople.
Artist about her work:
"Abstract art is a way of connecting authentically with ourselves, our environment and others in the experience of being human. There are no expectations, judgements, or limitations; just a few moments of ‘aliveness’, prompted by a piece of visual art.
My work explores our deeply interwoven connections. My love of the earth, music and the sacred gift of motherhood may be visible to those who feel these themes in their own lives. For others, I hope that my work gives them a moment to stop, breathe, and reconnect with the things that represent strength and peace for them."
MARITTA WINTER
Sculptor Maritta Winter was born in South Germany, close to Freiburg. She is of dual nationality, German and Swiss. She lived in Germany and France for a while before relocating to Switzerland in 2011 and is now residing not far from Lake Zurich. She attended various art, sculpture, and design schools in France, Germany, and Switzerland. Maritta Winters' body of work consists of sculptures, photography, screen printing, mesh relief, and, beginning in 2022, colourful 3-dimensional coloured vibrating wall objects.
Maritta Winter finds inspiration in her instinctive sense of movement, architecture, and form. The joining of two volumes and the expanding movement that appears to swing into the space are reoccurring themes in her collection of work. She says her intuition comes to her in shapes. This has to do with feeling—intuitively recognising volumes, edges, and shape transitions. Identifying the precise location where the shape's outline reaches perfection is likewise a visual process.
Her sculptures are known for their blend of movement and architectural forms, which has resulted in many of them being exhibited in public spaces and structures. While Rendez-vous (2006) soars out into the landscape like a bird in front of the Grand Ballon hotel in France's Vosges mountains, and Zen (2009) creates a meditative oasis in the stairwell of the Finnova AG building in Lenzburg, Switzerland, the soft curves of the work Skydream (2011) contrast with the austere, functional architecture of the lobby of the Prime Tower in Zurich. Every sculpture is obviously massive. They are expressive beings that occupy their own area and blend in with the natural environment and surrounding architecture.
For Maritta Winter, dynamics are just as inspiring as nature. She once said: “If I hadn’t become a sculptor, I would have been a dancer.” Even for someone who is uninformed of her dancing training and current practice, the relevance of motion and music in her sculptures is obvious. A piece of her art swings into the room with perfect balance, arms lifted, like a dancer whirling on the spot. In a strict sense, the significance of movement is derived from nature just as much as the shape of a plant seed or a person's body. Maritta Winter's works are carried by the fundamental human expression of dance, which she views as a hidden force that drives her creative process.
CAROL TIPPIT WOOLWORTH
Carol Tippit Woolworth, a Santa Barbara native, earned a bachelor's degree in studio art from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1977, where she studied under Priscilla Bender Shore and Irma Cava. She came to New York City in 1983 and founded Tippit Woolworth Design, a graphic design business with her husband, where she served as creative director while keeping an art studio practise. She began teaching painting privately after moving to Connecticut and subsequently Wilmington, Delaware. She also led painting workships to the South of France for several years and illustrated her husband's books about corgis. She and her husband, Olle, currently reside in Santa Fe.
Carol's art has been influenced by the Bay Area Abstract Figurative painters as well as Nicolas de Stal, a French mid-century painter. Carol's painting quest has been to layer, scrape, and scumble her oils, oil sticks, and cold wax to reach primordial, universal truths. She works with linen, wood panels, metal, and occasionally Arche oil paper. She is enthralled by the concept of pentimento and now paints an underpainting first, which is then repainted, allowing fragments of the underpainting to seep into the entire piece, resulting in an archaeology of concepts.
Carol has received various awards and grants, and in 2016 she was appointed as a guest curator at the Delaware Art Museum. She's also taught several seminars at the Howard Pyle Art Group in Wilmington, DE, and spent years at the Delaware College of Art and Design teaching Graphic Design and Painting (CE). She's been featured in Visual Magazine, American Art Collector Magazine, and Southwest Art, as well as advertised in American Art Collector, Western Art Collector, and Southwest Art.
Her work can be found in collections in Europe (Paris, Geneva, Germany, and the United Kingdom), the United States (New York, La Jolla CA, Santa Fe NM, Santa Barbara CA, Key West FL, Wilmington DE; Chadds Ford PA, among others), and Mexico.
NATRIX VIBAKARI
Natrix Vibakari, an accomplished artist, delves into the complexities of human nature and the profound spectrum of emotions in her work. She skillfully employs traditional mediums like oil, watercolor, and ink, while also embracing the innovations of digital painting and video art. Through her diverse techniques, she aims to manifest the intense passions that reside within each of us. Natrix's love for fine art blossomed in her early childhood, and after completing her studies at an art Lyceum and university specializing in animation, she has recently honed her unique style that fuses traditional and digital art forms.
"Life and emotions present some of the most captivating and beautiful subjects for artistic exploration. The vibrant colors and deep feelings, the exhilarating highs of joy and the profound lows of sorrow — these elements represent the rich tapestry of life that spills onto the canvas or screen, showcasing an incredible array of imagery."
DINA ZAKMAN
Dina Zakman was born in Latvia, in the city of Riga. She graduated from the Janis Rozentals Art School and the Latvian Academy of Arts. Dina Zakman's artwork represents a distinctive phenomenon in Latvian art. Her works blend precise composition, elegant lines, and refined decorative elements typical of the Baltic school.
Her varied portfolio incorporates many different artistic genres, encompassing not only paintings and graphics but also liveries for airplanes and racing cars. She uses vivid colours that reflect her distinct viewpoint, aesthetic sensibilities, and life experiences to decorate her canvases in everything from painting to graphics and sculpture. Inspired by the world's illusory nature, she uses a range of genres and mediums to go deeper into the dream realm while crafting her own mythology that challenges stereotypes and challenges viewers to reflect on their own lives and place in the universe. In order to spark discussion and get people to consider the ephemeral and fluid character of reality, she encourages her audience to take part in a debate that extends beyond the confines of her artwork. She precisely renders even the smallest elements in her paintings, which are renowned for their precision. Often using size-zero brushes, she captures every detail on her two-meter canvases. Her annual output of paintings is therefore limited to no more than ten.
Remarkably, Dina is one of just two Eastern European artists involved in the group exhibition "Spring in Montblanc," which is organised in association with the Montblanc corporation, a major sponsor of contemporary artists. Her paintings have been exhibited both in Latvia and internationally, including in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.
Artist about her work:
"The central theme of my artistic work is the manifestation of the illusory nature of the surrounding world. In my art, I reevaluate the legacy of the old masters in terms of execution technique and the two-dimensionality of Eastern stylistic representation, where the contemplative manner of presentation is based on a profound philosophical understanding of the flow of life, the inexorable passage of time, and the mutability of the world. My works advocate the ethics of authenticity towards oneself, where individuals become part of nature without seeking domination and selfish privatization. My goal is to create an illusion of illusion, to demonstrate that our world is never static or unequivocal for a single moment. Through my works, I encourage contemplation on how we perceive and interpret the surrounding reality and strive to evoke an emotional response, prompting individuals to ponder their own conceptions of the world. I aim for viewers to question global existential values and seek their own answers, for, as the allegory of Plato's cave teaches us, true happiness can only be achieved through the dispelling of illusions."