ARINA, Shard of Time (oil on linen)
When: 16th- 20th April 2013, 11am – 6pm
Where: 20th Century Theatre, 291 Westbourne Grove, London W11 2QA
What is it?
There is a rising popularity of Russian art in the UK and from 16th – 20th April, exhibitors Lyes & Jones will be showcasing the paintings of Russian-born hypersurrealist ARINA at the 20th Century Theatre in Notting Hill.
Lyes & Jones’ ethos is working with credible artists who have developed their own style and identity, bringing them to a sophisticated audience who seek quality, originality and inspiration. The exhibition is designed not just for art collectors and investors, many of whom have seen strong returns on Russian art due to its growing popularity, but also for art enthusiasts who will simply enjoy hanging these works in their homes.
Russian-born British artist ARINA is a multi award-winning artist who exhibits her works all over the world. Her paintings have featured at such acclaimed venues as the Saatchi Gallery in London, the Venice Arsenale in Italy and the BJ Spoke Gallery in New York. ARINA has also been included in Reinhard Fuchs’ book, Masterpieces of Visual Art. The Great Female Artists from the Middle Ages to the Modern Era, in which she is mentioned as one of the biggest female artists in art history alongside the likes of Frida Kahlo, Louise Bourgeois, Georgia O‘Keeffe, Tracy Emin and Yayoi Kusama.
ARINA, Renaissance as Augury – 5 (oil on linen)
At first glance, paintings by ARINA may be perceived as grand self-portraits, as her works usually depict her own face, but it is not a traditional portraiture. It is rather a theatrical performance where the painter is, in fact, an actress who uses her face to express what she aspires to convey through her paintings. ARINA transforms images on her canvases into poignant representations of human feelings and emotions. Immediately recognisable, they have their own individual and unique voice in the vast choir of contemporary art.
Her paintings are very distinctive. Against the background of the monochromatic minimalism there is the sudden explosion of energy in the depicted image with the vividness of red. With help of the deep and powerful cadmium red, ARINA generates the hypnotic whirlpools of energy that mesmerise the viewer.
“Red colour is very meaningful to me”, says the artist, “in many cultures ‘red’ often symbolises passion and love, in the Tibetan philosophy red symbolises connection with the Universe. In Russian language, particularly in Russian folklore ‘red’ often means ‘beautiful’. Dostoyevsky once said ‘Beauty will save the world’ and I am convinced that images and objects created with love and faith in love can have an immense influence on physical and mental state of the beholders.”
Lyes & Jones was established in 2012 by Antonia Bowen-Jones and Tim Lyes. It is their defining belief that collecting art is a long-term lifestyle passion, facilitating an involvement with innovation and creativity. Antonia has been involved in the arts world her whole life; as a student, an artist, a curator, and a gallerist. She is the founder of the legendary Bristol gallery café, The Arts House, where she showcases work from Banksy to emerging local talent.
The 20th Century Theatre, originally built in 1860, will act as the perfect canvas for the exhibition with its high ceilings and stunning arches. The walls will be decorated by the stunning paintings along with a large projection on to the stage itself, giving you a sense of the high theatre that this imposing space was intended for.
More info: lyesandjones.com