By Sarah Johnson

Embark on a virtual odyssey through the monumental visions of Khamdamov Radmirdjon, whose series “Echoes of East” redefines the essence of grandeur in art. This compelling collection is a tribute to Radmirdjon’s virtuosity, an enthralling blend of grandiose scale and intricate detail, inviting connoisseurs to delve into the expanse of human experience and the limitless potential of artistic expression.

Khamdamov Radmirdjon’s virtual exhibition, hosted in Ruthin, unfolds from December 1 to 31, 2023, showcasing a selection of five masterpieces, each a portal to his remarkable perspective of existence. These creations infuse vigor into the artist’s profound revelations, luring you into a realm where art and reflection merge effortlessly.

Khamdamov Radmirdjon’s virtual exhibition is a journey of discovery that will captivate you with the magnificence of human creativity and the transformative essence of art. As you navigate the contours of his works, be prepared to be enthralled by the synthesis of creativity and the enduring charm of the artistic soul.

By Michel Mittelman, art researcher

Unveiling “Ambrosia: Nectar of the Gods and Sisyphus’ Eternal Torment”: A Kaleidoscope of Symbolism and Struggle

In the vast landscape of contemporary art, Katerina Karp stands as a luminary. Her artwork “Ambrosia: Nectar of the Gods and Sisyphus’ Eternal Torment” beckons the viewer into a realm where mythology and symbolism intertwine in a delicate dance. Set against a backdrop of an angry red sky fragmented by calming blue hues, the composition invites an exploration of human resilience and the age-old quest for transcendence.

The Dance of Colors: A Dichotomy of Triumph and Despair

Karp’s masterful use of color immediately captures the viewer’s attention. The striking juxtaposition of red and blue forms a powerful dichotomy, symbolizing the eternal struggle between triumph and despair. The fiery red sky, turbulent and intense, embodies the trials and adversities of human existence. On the other hand, the touches of calming blue evoke a sense of tranquility and hope, hinting at the eternal human desire to transcend obstacles and seek solace.

The Stone: A Metaphor for Triumph and Adversity

At the core of the composition lies a central figure, a man who defies the impossible. He stands tall, bearing the weight of an enormous stone, elevated to the pinnacle of the world. This stone is the embodiment of his triumph, an emblem of his Herculean achievement in a world fraught with challenges. The artist’s decision to paint the stone in the same color scheme as the fiery sky is deliberate. It adds an eerie duality to the narrative, portraying the stone as both a symbol of accomplishment and a monstrous entity lurking in the background.

Sisyphus Reimagined: The Eternal Struggle and the Duality of Existence

The artwork unfolds as a profound allegory, drawing inspiration from the ancient Greek myth of Sisyphus, the king condemned to roll a boulder up a hill for eternity. However, Karp presents a unique twist to the tale, suggesting that Sisyphus might have conquered his relentless task. The central figure’s triumphant stance and the stone’s elevated position symbolize the possibility of transcending the burden of an unending cycle. Yet, a sense of intrigue lingers in the stone’s malevolent grin, casting doubt on whether the monster within has truly been subdued or awaits its moment to regain power. This duality invites us to contemplate the complexity of human existence, where success and adversity often coexist.

Echoes of Time: Mythology and Contemporary Relevance

Katerina Karp’s artwork resonates deeply with the themes of existentialism and mythology. It draws from the wellspring of Greek mythology, tapping into the enduring story of Sisyphus—a character emblematic of the human condition’s struggles. While rooted in mythology, the artwork finds a contemporary resonance, reflecting the challenges of modern society. The choice of a fiery red sky may allude to broader societal and global adversities, positioning the piece as a reflection of the contemporary human experience.

A Unique Artistic Voice: Katerina Karp’s Place in the Artistic Canon

In the realm of art history, Katerina Karp’s “Ambrosia: Nectar of the Gods and Sisyphus’ Eternal Torment” aligns with a tradition of narrative-driven artworks exploring the complexities of the human experience. Artists like Hieronymus Bosch and Francisco Goya, known for their surreal and allegorical works, share thematic similarities with Karp’s creation. Karp’s distinctive use of color and her reimagining of the Sisyphus myth set her work apart as a unique and thought-provoking contribution to the genre.

Ekaterina Istomina, known artistically as Katerina Karp, is a dynamic and versatile digital and visual artist whose creative path is a testament to her unwavering passion for art and her relentless pursuit of exploring the depths of human emotions and existence.

A pivotal aspect of Katerina’s artistic technique lies in her profound focus on metaphorical relationships, particularly centered around the theme of immortality. Her unique visual storytelling technique serves as a captivating metaphor for the human desire for longevity. This distinctive approach not only captivates viewers but also invites them to delve into the depths of human longing and aspirations.

Katerina’s artistic exploration is deeply rooted in decoding archaic images and fundamental clues found in myths, fairy tales, and legends. Her passion for exploring the eternal values conveyed by these narratives drives her to transcend apparent religious, historical, and cultural differences, seeking to unearth fundamental commonalities that echo humanity’s universal longing for immortality.

As she delves into the creative process, Katerina deftly combines traditional and modern techniques, embracing the digital realm to complement her visual storytelling. The integration of modern technologies allows her to convey ancient themes through a contemporary lens, showcasing her adaptability and innovation as an artist. This fusion amplifies the impact of her art, reaching a diverse audience and resonating with the zeitgeist. 

A Timeless Tale of Human Resilience

Katerina Karp’s “Ambrosia: Nectar of the Gods and Sisyphus’ Eternal Torment” stands as a testament to her artistic prowess and her ability to craft captivating visual stories that transcend time and place. The painting compels viewers to engage deeply with its themes of triumph, adversity, and the ever-present duality of the human experience. As we stand on the precipice of this vibrant narrative, we are urged to contemplate the profound symbolism and resonate with the eternal quest for transcendence. Katerina Karp’s art invites us to gaze into the mirror of our own struggles, offering a glimpse of hope in the face of the relentless boulder we all carry.

By Sarah Johnson 

Step into the enthralling digital realm of Katerina Karp’s artistic journey with her series of works titled “The Mouth is the Gateway to Immortality.” This captivating series is a testament to Karp’s mastery, a mesmerizing fusion of imagination and artistic prowess, inviting viewers to explore the depths of human expression and the boundless nature of creativity.

Katerina Karp’s virtual exhibition, held from September 1 to 30, 2023, offers a glimpse into five artworks, each a window into her extraordinary vision of the world. These pieces breathe life into the artist’s profound insights, beckoning you into a world where art and contemplation intertwine seamlessly.

Katerina Karp’s virtual exhibition promises an immersive adventure that will leave you enchanted by the splendors of human emotion and the transformative power of art. As you traverse the landscapes of her creations, prepare to be spellbound by the alchemy of creativity and the timeless allure of the artistic spirit.

Step into the captivating virtual world of Zhanpulat Dauletov’s exhibition in Ruthin, which took place from August 1 to August 31, 2023, where five exquisite oil on canvas artworks await. With dimensions that breathe life into his visions, each piece invites you on a mesmerizing journey through the artist’s unique lens. “I’m in the Jungle” (1200×750) transports you to lush, untamed landscapes, while “Happiness” (800×600) paints emotions with vibrant strokes. “Origin of Time” (800×1250) delves into the mysteries of existence, and “King Fish” (1200×800) dives deep into aquatic realms. Lastly, “Golden Vintage Nature” (1500×1200) unveils the timeless beauty of our natural world. Zhanpulat’s virtual exhibition promises an immersive experience that will leave you spellbound by the wonders of nature and the power of art.

By Sarah Johnson

From February 15th to March 15th 2023, art enthusiasts were treated to a virtual exhibition of Rim Safiulin’s “Secrets of the East.” The exhibition was a stunning showcase of Safiulin’s powerful and evocative paintings, which explored themes of Eastern mysticism and spirituality.

Viewers were drawn in by Safiulin’s use of bold colours, intricate patterns, and delicate brushwork, which created a dreamlike atmosphere that immersed them in a rich tapestry of Eastern imagery and symbolism. Safiulin’s works were a masterful blend of traditional techniques and modern sensibilities, combining ancient motifs with contemporary themes to create a unique and compelling visual experience.

One of the highlights of the exhibition was Safiulin’s use of vibrant hues that seemed to glow with an inner light. His colours were bold and expressive, conveying a sense of energy and vitality that was both captivating and exhilarating. His works were also filled with swirling, interlocking shapes and forms inspired by traditional Eastern motifs, such as arabesques, mandalas, and geometric shapes, which Safiulin skillfully wove into his paintings.

Despite the complexity of his compositions, Safiulin’s works had a serene and meditative quality that invited viewers to contemplate their meaning and significance. Through his use of symbols and imagery drawn from Eastern spirituality and philosophy, Safiulin offered a window into the transcendent realms of the East, inviting viewers to explore the deeper mysteries of life and the universe.

Rim Safiulin’s “Secrets of the East” virtual exhibition was a stunning and thought-provoking showcase of Eastern spirituality and mysticism. Through his masterful use of colour, pattern, and symbolism, Safiulin created a world that was both familiar and otherworldly, inviting viewers to explore the timeless truths and mysteries of the East.

International Exhibitions of Visionary Art

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience.

We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Category & Nomination

VISIONARY ART

Visionary art is an artistic style based on a spontaneous depiction of what is seen in the altered state of consciousness, religious, meditative contemplation, trance

MYSTICAL SYMBOLISM

Mystic symbolism is an artistic reflection of religious teachings, philosophical works, understatement and ambiguity of plots and their interpretations.

COSMISM

Cosmism – man and mankind as elements, connected in a single whole with the cosmos, other worlds and dimensions, unknown states of mathematics.

FANTASTIC ART

Fanstastic realism – as the herald of Visionary art, the combination of a realistic style of painting, content and fantastic motives

MAGICAL REALISM

Magic realism is a combination of a realistic picture of the world and magical elements, a game with eyesight.

Invited Artists

Honorary Guest Artist

PAVLINA BOROSHOVA (Switzerland)

Project participant

Amanda Sage (USA)

Andrew Gonzalez (USA)

MartinaHoffmann (USA)

Philip Rubinov Jacobson (USA)

Emma Watkinson (UK)

Our team

ADAM SCOTT MILLER Project participant & Member of Jury
USA

AMANDA SAGE Project participant & Member of Jury
USA

BRIGID MARLIN Chairman of Jury
Great Britain

ANDREW GONZALEZ Project participant & Member of Jury
USA

PAVLINA BOROSHOVA Partner, Project participant & Member of Jury
Switzerland

MARTINA HOFFMAN Project participant & Member of Jury
USA

PHILIP RUBINOV JACOBSON Project participant & Member of Jury
USA

LUIS TAMANI Honorary Guest Artist
PERU

EMMA WATKINSON Project participant & Member of Jury
GREAT BRITAIN

EXPERTS and SPEAKERS

Korolev Oleg 5 Maykov Vladimir 1 Tatiana Knyazhitskaya 2 Bagdasarov Roman 1
Oleg Korolev Vladimir Maykov Tatiana Knyazhitskaya Roman Bagdasarov
Art Curator Oleg Korolev

artist

teacher of the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art

head of the section of symbolic art of the Eurasian Art Union

FAMOUS REPRESENTATIVES OF VISIONARY ART
Alex Grey, Allyson Grey, Andrew Gonzalez, Brigid Marlin, Olga Shpiegel, Kuba Ambrose, Oleg Korolev, Amanda Sage, Martina Hoffmann, Daniel Mirante, Laurence Caruana, Aloria Weaver, David Heskin, Philip Rubinov Jacobson, Viktor Safonkin, Agostino Arrivabene.

Natives from different countries, they all started personal training with Ernst Fuchs, who is considered the founding father not only of the Vienna Academy of Fantastic Realism,
but, in fact, the forerunner of the modern Visionary Art.
In Russian art the heralds of Visionary Art was Mikhail Vrubel (1856-1910), Pavel Tchelitchew (1898 – 1957), Nicholas Roerich (1874-1947), Nicholas Kalmakov (1873-1955).

By Sarah Johnson

Portal to the Imaginary: “Exploring Welsh and World Landscapes through Visionary Art” currently taking place in Ruthin from February 1-28, 2023.

Step into the mystical world of Vladimir Shmoylov’s Shamans through our virtual exhibition in Ruthin featuring a series of posters that capture the essence of shamanic cultures from around the globe. Each poster depicts a different shaman from various parts of the world, and together they offer a glimpse into the ancient wisdom and spiritual practices of these fascinating figures.

Through Shmoylov’s vibrant and striking images, we witness the diversity of shamanic traditions and their connection to nature, spirituality, and healing. Whether it’s the eagle flight of a Navajo medicine man or the drumming of a Siberian shaman, each poster invites us to embark on a journey of discovery and introspection.