Olesya Novikova

Year of birth: 1980. 
Your education:
– Moscow State University of Trade and Economics.
– Сourses of academic drawing, Moscow.
– Private lessons from famous Russian artists.
– International Online Academy of Arts and Antiques No. 1. (art history).
Describe your art in three words: Soulfulness, warmth, aesthetics.
Website | Instagram

Your works seem to blend various styles like expressionism, symbolism, and realism. How do you approach combining these distinct artistic styles in your paintings?

It happens more spontaneously and intuitively rather than deliberately. As I progress through different stages in my creative work, I analyze my pieces, which has led me to identify certain characteristics that define “my” style.

Olesya Novikova | Fly | 2024

You mentioned that your artwork alternates between depth and flatness. Can you elaborate on how you achieve this balance in your compositions?

I believe every artist strives to achieve balance or harmony. But it’s more of an internal feeling, which is subjective. It’s not always easy to find this harmony, as it should be present in everything: in the composition, in the combination of colors, tones, and other nuances.

Olesya Novikova | Frog | 2023

What role does symbolism play in your work, and how do you choose the symbols you incorporate into your paintings?

For the past two years, I’ve been fascinated by the theme of mythical characters and folklore. It is in this series of works that I reveal myself as a symbolist because the characters in my works are endowed with exceptional qualities and serve as metaphorical statements. Let me give you an example. The painting “Chapa” depicts a turtle with aviator glasses and wings instead of legs.

This work is about ambition and the pursuit of dreams. Speaking of a person, the flight (desire to fly) can be spiritual as well! By associating this image with a person and interpreting the symbols, I aim to encourage the viewer to look deeper into themselves, revive forgotten dreams and ambitions, inspire new achievements, and believe in MIRACLES.

Your paintings are often created as part of a series. What draws you to explore a theme in multiple works rather than a single piece?

The very word “exploration” implies such a format. A series of works united by a single theme allows for deep immersion and discovering something new for yourself, including technique. Working in series is not a goal in itself; the understanding of whether you’ve fully expressed yourself or not often comes during the creative process.

Olesya Novikova | Together | 2023

How do you decide on the themes or subjects you wish to explore in each series of paintings?

An artist’s “eye” views even the most ordinary things from a unique perspective. That’s why themes and plots emerge from what surrounds me. Sometimes creative ideas are born as a result of philosophical reflections on life.

You have exhibited your work internationally. How do you think cultural differences influence the interpretation of your paintings?

I don’t think so, as the decorative style of my works and the themes I address aren’t specifically culture-bound. Audiences vary greatly even within a single culture or country, and as an artist, I’m always curious to learn something new about my own work.

Olesya Novikova | Butterfly | 2023

What do you want your viewers to feel or think when they encounter your work for the first time?

I am driven by the desire to see my idea realized, and only the viewer can express the emotions conveyed. I would like the viewer to reflect on the narrative. The opinion and feedback from the audience are very important for the artist, as it’s an external perspective through which you also discover yourself!