Butterfly is an exploration of a romantic symbol or idea of a soul. This is how it could look or rather feel like, a feminine soul in particular, hence the painting has female figure who stand not for a particular earthy woman, but for a spirit of a woman, this butterfly is also subconsciously based on a Greek myth of the goddess of soul - psyche, who was often represented as a butterfly herself. ⠀ Regarding the more technical or tangible aspect of the painting, the juxtaposition of strong brushstrokes I think results in a powerful contrast between the idea of gentle, ephemeral feminine spirit and the stone-like, jewel-like character of the image. I think it visually stands for a possible contrast of emotions within one mind: a striving for a gentleness and ease, counterbalanced by strong or even violent emotions.

Polina Novikova

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Polina Novikova is an artist originally from Moscow, now based in Cyprus. Tales and myths are often at the basis of her artist explorations. ⠀ Despite the fact that myths and seemingly primitive tales might appear out-of-date, they answer essential universal and eternal questions bothering people in their everyday lives, being ancient motives of human archetypes and fates. ⠀ In different parts of the planet peoples invented different scenarios with help of different words and visions. They always did and still do try to answer the same human worries. ⠀ Mythical way of thinking is still applicable in the modern world, that is too determined to appear structural and rational. ⠀ ​ ⠀ Polina explores romantic symbols and characters via "traditional" mediums such as oil paints and water-based colours. Her works range from Byronesque to Angelique characters inviting to look out for sources in literature and ancient epoques.