Surrealism stands out as the defining style in Polina's body of work, where she skillfully navigates the realms of dreams and reality. Her preferred materials, oil on canvas and clay, serve as the vessels through which she materialises her creative visions, giving life to her captivating artworks.
At the core of Polina's artistic philosophy is the creation of imaginary worlds that resonate with a sense of nostalgia, often invoking elements of childhood and naivety. Despite the complexity of the topics she tackles, Polina has a unique ability to distill them into simple forms, using her canvas as a medium to articulate intricate emotions with a remarkable attention to small details.
Nature and the investigation of human emotions stand out as the primary sources of inspiration for Polina. She views surrounding beauty and aesthetics not only as artistic elements but as a way of life. Her overarching goal as an artist is to contribute to the world by bringing forth beauty and new meanings, leaving an indelible mark on the viewers who engage with her thought-provoking creations.
The author explores the transformation of the connection with the family and cultural heritage of the human personality in the course of growing up and facing the challenges of life. Emigration and break with places of power, redefining femininity and masculinity, disconnection with nature and the natural in megacities, disconnection with the body under the influence of daily information overload.
The author's first painting "Lost and forgotten" is inspired by the ancient Japanese art of kintsugi and the lost Cambodian temples of the Angkor Wat complex, where nature has gradually taken its course over the centuries, destroying the man-made. Nature seems to be destroying the ancient statue of a woman, however it was destroyed long before.
The mythical creatures that emerge from the interaction are new holistic entities, harmonious sub-personalities of the destroyed self.
Do you feel that you are capable of much more?
Every one of you has a vision of the power hidden in the dark and deep layers of the unconscious. A vast potential in its fullest expression.
But it gets suppressed, constrained, and distorted by the traumas, stereotypes, and societal expectations. The process starts so early and grows through the soft, spontaneous, and free nature that this fixation no longer seems alien and limiting. It stretches from the depths of centuries, embedding fears, scripting scenarios, weaving programs, and survival mechanisms. Defensive mechanisms, sharp as needles, automatically engage in any attempts to shake the established structure.
But I am present. Alive, real, sensual, filled with my content and unique meanings. I exist, and within me resides much of the animal, the spiritual, the material, the philosophical, the primitive, the temporal, the instantaneous, the immortal, and the infinite. I return to myself.
And I sprout through the rings with green leaves, creating new worlds and branches of possibilities.
And this is what I draw.
"Dechire", an artistic creation, seamlessly blends abstractionism and expressionism in its canvas. Rich with layers of paint, the artwork is a compelling exploration of intense emotions – anger, fear, happiness, and guilt. It skillfully taps into the reservoir of concealed feelings, unraveling a narrative that goes beyond the surface.
Within its intricate composition lie hidden symbols, such as scissors representing the severing of connections, a pink drone embodying an angel ascending, and a sorrowful elephant shedding tears of blood. The painting is a dichotomy, divided into two realms – heaven and hell, illustrating the opposing forces within the soul that tear apart and incite madness.
Adding another layer of depth, Dechire incorporates concealed words and plays on language, challenging viewers with the juxtaposition of "how dare you" and "how care you." This interplay of words adds a thought-provoking dimension to the overall artistic experience, inviting contemplation and introspection.
"Damaged Truth" portrays the bleeding soul and the wounded feminine aspect, drawing inspiration from Frida Kahlo's "A Few Small Nips,". The artwork captures the essence of raw emotions, with blood symbolizing the depths of inner turmoil.
The damaged feminine side is depicted with intensity, exploring the complexities of pain and vulnerability. Tender colors and soft forms within the piece symbolize the capacity to endure, live through, and ultimately transform.
The artwork invites reflection on resilience and the transformative journey that arises from confronting and embracing one's vulnerabilities.
"Feminine Power" embodies several key themes: vulnerability, tenderness, aggression, sexuality, and frankness.
The artwork delves into the delicate and sensitive aspects of femininity while showcasing the assertive and powerful dimensions inherent in feminine energy. A celebration of sexuality is depicted, emphasizing the sensuality and allure that form an integral part of feminine power.
The sculpture boldly embraces frankness, presenting an honest and unabashed portrayal of the multifaceted nature of femininity.
The use of vivid colors enhances the visual impact, contributing to the vibrant and dynamic representation of feminine power. Symbolically, an incense burner is incorporated, representing the internal power that burns within, adding a layer of depth to the narrative.
The artwork skillfully balances the themes of protection and vulnerability, showcasing the simultaneous strength and openness of the feminine spirit. The portrayal of sharp breasts serves as a metaphor for weapons, symbolizing the strength and assertiveness that can be wielded with grace.
"Feminine Power" thus weaves together these elements to create a compelling narrative that celebrates the diverse facets of feminine strength and resilience.
“Lost and forgotten”
Oil, canvas
2023
“Dark and curious”
Oil, canvas
2023
“Damaged Truth”
Oil, canvas
2023
"Little Boggart" is a clay sculpture that captures the whimsical manifestation of inner fears. The artwork portrays a charming embodiment of anxiety, with the small boggart playfully keeping watch over the home. It establishes a connection with nature through the incorporation of wooden patterns and parts of a tree, adding an organic and grounded element to the piece. The juxtaposition of the funny form and the protective role of the boggart creates a unique and intriguing narrative within the artwork.
“Blue Entity”
Clay, enamel, gold
2023
Meet Polina Kniaz-Petukhovski (b. 1990) lives in Dubai. A young female artist hailing from Dubai, whose creative endeavors delve into the exploration of hidden human emotions and internal imagery. In her artistic expression, Polina seamlessly intertwines the profound and intricate realm of sexuality, employing vivid colors and surrealistic forms to bring her vision to life on canvas.