Original artwork description:

In Happy Valentine’s Day, Inga Makarova delivers a masterclass in visual storytelling, blending sensuality, irony, and conceptual clarity within a beautifully executed oil painting. The composition centers on a mythological figure stripped of his fantasy – a modern reinterpretation of Cupid shown not in power or action, but in a moment of ironic collapse. Seen from behind, the winged nude appears elegant and strong, yet a jarring detail breaks the spell: his own arrow pierces him from behind, rendering the god of love not a deliverer of affection, but a victim of it.

This reversal is no accident. With sharp symbolic intent, Makarova critiques the romantic idealism often projected onto love, suggesting that desire can be directionless, painful, or even self-destructive. The bow hangs limp in one hand, the arrow’s trajectory absurdly misdirected – and yet, every element of the figure is painted with classical finesse. The lush rendering of muscle, feathered wings, and posture speaks to the artist’s command of traditional techniques, while the theme pushes confidently into the realm of surrealism and dark humor.

This work will appeal to collectors who are drawn to paintings that challenge conventions, offering beauty with an edge. Whether interpreted as myth, satire, or emotional allegory, this piece leaves an unforgettable impression.

Materials used:

Oil

Tags: