"Love Story! Venice!" (2021)Oil painting by Yurii Novikov

This painting explores the multifaceted nature of human society through the symbolism of masks. The central figure, richly adorned and holding a lace fan, peers out through a golden mask—representing the individual's desire to be seen, yet only through a carefully curated facade. Surrounding her are a multitude of other masked faces, each unique in design but equally unreadable—signifying the diverse yet disguised nature of people within a community.

The vibrant palette and ornate costumes reflect the allure and spectacle of social life, where appearance often overshadows authenticity. The sun and moon motifs in the top right corner further emphasize the duality of light and shadow in human interactions—truth and deception, openness and concealment.
The composition suggests a theatrical setting, hinting that society itself can resemble a grand performance in which everyone plays a role, hides behind a mask, and participates in the shared illusion of identity and belonging.
This painting invites viewers to question: What lies behind the mask? And more profoundly—do we even recognize our true selves without it?

Materials used:

oil, canvas, varnish

Details:

• Oil painting on Canvas
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 100 x 40 x 2cm (unframed)
• Ready to hang
• Signed on the front
• Style: Surrealistic
• Subject: People and portraits

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