Artwork description:

№Varv 221

The painting "Portrait of a Monkey" is a whimsical and imaginative portrayal of a young chimpanzee immersed in the world of dreams and flight. Dressed in a vintage aviator helmet with well-worn goggles perched on its head, the monkey exudes a sense of adventure and curiosity. Its face, full of wonder and excitement, gazes at the paper airplane it holds high in the air, as if ready to send it soaring into the sky. The chimpanzee’s attire adds a charming narrative to the painting. The old-fashioned leather straps hanging from its shoulders resemble the harnesses of early pilots, giving it the appearance of a young aviator preparing for takeoff. The details in the painting, from the worn textures of the helmet to the intricate folds of the paper airplanes, reveal the artist’s meticulous attention to storytelling through visual elements. The monkey sits comfortably in a lush, green setting, surrounded by hints of nature. A woven basket filled with additional paper airplanes rests beside it, suggesting that this is not just a fleeting game but an ongoing adventure. The presence of tropical fruits in the foreground, with bright yellow hues, contrasts with the deep greens of the foliage, reinforcing the connection between the playful nature of the monkey and its jungle habitat. The background is an ethereal blend of soft blues, greens, and whites, creating a dreamy, almost surreal atmosphere. The blurred brushstrokes give the impression of movement, as if a gentle breeze is carrying the monkey’s imagination along with the paper planes. Floating paper fragments swirl in the background, further emphasizing the sense of motion and freedom. One of the most striking elements of this painting is the expression of the monkey. Its wide, bright eyes are filled with curiosity, and its slightly open mouth hints at excitement and anticipation. The delicacy with which it holds the paper airplane, fingers gently curved around the edges, adds to the realism of the moment. The monkey’s fur, painted with a blend of deep browns and subtle highlights, is rendered with texture and detail, making it appear soft and natural. The paper airplane itself is a significant symbol in the painting. It represents childhood dreams, innovation, and the innate desire to explore the unknown. The way the chimpanzee holds the airplane high, as if testing the wind before launching it, mirrors the aspirations of dreamers and pioneers throughout history.

*** ABOUT THIS PAINTING ***
* TITLE: "Portrait of a Monkey"
* ARTISTS: Anatoly Varvarov
* SIZE: 80x70 cm/'31.49x27.55 inches'
* MEDIUM: oil, canvas
* HAND PAINTED: Original painting from our collection
* CONDITION: Photos provide accurate information about the product.

About the artist: Varvarov Anatoly Viktorovich

He was born on February 12, 1967 in Kremenchuk, Poltava region.

He graduated from Dnepropetrovsk Art School. EV Vuchetich (1983-1987)

National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture - (1990-1996)

Member of the Union of Artists of Ukraine. He received the category of artist-restorer of easel painting (1999).

A. Varvarov is one of the members of the art commune "Squat on Olehivska", which emerged in the early 90's. The association was a non-profit view of art and demonstrated an innovative approach to the interpretation of contemporary processes in society. Artists did not limit themselves to the walls of galleries and museums and became known for their social actions. Performance installations and flash mobs

Lives and works in Kyiv.

The works are in UKM Uue Kunsti Muuseum | MONA The Museum of New Art, Dnipro Art Museum, CSM M17, National Art Gallery of Ukraine, collections of galleries "Soviart", "AVS ART", "RA", "Vernissage", and private collections of Ukraine, England, Austria, USA, Germany , Canada, Italy, Chile, China, Estonia, Poland, Czech Republic, Russia.

Materials used:

oil

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