Substitution – Original Painting (2023)Oil painting by Anastasia Borodina

‘Substitution’ explores how cultural symbols shift in contemporary life. Painted in oil with a luminous gold-leaf ground, it elevates a Lindt chocolate bear — a modern emblem of Christmas consumer culture — to the place traditionally held by sacred imagery. Inspired by festive shop displays and a gold-toned icon of Saint Nicholas, the work reflects on what replaces spiritual anchors when ritual becomes commercial. The tactile realism of the bear contrasts with the timeless radiance of gold leaf, creating tension between the perishable and the transcendent. Exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2023, it combines visual clarity, conceptual depth, and emotional resonance, making it a compelling addition to collections of symbolic and contemporary iconographic art.

Details:
– Original oil painting on linen (one-of-a-kind artwork)
– Signed by the artist
– Certificate of Authenticity included
– Ships securely packaged

Technical Information:
The artwork will be shipped directly from my artist's workshop, accompanied by a signed certificate of authenticity. I always take great care to ensure that my artworks arrive at customers in perfect condition and ship them with a tracking number.
I appreciate how personal and even intimate the acquisition of a fine art piece can be, so I am always happy to answer any questions you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact me—I am experienced with all technical details and always do my best to support the delivery of artworks.

Materials used:

oil on canvas ana gold leaf

Details:

• Oil painting on Canvas
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 50.01 x 70 x 2.01cm (unframed) / 50.01 x 70cm (actual image size)
• Ready to hang
• Signed on the front
• Style: Urban and Pop
• Subject: Still life

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