Tourists (2026)Collage by BAST

A vintage tapestry depicting a church in the traditional Russian style. The addition of Simpsons characters adds a modern touch and humor to the composition.


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Artist's Statement

I present a series of paintings titled "A Fairytale in my life," where reality collides with a living fairytale. In my artworks, I strive to create a unique space where classical art intertwines with vibrant characters from cartoons, fairy tales, and fantasy films. These characters, bursting into the everyday flow of events, bring with them irony and a touch of chaos, turning the familiar world upside down.

Since childhood, I have dreamed of dolls being alive, able to speak and move. One of my favorite films, "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," was a true revelation for me. In this film, animated characters live alongside humans, and this idea has always fascinated me. I often fantasized about what it would be like if my favorite characters lived nearby, interacting with our reality and disrupting the usual order of things.

In the process of creating this series of paintings, I realized that although I have grown up, cartoons and fairytale worlds still hold an important place in my life. They remind me of the importance of preserving childlike sincerity and the ability to be amazed. Each piece is an attempt to capture that incredible moment when two worlds meet: the real and the fantastical, where boundaries blur and the mundane becomes magical.

I hope that my paintings will inspire viewers to reflect on how wonder can exist alongside us if only we are willing to see it.

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About artist:

Irina creates artworks in a decorative style, likes to experiment with materials: mosaics, precious stones, glass, paints, texture, etc.

Education:
- Paideia School of Contemporary Art (St. Petersburg, Russia).
- Lomonosov Northern Arctic Federal University (Arkhangelsk, Russia), a master's degree in psychology. Additional education: art therapy.

The artist participated in 23 exhibitions in the USA, Canada, Russia, China and Europe.

In addition, Irina was awarded the diplomas "Best Works of 2016", "Best Works of 2019", a special diploma for creativity (International Association VATIKAM, France, Paris) and Luxembourg Art Prize.

The artist has publications in the following magazines: LAZIN (UK), BONART Cultural, Girona (Spain), CONTEMPORAIN (France), Woman (Russia), Objectsmag (Rivista online indipendente, Italy), Poramoralarte (Spain), The News God (USA), GlamourBuff (USA), book You can become anyone you choose (VICTO, USA).

Irina's artworks are kept in the collections of ArtMuse Contemporary Art Museum (Russia, St. Petersburg) and Art Recycling Museum (Russia, Kaluga), Ecological Museum MUMUKA (Russia, Kaliningrad).

Irina's paintings are in private collections in 28 countries

Materials used:

Tapestry on panel with collage

Details:

• Collage on Panel / Board / MDF
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 37 x 43 x 2cm (unframed)
• Ready to hang
• Signed on the back
• Style: Urban and Pop
• Subject: People and portraits

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