Ekaterina Abramova

EKATERINA ABRAMOVA is a Russian painter and graphic artist working with an array of traditional techniques with oil, acrylic, water-color on canvas.

Ekaterina is a multifaceted artist. Her artistic style is a combination of the 21st century's magic realism with the spiritually revealing ornamental approach abundantly drawing on the symbolism of Russian and Indian folklore.

Ekatherina is now in Moscow and You have a unique opportunity to get in touch with her creativity by ordering her work or to join her for an elating experience of mutual artistic discovery! This is what she offers: 1. Classic portrait. Within three hours you will become a happy owner of your own classic portrait on canvas. Similarity and artistic insight are guaranteed. Envision yourself from the artist's perspective as she will capture this unique moment in time. You will then have the opportunity to show this portrait to your friends and family and enjoy it throughout the years to come. 2. Dream portrait. Recognizably you but adorned with a unique artwork of symbols and archetypes - the stuff dreams are made of, the things that subtly shape your reality. Dreams do come true. This is an opportunity to become aware of your true self with the help of an insightful artist. Contemplating Ekaterina's work you will be able to access your inner wisdom. Her artistic revival of the archetype that ushers you through life will help you to find your proper place in it. 3. Aspiration painting. A painting on canvas customized for your unique purpose. This kind of work is meant to help you fulfill your aspirations through the use of powerful symbols, shapes and inspiring mood. 4. Mandala. Graphics on canvas. As we converse heart to heart in relaxed atmosphere, the canvas comes to life. At the end of the session you will obtain a wholesome picture with a sacred geometry pattern and in it your pure presence will be interwoven with the artist' insight. This kind of work is meant to purify and harmonize the flow of your entire life. 5. Art-therapy. It's an opportunity to look inward removing all the masks and limitations that hinder your artistic expression. Ekaterina will help you to relax and unleash your creativity. You are going to discover so much about yourself! She will also introduce you to the various technics of applying colors to canvas. In the course of this interactive work you will create two paintings worthy of adorning your home. 6. Master-class on painting. Take your first lesson in drawing or improve your skills in drawing portrait, mastering figures and shapes, planning a composition, capturing still life and sketching. Contact Ekaterina by phone: +79035761352. Or enroll in art therapy or a Master-class on painting.

For every artist a personal exhibition is always a landmark event. The purpose of an exhibition is to share the sum total of the inner quest and to reveal the artist's novel perception of reality, as well as it is an opportunity to showcase his or her newly discovered ways of expression.

Evidently, the latest two series of paintings presented by Ekaterina Abramova are deeply rooted in her lifelong spiritual quest. Symbolism and archetypes had attracted Ekaterina in the past as they still do now. She is presently drawing her inspiration from the symbolic pool of the Russian Orthodox icon-painting - such is her new canvas titled "Abstraction". The titles of this collection suggest an elated flow of consciousness: *Volition*, *Conception*, *God"s Grace*, *Succour*, *Accomplishment*. Invoking the symbolism employed by Russian icon-painters for centuries, Ekaterina is capable of transcending the boundaries imposed by this particular religious view and the result is quite thrilling.

It's in the nature of symbols to evoke different interpretations. Let us try to express in mundane terms that particular manifestation of Almighty God which is called *Volition*, the primary impulse that awakens everything into being. What we see on the canvas is a combination of geometrical shapes. The focal point, where all the lines merge, is the Source. The light is emanating from the white square as darkness engulfs the periphery. There is this combination of a circle, a sphere and a triangle (Trinity), a square (Heavenly Trinity projected onto matter), an eight-rayed star (symbol of the Son of God, the Bodhisattva) - all of these symbols are understood alike by Russians, Hindus and Egyptians. I am referring to these particular world-views, because each of them bears an ancient knowledge at its core, and there's a common language as well as a mutually resonant and complementary symbolism in these Traditions.

Now that the Volition has been voiced we come in contact with the *Conception*. The lines are morphing into smooth curves and we are now witnessing the primordial creative manifestation of Love. Hence the recognizable holy faces of the Four Spirits by the Throne of Almighty God (located at the four corners of the canvas). Hence also the Monad (the lesser circle) emanating from the Source (the bigger circle). Then, again, we see the quadrangle motive (a projection of the Triad) and the Spirit is now reiterated, this time in its descent into Matter. The boundary between them is outlined with a tentative indigo-colored belt, the colour of the central vertical ellipse - a symbolic representation of the Cosmic Egg. What is amazing here is that if you look on the canvas unfocussed all these colours, figures and lines seem to be revealing a Face!

Here I will go no further in my interpretation than examine just two instances of Ekaterina's work in this series. Actually, it is perfectly clear to me that they will evoke different associations in different people. However, I am positively convinced that no one will be left untouched! This collection has a particular appeal for me due to the fact that it is two-in-one. Ekaterina was able not only to find a solution for a very complex and almost impossible task of alluding to those subtle concepts that we, while dwelling in our human shape, can only occasionally become aware of but never grasp in full. The second part of the task the artist had set for herself may be formulated as the descent of the Monad onto Matter. By the way, it is my impression that this path is the same for any Monad. In the Bible a certain conversation of Jesus with His disciples is related. The disciples approached Him with questions about His true identity. He replied with a question: "Who do you think I am?" and they gave Him different answers. One of them said: "I think You're the Son of God". To this Jesus smiled sadly and said: "All of us we are the Sons of God but you don't know it..." Perhaps the time has come for many of us to realize this truth. This is why the title of the painting is not "Dormition" but "Accomplishment". This is why on the canvas titled "Succour" we see that the Son is surrounded by a host of beings: by living people; by those whom in India they call Rishis and in Russia we call them holy righteous men; by heavenly beings (top row in accordance with the classical tradition of icon-painting); as well as by some other beings placed below and around the cross-like symbol.

*Ages ago...* This work stands closer to the second series titled "Icon motives", however, what we see in that series are not icons but portraits of modern-day people, a contemporary Indian family as a matter of fact! Yet again, it confirms my assumption that Ekaterina Abramova is eager to manifest the existence of the spiritual and imperishable being through the images of comprehensible everyday reality. Are the quotes from the Bible appropriate in this context? No doubt about it! By the way, this device reminds us of the visual tradition of yet another major World religion, namely Islam! It is there that we find ornamental images in mosques and palaces intertwining with verses from the Koran.

*Annunciation*. A middle-aged woman is sitting at a table covered with white tablecloth and on it there is a cup. Her repast is already for her, which is naturally evidenced by her belly and her posture. This is also made clear by the figure of a winged messenger reaching out forth his hands towards her. His figure is quite small, which is meant to say that the future had only been alluded to, that at present it's merely the Good News. The set and setting is conveying simplicity, acceptance of fate and peace.

*Mothers*. Five women are standing in the doorway. Their pleasant faces are bearing soft smiles, they are wearing simple dresses and saris. At first glance there's nothing special except for that unusual brilliance of their eyes as if an Angel is about to land on the shoulder of one of them.

*Luminary*. A mature dark-skinned woman in white sari is walking by. It's the light and the colours of the air and the ground that capture our attention, as well as this elusive smile on her face as if she is talking to a companion no one else can perceive.

Blessing

The same woman is waving with the edge of her robe over another seated mature woman. With her fingers the seated woman is forming some sort of mudra. What mudra is it? It's worth paying more attention to her hand. With the thumb of her other hand she is holding a paper square on her knee. The Good News has been received. Does the medium of delivery really matter? The message can be delivered in any way. The colours of the painting are of great importance, they are: white, terra-cotta, coffee, scarlet, aquamarine...

Resurrection

It's time for a lively and bright celebration! You can even see the glitter of the ceramic tiles on the floor. All the human figurers are saturated with presence in this glorious moment. The liveliest, the most vibrant of them all is a figure of a man - with his head slightly bent forward - in the midst of the crowd. He is the One to whom everyone present is drawn. It's all simple, logical and complete just as simple and logical is the hovering figure with the discus of the Sun in the hands. Even the palm-trees bend their crowns to the focal point of the composition...

The paintings of Ekaterina Abramova convey a wholesome and lasting emotion of quiet and powerful joy. It's almost like there's a Promise blowing in the air. May this Promise uplift the hearts of everyone who comes in touch with Ekaterina Abramova's talent. She is a noble soul testifying to the elating Truth of God and cherishing in her heart the spiritual bound with Russia and India.

Namaste!

Margarita Krylova,
Literary artist,
Russia

source:
http://artabramova.com/index.php/en/news/item/1408-india-in-my-heart-faces-and-symbols

Art therapy is a technique of subconscious exploration using color and composition. It allows us to look within and to express our thoughts and feelings through art.

Art therapy is like taking a photograph of your true Self, or meeting with your true Self to seek its assistance in the unfolding of your creative potential.

Art therapy is a profound and thrilling journey within in search of unconscious ideas, hopes, fears, desires and anxieties, which we can then put on paper and retain in the realm of consciousness.

What we do is take a problem, visualize it and call for the improvisational artist that dwells within to solve it with immanent lightness.

We express harmony and it stays with us. We rediscover the child within, the untiring explorer full of confidence and trust for the world. We work with different professional materials in order to become familiar with many facets o improvisation in painting.

We drill on many methods of applying paint and create a number of beautiful images.

With every new attempt you will notice that your artistic work is becoming more skilled and harmonious. You will be able to continue working at home the house, drawing and visualizing your life as a bright and joyful experience.

Classes are held in groups of 5-10 people with thevsensitive guiding of a talented and experienced artist,

Love and Light,
Ekaterina Abramova

There has been a lot of artistic research and experimentation going on in my life recently, and, among other things, my creativity has been drawn to painting spiritual ornamental pictures.

Since the time immemorial, ornaments were used to protect people from the evils of the world, their symbols and signs being a kind writing system. Until now we can find a variety of ornamental and symbolic art in everyday life of many peoples on this planet. And while traveling all over the world, I am always fascinated by this folk art, where you can see the wisdom that helps us to live in harmony.

In this period of my life I live mostly in India, where everything is imbued with colors, ornaments and symbols. My mind absorbs this space, transforms it, and then splashes it onto the canvas. I began to paint pictures that deal with your problems and help to solve them.

My pictures aim at achieving your desires — to meet your love and open up to it, to start a family, to have a successful business, to have a good health. The pictures work because the colors and symbols influence the unconscious and harmonize it. Since the time immemorial, and to this day, the color has a great power of healing psychological and physiological illnesses.

Your intent represented by an amulet, image or symbol of the material world helps amplify the energy of reaching your dream.

In order for me to make a picture for you, I need to talk to you by phone or via email to find out your goals in life. With thanks and love, together with you we will create a picture that will support you and help you realize your life’s objectives.

People who have my pictures constantly tell me that in a short period of time their plans come true. And for me this is the most important thing — to experience with you this joy, love and harmony that come to your life.

With much joy and happiness. God bless you,

Ekaterina Abramova

THE ABSTRACT ICON SERIES

This is my path to the Truth, and I invite you to come along with me. I began this series after watching Byzantine, Greek, Russian, and Georgian 12th and 13thcentury icons, and with the blessing of my spiritual master. The main idea of this Abstract Icon Series is to explore this world’s interconnections with its religions. Art, especially traditional one, has always been built on the human being’s relationship with God. Religious art varies depending on the region. Visiting countries and peoples of the world, I am always very interested in their religions and philosophies. But Beauty is always born out of harmony that unites human being with God. Only with the help of Beauty can a human being feel and create the energy that brings people together. Learning from the Icon and moving forward as an artist, I try to solve the problems of our 21stcentury together with you.

FEMALE ATTITUDE

Woman’s sentiments and feelings in her life and love. Color, strokes, and the lines of the body are very important and become the language by which I reveal the image and the inner life of the character on canvas.

NUDES

An image of a strong and at the same time delicate girl has always excited me. Bringing about this image using the body language amounts to coupling with the model. The character of the individual-model is read like an open book, as well as there is an act of co-creation, alchemy between the artist and the model.

THE ETERNAL

These works are rendered in the Post-Expressionist style. Their images make us look inside ourselves, turn our thoughts to God. They are my contemplation of the radiant energy of angels, of saints, and people whom one can call Souls.

ORNAMENTS

Symbols, especially in folk art, have always been helpers, guardians. Ornamental art is a language of its own kind that you can read. I use this language in my works in order to enhance the energy in your space. My pictures fulfill your intentions: health, happiness, well-being, love.

STILL LIFE

I am always in quest of the unusual in a daily life. If you look at the unclean table after a breakfast you’ll see how the objects relate to each other. There are love, sadness, and joy — everything that there is in our lives. I try to reveal all this in each of my Still Life pictures. As an artist, I constantly look for the unusual in each moment of life. And in that unusual, I find the inner truth that resides in all of us. It is radiant and joyful. Sometimes it’s a bit sad. But that sadness helps us stop our constant pursuit of earthly things in this material world and look up. I invite you to fly with me on the swings of love in the world of our happy childhood.

http://youtu.be/dDFxM_z1Wag


Your Dream Portrait

You are the protagonist of the painting and are found within the field of your intentions and wishes. Colour, visual metaphors and symbols provide you with confidence in your dream and its realization.

How does it work?

While communicating with and relating to the painting you create a powerful flow of interaction with your Dream, which in turn creates a powerful flow of focused intention aimed at manifesting your Dream in reality.

We start with discussing your intentions, dreams and wishes. In order to become aware of your life-aims and aspirations, we meet for a talk (it can also be a phone conversation, a call on Skype, or just an exchange of e-mail messages). After that I create a number if sketches for you to choose one that resonates most following your inner feelings.

Painting is a mighty instrument for realizing your aspirations, intentions and dreams in reality.

I am getting many reports from people whose Dream Portraits are fulfilling their bravest dreams just the way they hoped.

The most important thing for me is to see joy, love and harmony filling your life. My happiness is yours, your happiness is mine.

With Love and Light,
Ekaterina Abramova

Ekaterina Abramova will be back in India in October; she is returning to work on her new paintings. It was there, in India, that the two of us met for the first time, at an exhibition of her artwork at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in New Delhi. The display, entitled "Anahata with a Russian Heart," came about as a result of the months the painter spent in Goa, New Delhi and elsewhere.

The pictures on show are all united by the rather unorthodox idea of marrying classical Russian icon painting with Indian cosmology art. In them, the faces of Christian saints look bizarrely Indian. And there are human-headed sacred birds, angels from Russian icons, soaring over the effigies of Indian women living in Goa. The integration is complete, espe-cially in the abstract pictures, where the two cultural traditions are mere¬ly outlined instead of being represented in all their details. The result is an unusual, Indo-Russian gallery of cosmological messages expressed through the medium of paint.

This idea of trying to combine the seemingly unmatchable may seem crazy. If you create something aimed at two audiences at the same time, you risk winning the acclaim of neither. Classical iconography may work quite effectively in contemporary Russian pain ting, but not many people in Russia are likely to feel any kind of affinity with the Indian faces and landscapes represented in Abramova's pictures, and fewer still will be able to decipher the exotic titles.

On the other hand, Russian icon painting is not widely known in India and few Indians are familiar with its complex symbolic language. In prag-matic terms, this means the chances of the exhibition being a sell out are quite slim.

"I knew all along that this wasn't going to be a commercial project," Abramova told me ahead of her return to India. "But the series has been getting a lot of attention. It's been displayed at the Roerich Museum in Moscow. Later on, some of the pictures are going to be shown at the Fine Arts Academy run by Zurab Tsereteli, chief guru and mentor of the Mos¬cow art scene. In India I was helped by a woman probably known by eve¬ryone who has anything to do with the local art market, Elizabeth Rogers."

Small wonder then that this picture series has become more highly valued than Abramova's other works, including in financial terms.

The actual origins of Russian ethnicity and culture are shrouded in mystery. That Russians may share their roots with Indians is just one of the many possible answers to the question "Who are we?" This odd fusion of the two religious cosmologies in Abramova's work offers no clues, but it does evoke strong emotions.

Her experience of working in India has enabled Abramova to climb a couple of steps up the professional ladder, including in terms of com¬mercial success. It is a transparent and well-structured world, contain¬ing artists regarded as geniuses around the world, whose works carry mil¬lion-dollar price tags and are often bought as investments. They include Mikhail Shemyakin, Rustam Khamdamov and Yury Kuper, with their instantly recognizable styles. There is also a second tier, made up of arti¬sts such as the Suvorov sisters and Dmitry Vaulin, and many others. And then there are commercially successful painters of little artistic merit, who are often referred to as "salon" artists. Art connoisseurs will look down on such painters with contempt. As for Abramova, it looks like this wild Indian experiment has propelled her into the second echelon, which is generally considered sufficient to lead a fulfilling life in the art world.

In conclusion, here is a brief background reference. Abramo va, 33, is a mother of three. She studied at several art schools before entering the Repin Academy of Painting, Sculpture and Archite cture in St Petersburg, where she graduated with first class honours. She has complimentary medals and diplomas galore. Her talent reveals itself at its best in portraits of women... and, of course, in religious paintings.

Dmitry Kozyrev