Silk and pomegranate fruits (2020) Painting by Kseniia Berestova

Kseniia Berestova, a contemporary Russian painter, embarked on her artistic journey after graduating from Moscow State University, named after A.N. Kosygin, where she specialized in applied art with a focus on ornamentation. In 2007, she delved into the world of oil painting, initially as a personal exploration that gradually evolved into a profound search for her identity and artistic style. Today, Kseniia remains dedicated to this ongoing quest, finding herself inseparable from the world of painting, brushes, and vibrant pigments.

Her artistic process is characterized by an organic and spontaneous approach, with paintings emerging in the course of creation without the aid of preliminary sketches. Despite sometimes having specific compositions or ideas in mind, the final outcome often surprises her, taking unexpected directions. In the initial years, Kseniia predominantly painted figures, particularly the female form, capturing not only physical beauty but also the emotional nuances, narratives, and histories underlying each piece.

Assigning two-digit names to her works, Kseniia observes with fascination how viewers interpret and construct unique stories and plots within the art, each person contributing their individual perspective. Her canvases often extend beyond traditional boundaries, creating a sense of freedom that resonates with her experimental and exploratory approach. Frequently opting to leave her paintings unframed, Kseniia embraces this decision as a means of liberating the artwork from confining perimeters.

In a significant shift, Kseniia has developed a newfound passion for the still life genre in recent years, focusing on the depiction of vegetables and fruits. Her choice of subjects is deliberate, emphasizing their beauty in shape and color. Kseniia's affinity for imperfect fruits adds an extra layer of authenticity and charm to her compositions. While she appreciates the vibrancy of cut flowers, Kseniia prefers to portray them in their natural state—alive, growing, and rooted in nature or pots.

Notably, the artist's perspective on canvas size has transformed over time. While she previously leaned towards larger formats, she has now developed an affection for smaller canvases, particularly in the realm of still life depictions. For Kseniia, each painting serves as an experiment, an ongoing exploration, and a personal voyage of self-discovery. Her artworks adorn private collections in Russia, Belarus, Switzerland, Ukraine, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

• Nationality: RUSSIA
• Date of birth : 1978
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Russian Contemporary Artists