Dear artists of the art department and the artistic culture
department, today we will talk about the artist Alexandra Novik-Khamis.
Alexandra Novik-Khamis is an established international
artist who creates contemporary conceptual art with a classical touch. Alexandra is from Russia. From early childhood, she showed
great interest in drawing and photography, which was noticed by her parents,
who tried to encourage her interest in art and develop her artistic abilities.
At the age of ten she began attending the Smolensk Art School, and at the age
of sixteen she entered the Faculty of Fine Arts and Graphics of the Smolensk
State University.
Five years of university study and self-development improved
her skills, gave her a deep knowledge of art methods and techniques, and helped
her develop her artistic style and vision of “life in art.” In addition,
Alexandra took several master classes from famous Russian artists and began to
learn more about realism, her favorite artistic style.
She now lives, works and helps develop art in the Kingdom of
Bahrain.
During her 14 years in Bahrain, she opened an art studio,
organized several exhibitions, was recognized as one of the most successful
businesswomen in the Gulf, wrote a book of educational materials on art, and
painted more than 500 works of art. Now she is also engaged in illustrating
books by Arab and European authors.
Alexandra works primarily with oil and acrylic paints on
canvas. However, it is known that she also stands out for her works in
watercolors and graphics. As a contemporary conceptual artist, her work
consists of strong, bold lines and vibrant colors combined with an emphasis on
space. Her specialty is creating large-scale portraits, landscapes and still
lifes for homes, corporate offices, leisure facilities and boutiques.
Over the years, Alexandra has grown and developed as an
accomplished contemporary artist. Collectors and dealers who follow her art career say that Alexandra's work is constantly evolving.
Her oil and acrylic art is a reflection of her personal
thoughts, emotions, struggles and triumphs. Perhaps this is her
autobiographical visual novel.
With each stroke, she frees a part of herself to clear what
is no longer needed and open to what was meant to be. Her work is offered for
sale directly through her online gallery on her webpage.
What inspires you?
As an artist from Russia currently living in Bahrain, I find
inspiration in the fascinating combination of cultures and landscapes that
surround me. The vibrant colors and patterns of traditional Bahraini
architecture combined with the dynamic energy of the bustling souks and the
tranquil beauty of the desert leave an indelible imprint on my artistic vision.
I am also inspired by my Russian heritage, drawing on the
rich history of Russian art and its profound influence on my creative
expression. Captivating stories and folklore, ethereal landscapes, and emotions
conveyed by Russian artists throughout history inspire me to bring depth and
meaning to my work.
Overall, the combination of Bahraini culture, Russian
heritage and my personal experiences forms the fabric of inspiration that
drives my creativity, allowing me to create art that resonates with others on a
deep level.
I am an art teacher and also a freelance artist. Besides my
teaching career, I continue to improve my creativity every year.
What are the most important aspects of your job?
Art teaching and mentoring give special meaning to my life.
I believe that the arts have the power to transform not only a student's
creativity, but also their overall academic performance. Mastery of art not
only gives students confidence but also inspires them to new heights. When
fiction is turned into a visual novel, it is not only beautiful, but it also
helps students feel worthwhile. Their self-esteem and confidence grows as they
progress in the arts.
Are there any challenges in the art world and how have you
overcome them?
On my creative path, I have encountered my fair share of
problems in the art world. One of the main challenges is navigating the art
market, which can be highly competitive and saturated with talented people.
Standing out and getting recognition in this huge creative space can be
challenging.
To overcome these problems, I adopted several strategies:
The first and most basic thing is continuous learning: I
believe in the importance of continuous learning and improving your artistic
skills. I am constantly looking for opportunities to expand my knowledge
through workshops, courses and interactions with other artists. This helps me
stay up to date with the latest trends, techniques and concepts in the art
world, allowing me to push my boundaries and create innovative work.
The second is creating a support network. Surrounding
yourself with like-minded people and a supportive community can make a big
difference. I actively participate in art shows, network with other artists,
and collaborate with local arts organizations. Through these interactions, I
found invaluable support, feedback, and collaboration opportunities that pushed
my creative path forward.
It's also what I call embracing individuality: understanding
that my unique voice and point of view are my greatest assets, I try to stay
true to my artistic vision. I embrace my cultural heritage, integrate it with
the influences of living in Bahrain, and create work that authentically
reflects my personality. By embracing my individuality, I stand out in the art
world and attract those who appreciate my individual artistic expression.
An important strategy is adaptability: the art world is
constantly evolving, and it is important to adapt and use new technologies and
trends. I am exploring different technologies, trying different techniques and
using digital platforms to reach a wider audience. By embracing innovation and
incorporating it into my creative practice, I remain relevant and connect with
a diverse audience.
Perseverance and flexibility. The art world can be complex
and unpredictable, but maintaining a flexible mindset is critical. I remind
myself that failure and rejection are part of the journey and use them as
opportunities to grow. I remain persistent in achieving my creative goals,
overcoming obstacles and finding inspiration even in the face of adversity.
These strategies help me overcome challenges in the art
world.
What are the most important themes and subjects that you use
in your work?
As an artist from Russia living in Bahrain, I find great
inspiration in the unique combination of cultures and experiences that surround
me. I explore many topics in my work, but there are a few that have particular
meaning to me.
One important topic that I often delve into is the concept
of cultural diversity and the beauty of multiculturalism. Living in Bahrain, I
am always surrounded by different traditions, languages and customs. I strive
to capture the essence of this cultural mosaic in my art and celebrate the
harmonious coexistence of different identities.
Another area of my work is the study of nature and its
relationship with humanity. From pristine beaches to vibrant desert, Bahrain's
stunning landscapes are an endless source of inspiration. I strive to create
works of art that highlight our connection to the natural world and remind
viewers of the importance of conservation and stewardship of the environment.
Finally, as an artist who deeply values personal growth and
emotional expression, I often explore themes of self-discovery and
introspection. Through my art, I aim to evoke emotion and encourage viewers to
reflect on their inner journeys, inviting them to explore their thoughts and
feelings.
These themes, among others, shape my artistic vision and
allow me to share my unique perspective. I hope my work resonates with people
of different backgrounds and inspires them to embrace diversity, appreciate
nature, and embark on their own creative journey.
Which art school influenced you?
I love different styles and their combination. But perhaps I
will especially highlight the Russian avant-garde. This style had a profound influence
on my artistic style. Artists such as Kazimir Malevich and Wassily Kandinsky,
with their bold use of geometric shapes and vibrant colors, shaped my
understanding of abstract art and its ability to express feelings and ideas
beyond the image.
In addition, I love the traditional Russian arts, such as folk art.
The intricate detail and spiritual symbolism inherent in these
art forms has inspired me to bring a sense of depth and meaning to my work.
Living in Bahrain, I am also influenced by the local art
scene and the vibrant cultural life of the region. The vibrant colors,
intricate patterns and lines of Islamic art are a constant source of
inspiration for me. The combination of traditional Arabic aesthetics and modern
elements has pushed me to experiment with different techniques and mediums,
creating a unique combination in my work.
In your opinion, is the artist a product of academic
learning or a product of the creative state?
In my opinion, an artist is a product of academic study and
a creative state. While an academic education provides a solid foundation and
technical skills, the creative state is where true artistic expression
flourishes.
Academic training plays a vital role in improving artistic
skills, teaching various techniques and providing a comprehensive understanding
of art history. It provides artists with the tools to effectively communicate
their ideas and visions. Through disciplined training, artists can explore
different materials, experiment with techniques, and develop a deeper
understanding of the principles of art.
However, it is the creative state that truly brings art to
life. It is a state of mind in which artists exploit their imagination,
emotions and personal experiences. This is where unique creative voices emerge,
ideas are born and originality flourishes. The creative state allows artists to
express themselves authentically, push boundaries, and create work that resonates
with others on a deep level.
By combining academic learning with a creative state,
artists can achieve a fine balance. They can use their technical skills to
bring their artistic visions to life while allowing their creativity to guide
them. The synergy of these two elements results in the creation of meaningful
and impactful art.
Ultimately, an artist is a product of lifelong learning,
self-discovery, and an unwavering passion for creativity. The harmonious
interaction of academic learning and the creative state shapes the artist,
allowing him to develop, innovate and leave his unique mark on the world.
What solo exhibitions have you held and where?
I organized several exhibitions in Bahrain. But one is
closest to me. This is an exhibition that took place in the financial marina -
“Tuareg: Secrets of the Desert”! This collection of paintings is a celebration
of the fascinating Tuareg people, a nomadic tribe with a rich cultural heritage
in the Sahara.
In this exhibition, I sought to portray the beauty,
resilience and mystery of the Tuareg through my art. Each painting captures the
essence of their unique identity, showcasing their colorful traditional
clothing, intricate jewelry and proud demeanor. Through my brushstrokes, I
aimed to capture their striking features, covered in desert sand, and their
vibrant eyes, which spoke volumes about their history and experiences.
In addition, this exhibition aims to highlight lesser-known
aspects of the Tuareg lifestyle. Each painting in this exhibition is an
invitation to immerse yourself in their world, to feel connected to the
vastness of the desert and its secrets.
What is your contribution to the arts in the Middle East as
well as on the world stage?
As a Russian artist living in Bahrain, as well as an art
teacher and director of international work at International Action ART under
the auspices of UNESCO, I strive to contribute at various levels of the visual
arts community, both in the Middle East and internationally.
Locally, I have been and continue to be actively involved in
promoting and supporting the local art scene in Bahrain. Through workshops,
seminars and exhibitions, I aim to develop and encourage emerging artists by
providing them with the opportunity to showcase their work and gain knowledge.
As an art teacher, I strive to foster creativity and artistic expression in my
students by helping them develop their skills and discover their unique
artistic voice.
At the international level, as head of the international
division of International Action ART under the auspices of UNESCO, I
collaborate with artists from different countries, organizing art exhibitions,
cultural exchanges and joint projects.
These initiatives aim to promote intercultural
understanding, promote dialogue and showcase the talents of artists from
Bahrain and around the world. By facilitating these international connections,
I hope to create a platform for artists to share their vision, experiences and
perspectives, and contribute to the development of the global arts community.
In addition, I actively participate in international art
events and exhibitions, showcasing my work and interacting with artists from
different walks of life.
By supporting emerging artists, organizing exhibitions and
participating in international events, I strive to make a positive impact on
the art world and promote the growth and recognition of fine art in Bahrain and
beyond.
What ideas do you want to convey through your work?
One of the main themes I explore is the power of cultural
inclusion and the beauty of diversity. My stay in Bahrain, a country with a
rich diversity of cultures, inspired me to create art that celebrates the
harmonious coexistence of different traditions, languages and customs. I want
to convey a message of unity and remind viewers of the beauty that occurs when
cultures intertwine and influence each other.
Another theme that permeates my work is the relationship
between nature and spirituality.
I believe my art carries the message of finding beauty in
the connections that unite us. Whether it's our connection to nature, the
shared human experience, or the universal feelings that bind us together, I
strive to highlight the common threads that run through our lives. I want my
art to serve as a reminder that we are all part of a whole and that our actions
and choices affect not only ourselves, but the world around us.
At its core, the message I want to convey to the world is
one of unity, compassion, and celebrating diversity. Through my art, I hope to
inspire viewers to embrace these values, connect with each other on a deeper
level, and contribute to creating a more harmonious and compassionate world.
We now leave it to you to view the works of the artist
Alexandra, and in support of her valuable art, we have confirmed the
authenticity of her creative biography and her merits.
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