Description
‘Layers’ by Simona Ruscheva
Artist: Simona Ruscheva
Title: ‘Layers’
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 23.6″ x 19.6″
Framing: Framed (frame size: 24.6″ x 20.6″)
Year of Creation: 2021
About the Artwork:
“This work continues the visual aesthetics of my Fire series with a strong orange underpainting with warm glazes, revealing deep burning hues of background flames. A reminisce of a fire bird and the life cycle, birth, death and again re- birth, is a focal point in the series. One of the main elements in this work is the eyes, in addition to the woman`s eyes there is a set on the necklace and geometric stylised in the background around the edges. The idea of one having two sets of eyes, usually seen in ritualistic masks, is that the second sees into the invisible realms of life. This is a quality or a gift regarded to the seers and shamans. I am very interested in the obscure, occult and mystical, so there is always a connotation to something hidden in my works. The hand around her neck symbolises that by evoking the hidden existence in the material world. The geometric design around the edges of the work is inspired by a traditional folk costume from North Macedonia, which is embroidered on all entrances to the body – the hemlines, cuffs and collars, to protect our core and keep our energy intact and strong inside. I am using it in the same way on the edges of the painting. The work has my original stamp and is signed and dated on the back.” – Simona Ruscheva
About the Artist:
(Artist Bio)
My name is Simona Ruscheva. I graduated Fine Art Painting in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. I am currently living and working in London, UK
I had my first solo show “The source” in Sofia, Bulgaria in 2018. I have also participated in various group shows across London, including Royal Institute of British Artists Annual exhibition, where my work was Highly Commended by the De Laszlo Foundation, and Society of Women Artists Annual Exhibition. I have been shortlisted for Artrooms Awards in 2019. I recently became a member of ArtCan artists organization.
(Artist Statement)
I am a contemporary figurative artist, based in London, UK. Being an immigrant has a huge influence on my work, as my way of staying connected to my culture is directly through my works. I explore various subjects from Bulgarian folklore and heritage, using very traditional elements and objects, such as embroidery and pottery designs, with mythological themes and universal symbols. I implement and transform ideas from different rituals and fables to create a contemporary interpretation of my culture, emphasising on the mystical and esoteric aspect of it.
With my works I want to strengthen and expand people`s awareness of the still existing cultural diversity in a current world setting, where globalisation is the new trend. With ethnicity being melted down, I consider it really important to acknowledge and preserve our own heritage.