By: Anna Collins
The 10th anniversary of the international Art on Paper New York 2024 exhibition unfolded at Pier 36 in Manhattan, bringing together over 100 galleries from across the globe. The abundance of styles, techniques, and artistic approaches made this event a true celebration for art lovers. Amidst the variety of works, artist Ekaterina Stolyarova’s pieces attracted special attention for not only their aesthetic appeal but also their powerful environmental message. I sat down with Ekaterina to learn more about her art and the motivations behind her creations.
Exploring Roots: Ecology as a Foundation
Anna Collins: Ekaterina, your works at Art on Paper caught attention with their environmental focus. What inspired you to make this theme central to your art?
Ekaterina Stolyarova: Ecology has always been a vital part of my life. I grew up in one of Russia’s polluted regions, and believe me, when you see pollution’s effects daily, it profoundly shapes how you see the world. Through art, I aim to convey nature’s beauty while highlighting its fragility. For me, this isn’t just art; it’s a way to draw attention to issues that impact us all.
Working with Natural Materials: Challenges and Inspiration
Anna Collins: As I understand it, you prefer to work with natural materials and pigments. What draws you to this process?
Ekaterina Stolyarova: Natural pigments give a unique texture and warmth that’s hard to achieve with standard materials. However, it’s not always easy — working with natural materials requires patience and an understanding of their nature. Sometimes pigments behave unpredictably, and I have to start over. But these challenges open new creative possibilities. The process becomes an experiment where nature isn’t just the subject but also a collaborator.
On Personal Interpretation and Viewer Emotions
Anna Collins: Many artists aim to convey their point of view to the audience, but I noticed that you prefer to leave room for personal interpretation. Why is this so important to you?
Ekaterina Stolyarova: I believe art should allow the viewer to experience their own emotions and associations. When someone looks at a painting and sees something uniquely personal, that’s the true magic of art. I want each viewer to find something in my work that resonates with their inner self, rather than feeling confined by my interpretation.
Key Works and an Inspiring Message
Anna Collins: One of your works at the exhibition, Shaded Solitude, is particularly striking. Could you tell us more about what you aimed to express through it?
Ekaterina Stolyarova: This piece grew out of my observations of nature and my desire to convey its beauty through simple forms. Shaded Solitude features an arch framing a tree against a sunset, symbolizing both the quiet and fragile sides of nature. I wanted viewers to feel the contrast between nature’s simplicity and its grandeur and see the importance of its preservation.
International Recognition and Community Participation
Anna Collins: You’re also involved in various international art communities, such as the Portrait Society of America and the Russian American Cultural Center. How important are these connections for you?
Ekaterina Stolyarova: These communities provide opportunities to exchange ideas with artists from different countries and showcase my work on a global scale. As a chair of the jury in international eco-art competitions, I actively promote the idea of sustainable art that not only reflects the present but also cares for the future. To me, this is one of the important roles of a contemporary artist.
Conclusion
The Art on Paper New York 2024 exhibition showed that contemporary art can be not just a visual pleasure but a powerful tool for exploring our relationship with nature. Ekaterina Stolyarova’s works are a bright example of this approach, reminding us of the need for a thoughtful connection with our environment. The underlying message of her art is not only one of beauty but also of deep responsibility for the world around us.
Published by: Holy Minoza
