Valentina Alexeevna is one of the most active artists in Dubai art scene. She is also the absolute superstar of World Art Dubai, where she exhibits her work as well as conducts art workshops. Valentina was born in Moscow, Russia and lived in Dubai since 1999. She lives through the eyes and the world of a doll. Valentina is a visual artist who works in a variety of mediums. Her art explores identity, femininity and energy visualisation. She often paints dolls and creates abstract mixed media art.
When and how did you begin your journey as an artist?
I was always passionate about art, however pursued business for many years before coming to art. I studied fine art in the form of private tutoring, from artists from the Fine Art Society of Moscow and became an artist by profession in 2017. In the same year, I started teaching workshops for kids and adults in Dubai. They became very popular quickly, as I created signature workshops with my own techniques, many of which nobody taught before. I taught at almost all art schools in Dubai, various festivals, events and was the main art teacher at World Art Dubai in 2019 and 2020. I was working on my art series alongside teaching and this year I focus almost solely on my art.
How would you describe your art style?
I am a visual artist who works in a variety of mediums. I often create abstract mixed media art and paint doll portraits.
Could you tell us more about your exhibition on ‘Spectrum of Emotions’?
This series is about the continuous cycle of intense emotions that Iexperience, in the full spectrum. It is my personal diary of emotions, each artwork is a summary of feelings for the days I was working on the artwork. Each day is so different, there are so many words to describe the atmosphere of each moment and this is reflected in the diversity of artworks in the series. The art in this series has precise shapes, which to me are symbols of the energy behind each emotion. This series is created as a way to unleash all my creativity in abstracts, as a result of years of experimentation with different mediums, styles and techniques.
Spectrum of Emotions is an abstract series, where each painting is done in a different medium and technique, united with the common theme, square size and blue and yellow colours. Those colours are very personal to me; yellow reflects the sun, which I enjoyed for the 20 years I was living in Dubai for and blue is the colour of the soothing water on the beach. These colours have a deeper meaning based on chakras from the Vedic physiology; where yellow is for action and blue is for creativity. Both of these words were the power behind this series at the very start of this year.
Who are your greatest inspirations from the art world?
Yayoi Kusama and Jeff Koons, for their colourful and beautiful art, persistence and success.
Where do you find your inspiration create art?
My inspiration for my abstract art comes solely from within, it always has, but it is influenced by energy visualisation and spiritual practices. My inspiration for my doll paintings initially came from Blythe collection dolls and now is influenced by kawaii culture, children illustration and beautiful dolls in general.
Which one of your paintings is your favourite and why?
I love absolutely all my artwork and each one has has a unique feeling for me.
What message would you like to share with aspiring artists?
Artists should learn everything about the art world, speaking with artists and curators is the best, to gain this understanding. I believe it is important to set clear goals and know what you want to achieve, then follow them through no matter what. Also, have more confidence and seek success stories to keep your motivation high.
Follow Valentina’s journey on Instagram @Valentina.alexeevna
Interview by Iman
