Currently one of the world’s leading figurative artists, modern master Anna Razumovskaya has brought her latest collection of awe-inspiring pieces to Gallery D’May of the Washington Street Mall.
Razumovskaya has previously held solo shows in New York, Paris, Toronto, Amsterdam, Antwerp and Berlin. She also has numerous works in private collections around the world. Yet she describes Cape May’s seaside setting as “just perfect” for her latest exhibition. “This is our second time visiting,” explained Anna. “When we arrived, it actually felt like we were coming home. I love everything here. Beautiful weather, beautiful people,” she added.
Razumovskaya was born and raised in Soviet Russia at the height of the Cold War. Though she eventually went on to study at the Russian State University for the Arts and later train in Germany, Belgium and Holland, Anna describes these early, formative years as “everything”.
“It’s my history. It’s a first life. I knew for sure that I always had a passion for art, but I actually I tried different things around the time of the presidential campaign in Russia.” Ultimately, Anna’s love of art and culture won out and in a decision she has “never regretted”, she left Russia to pursue “my dream life,” she stated.
Razumovskaya’s work is characterized by a bold use of color, movement, and emotion. She describes each of her paintings and sketches as a reflection of her own personality. “I see myself as an energetic and positive person. I think this really shows in my paintings. They’re all about movement,” she stated. Anna also shared a piece of her artistic philosophy. “Whatever you paint, it’s never solely about the subject. My work is always my self-portrait.”
Drawn to fashion and music as a child, Razumovskaya often depicts dancers and musicians in her paintings. Her deep passion for fashion has affected her identity as an artist “tremendously and subconsciously,” stated Anna. Sporting a stunning crystal encrusted gown, she continued, “Fashion enhances the imagination. I’ve traveled the world and collected some beautiful fabrics that have inspired me. I can incorporate these into my work.”
In regards to her creative process, Razumovskaya steers clear of any methodical planning. “You just need to be inspired by something, and then you simply create the image in your mind. The easiest part is when you transfer this image onto the canvas. This technical part might take a few weeks, but the whole process might take a whole month or a few years.”
Razumovskaya’s studio is based in Toronto and was designed by her loving husband. “I have a beautiful studio. It’s two stories high, with lots of light and lots of chandeliers.” Best described by Anna as a very “luxury place”, it allows her a beautiful escape. “When you go to your studio, regardless of what kind of day you’re having or what kind of mood you’re in, you just take your brush and magically you disappear to another level. Hours become minutes and minutes become seconds.”
As far as her “muses”, Anna draws most inspiration from her friends and surroundings that happen to “fascinate” her. “But a muse does not necessarily have to be a person,” she stated. “It might be a beautiful song or memory.”
Recently hailed by a critic as “one of the most exciting and collectable artists on the contemporary scene,” Razumovskaya is taking both her career and personal life one day at a time. When asked about plans for the future, she responded, “To tell you the truth, I have no idea. I know we have lots of shows and lots of personal exhibitions set all over the world, but right now I’m not thinking about that. I’m just trying to enjoy the moment and to make the best of it.”
“We are thrilled to introduce Anna to Cape May’s art community,” said gallery owner Dawn DeMayo. The exhibit continues through September 9. For more information, please call (609) 884-4465. Additional information is also available at Gallery D’May, Fine Art at 305 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ and Victorian Walk Gallery at 315 Ocean Street, Cape May, NJ.
By Megan Kummer