Bio
Alina Zamanova (b. 1993) lives and works in Kyiv, Ukraine. She holds a BA (Hons) from the University of the Arts London. Recent shows include "Inside Me", Gillian Jason Gallery, London (2020-2021); "Ugly Game", Art Ramus Gallery, Kyiv (2019); "Diverse Beauty", The Old Bank Vault Gallery, London, (2018). Recent group shows include âGet a load of thisâ, Daniel Raphael Gallery, London (2021); âThe Art Odysseyâ, Raum Gallery, Hamburg (2019); âOriginsâ, The Art Vacancy Gallery, New York (2019)
Artist Statement
I am a figurative artist born and based in Ukraine, Kyiv. The women and scenes that I paint do not see social boundaries and do not fear the consequences of their expressions and appearances. For the past five years, I have been researching how concepts of ugliness and beauty are manifested in the female body and mind. I am interested in how societal normsâ ability distort the perception of our existence and views on our bodies, hidden stereotypical behaviors in relationships, and the connection of humans to nature. The intention for my paintings is to challenge the viewer and myself to explore established values and question life choices, stereotypes formed by society through evoking thoughts, emotions, and conversations.
My recent paintings depict the scenes of women interacting between each other and forming relationships on canvas and behind it. They portray the life scenes in which women feel empowered, vulnerable, and donât fear expressing themselves in their chosen environment. I am investigating human relationships, as well as embracing women's bodies of all shapes and focus on portraying their distortions in a beautiful and true light without societal normsâ labels on them.