However, it was Irina Malkova’s captivating body of work that truly captivated the attention of visitors. Malkova’s works exemplify her mastery of the Gongbi painting technique, an ancient Chinese art form known for its exquisite precision and intricate detailing. This meticulous method, requiring months of focused work, is deeply tied to patience, resilience, and profound artistic discipline—qualities that resonate strongly with Irina’s own life journey.
Her paintings do not merely represent objects or figures; they encapsulate her personal experiences and the transformative power of art itself.
Irina Malkova: A Life Shaped by Art
Irina Malkova’s life story is one of extraordinary resilience and transformation, which is beautifully reflected in her art. Born in Ukraine, near the site of the Chernobyl disaster, Irina’s early years were marked by both tragedy and inspiration. Her father, a chief engineer at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, became a hero during the catastrophic explosion of 1986, which forever changed their lives. The explosion forced Irina and her family to flee their homeland and relocate to Moscow, a pivotal moment that set her on the path to becoming an artist.
From a very young age, Irina showed a remarkable talent for art. By the age of five, she had already won several global awards for her illustrations, which were often inspired by the fairy tales she loved. Her early works were infused with imagination, yet they also carried the shadows of her childhood experiences—darker themes that would continue to echo throughout her career. As she grew, her artistic focus evolved. She began to explore oil painting and eventually transitioned into interior design, a field where she thrived for 15 years before a pivotal change in her career.
It was during her life in the East, alongside her late husband—a businessman with deep ties to China—that Irina discovered the ancient technique of Gongbi painting. The detailed method, traditionally practiced by imperial artists, involves layering fine, natural pigments on delicate rice paper. A single piece can take months to complete, requiring the artist’s dedication, skill, and profound attention to detail. For Irina, Gongbi became more than just a painting style—it became a form of personal expression and healing, a means to channel the beauty and pain of her own experiences into tangible art.
Irina’s Work: A Tribute to Strength and Transformation
Irina’s art has always been deeply tied to her life journey. Her current body of work, showcased in The Power of Art exhibition, reveals a stunning fusion of the Gongbi technique with vivid, modern themes drawn from her life in Monaco. Since relocating there after the tragic loss of her husband to COVID-19, Irina has found inspiration in the vibrant colors of the Côte d’Azur, the serene Japanese gardens, and the transformative power of nature.
One of the most poignant pieces in her collection, the black panther surrounded by orchids, exemplifies Irina’s ability to blend meticulous technique with deeply personal symbolism. The black panther represents strength, protection, and resilience—qualities Irina herself embodies. Surrounded by delicate orchids, which symbolize fragility, love, and renewal, the work pays homage to both Irina’s late husband and their beloved pet, Panthera, whose presence in her life was a constant source of comfort and strength. The juxtaposition of power and fragility in this piece mirrors Irina’s own journey of loss and rebirth.
Other works in the collection reflect Irina’s broader themes of transformation, healing, and renewal. Using Gongbi’s intricate details and vibrant pigments, she paints scenes of flora and fauna, capturing the beauty and life around her in Monaco’s gardens. These works resonate with a deep sense of peace and emotional clarity, offering viewers a glimpse into the artist’s profound inner world and the personal transformation she has undergone.
Gongbi is a meticulous technique requiring immense patience and precision, involving the application of fine layers of natural pigments to delicate rice paper, resulting in ethereal and timeless artworks where every detail is executed with flawless care.
Irina’s use of Gongbi in her work provides a striking contrast to the often chaotic world around her. It offers a meditative space where she can channel her experiences of hardship, grief, and joy. Her works are not merely representations of the world; they are emotional expressions that engage viewers on a deeply personal level.
The Exhibition: The Power of Art
ArteLia Gallery’s The Power of Art exhibition brought together a select group of artists, including Irina Malkova and Vasily Sad, whose avant-garde works provided an exciting counterpoint to Malkova’s delicate precision. While Irina’s works reflect a deep connection to tradition and cultural heritage, Vasily Sad’s experimental pieces challenged conventional notions of art, offering a dynamic interplay of artistic voices.
Together, these artists represent the multifaceted nature of contemporary art—where past and present, tradition and innovation, coexist and inspire. ArteLia Gallery’s exhibition, held in the heart of Westminster, served as a powerful reminder of art’s ability to transcend boundaries and speak to the universal human experience.
Irina’s works are now part of private collections in Monaco, London, Switzerland, and the United States. Through The Power of Art, she continues to touch hearts and inspire new generations of art lovers.Irina Malkova’s art is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of beauty and transformation. Through her intricate Gongbi paintings, she invites viewers to embark on a journey of emotional and artistic discovery, offering a glimpse into the delicate balance of strength and vulnerability that defines the human experience.
To enquire about Irina Malkova at ArteLia Gallery:
Email Irina.design.art@gmail.com
@irina_mdesign
Irina Malkova at ArteLia Gallery
ArteLia Gallery
+33 6 73 28 08 49
Email Irina.design.art@gmail.com
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