Both a unifying and graceful force, Alena Vavilina’s art seamlessly weaves an invisible thread binding countries and cultures
Alena Vavilina grew up in Moscow, with her love for art flourishing from a very young age. Her first tutor was her father, who introduced the use of watercolours and still-life painting techniques very early on, before she enrolled in an art school in Moscow and never looked back. “Since I was a child, I was fascinated by art,” Vavilina shares. “As far back as I can remember, art was part of me; I never had any doubt that I would become an artist.”
Vavilina’s Dubai studio, which doubles as her home, reveals a minimalist space with plenty of natural light
Studying in France, England, Malta, China and the UAE, Vavilina’s experiences in these countries and with their cultures are captured within her artistic creations, leaving an authentic mark on her art pieces in one way or another. “My artworks are created in a mixed-media style, and can be described as a surreal direction of art,” she says of her trans-dimensional pieces which she attempts to create without territorial or temporal boundaries, and with dreams as the main source of inspiration. “I dream my paintings and then I draw my dreams.” A visit to Vavilina’s exquisitely designed Dubai studio, which doubles as her home, reveals a minimalist space with plenty of natural daylight and space for artworks and sculptures. “I think minimalism is the best style when you would like to focus all attention on the artworks,” she says, explaining that the calm atmosphere is the perfect creative setting. “Most of all, I want my house to evoke my inspiration and desire to create more artworks, and come up with more unusual and beautiful plots for the paintings.”
Alena’s dreams form the main inspiration behind her artworks
In Vavilina’s art there is a mixture of ancient Chinese style, juxtaposed with modern European elements, thanks to the influence of different cultures and innovative technologies found in the UAE. “I think that the UAE is the best place to become an artist; it is such a multinational country, where Eastern traditions meet Western traditions,” she shares of the inspiration the region offers her. “I am glad to be a part of such a young and prosperous country, and enjoy contributing my knowledge to its development.” It is with this attitude that she hopes to use art to allow others to reach their inner world and dreams. “Art is a powerful tool which can change people’s lives, and I hope I can share my knowledge and my artworks with as many people as possible in order to inspire them and bring beauty to their lives.” Explore Alena’s work at arts-av.com
The Style
Working style…
I would describe it as comfortable, choosing cotton or linen fabrics.
Weekend style…
It is elegant, with cocktail dresses and high heels.
Go-to brands…
Giuseppe Zanotti, Alexander McQueen, Dsquared2 and Sergio Rossi.
Most treasured piece…
I can’t be without my diamond stud earrings.
Favourite place to shop…
I love shopping in Dubai’s malls as they are so comfortable with a great selection of brands. My second favourite place is Milan, although when travelling I love to search for new regional designers.
Favourite regional designers…
L’Afshar and Taller Marmo
Photographed by: Ausra Osipaviciute | Styled by: Jade Chilton
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- Words by Eliza Scarborough
