Anastasia, good afternoon. Please tell us about your creative path. What stage are you going through today?
Anastasia: My career began in early childhood. In my youth, my drawings became a little fantastic. I was fascinated by the plots of magical, fairy-tale worlds in which heroes and villains lived, unicorns, women warriors with wings behind their backs and their friends - centaurs. I became interested in oil painting much later when I studied at the University of Culture and Arts in St. Petersburg.
Like many other aspiring artists, I studied painting, copying the works of old masters - Monet, Renoir, Aivazovsky, Serov, etc. Living in her native Petersburg, she loved to get out to the open air, to paint landscapes in the fresh air, although, unfortunately, it was not possible to do this often. With the beginning of life in Dubai, works of a fantasy nature appeared, such as the series "Arabian Tale".
What is your inspiration?
Anastasia: I admire the beauty of the world and consider it the finest work of art. And I draw inspiration from everything that surrounds me - even in the most unexpected things: in music and in dreams. And since childhood, I love Arabian tales. For three years I lived in Saudi Arabia, almost six in the Emirates, and still the Arabian world is full of magic for me. I admire the living desert, magical sunsets and sunrises, patterned and airy mosques. The robes of the Arabs are a complete mystery. All this cannot but be carried away.
The emirates are often called the "country without culture." Do you agree with this?
Anastasia: Strongly disagree! In my opinion, the customs and traditions of Arab culture are carefully preserved in this country. We see and feel them everywhere. For example, I really like Arab architecture, its special forms and the variety of Arabic ornaments used both on the facades and indoors, both on the ancient mosque buildings and on the most modern skyscrapers. One cannot but notice the efforts to enrich the Arab world with the achievements of world culture. Museums and galleries regularly open here, art festivals and exhibitions are held. The country is taking broad steps towards cultural development.
Who do you consider your viewer?
My viewer is a man who is not devoid of romanticism, loving and appreciating the beauty of the world around him. Thanks to the activity on social networks, by the way, I have more and more fans.
The works of Anastasia Yablokova can be viewed in the Baginskaya Gallery & Studio at Jumeirah Bay X 1, S-07, Ground Floor, JLT, Dubai
