Ella Kruglyanskaya’s exhibition “Shadows” at Thomas Dane Gallery features compelling works that integrate humour, themes of femininity and mortality, showcasing her evolving style with a focus on light and shadow. It opens the discourse on the role of women in art, positioned for critical acclaim until May 3, 2025.
Ella Kruglyanskaya’s latest exhibition, “Shadows,” at Thomas Dane Gallery in London features her intriguing blend of humour and art, prominently featuring lemons, particularly in her standout piece, “Lemondrama (After Manet),” which juxtaposes a vibrant lemon with a stark depiction of a corpse in the background. The exhibition marks the beginning of a three-part showcase of her work, with upcoming displays in Basel and New York this year.
Kruglyanskaya aims for her paintings to evoke a cinematic experience, infusing them with drama, suspense, and a playful nod to their artifice. One notable piece, “Everyone and Their Mortality,” presents a sardonic take on mortality with a skeleton among vibrant produce, cleverly reinforcing that what we see is a constructed painting, complete with an instructional ‘How to’ strip.
In “Odalisque with Lute and Apples,” the faint sketch of a nude interacts with vividly painted objects, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between drawing and painting in her work. This piece, along with others, critiques the historical portrayal of women as mere objects of desire, reflecting her unique wit and perspective on femininity and artistry.
Furthermore, self-awareness is prevalent in artworks like “Roots with Signature,” showcasing painted hole punches and boundary strips that suggest their placement on a wall. The titular shadows are also significant, with pieces like “Adventure (in Gray)” applying bold silhouettes to create the effect of light and shadow as if emerging from her studio window.
While Kruglyanskaya’s prior works leaned towards bold, cartoonish elements, this exhibition reveals a more delicate approach, prominently exploring the theme of shadows. It underscores her unmistakable presence in every piece, positioning the viewer to interact not just with the image but with her interpretation of light and form, ensuring each brushstroke is a reflection of her vision.
Ella Kruglyanskaya’s “Shadows” skillfully blends humour, self-awareness, and a critique of artistic norms while exploring themes of femininity and mortality. Through engaging visuals, she invites viewers to consider the interplay of light, shadow, and representation in her work, making a significant impact in the contemporary art scene. Her exhibition runs until May 3, 2025, promising continued exploration of her artistic journey.
Original Source: observer.com