Global politics, the climate emergency, the cost of living crisis – there are plenty of reasons to feel overwhelmed by the state of the world. It’s in times like these that it’s essential to seek out the small, everyday joys that brighten our days and lift our spirits. That’s what I see in the work of Glafira Kotova. Whether it’s the vivid colours of floating balloons jostling against one another, the close-up detail of a cat’s paws or an infinitely complex rollercoaster that couldn’t possibly exist outside of the artist’s imagination – her art is a celebration of life’s simple pleasures.
Her ‘Earthly Joys’ series of oil paintings is inspired by her move to a new country and the small but meaningful moments of happiness that come with that experience. Migration is often framed in the news through the lens of struggle and hardship, yet it’s equally important to recognise the resilience and joy that emerge as people build new lives in unfamiliar places – just as Glafira has done.
In addition to her representational work, she explores abstraction in her “Deep Mind” series, where vibrant colours radiate from a central point or slash boldly across an impasto canvas. These works touch on themes of human connection, time, balance, and choice, but, as with all abstract art, the viewer is invited to construct their own interpretations. For me, they range from the sense of serenity and focus in ‘Moment of Choice’ to the feeling of navigating life’s chaos in ‘Paths Linking Souls’.
One of the qualities I’ve always admired in artists is their adaptability – their ability to make the most of their circumstances and materials. When Glafira no longer had access to a traditional studio, she pivoted to creating digital artworks.
This transition led her work in an exciting new direction, culminating in her ‘Horizon Collection’. These pieces fuse surreal, dreamlike landscapes with clean-lined architecture and futuristic elements – it feels like a fusion of Futurism with echoes of Giorgio de Chirico and Salvador Dalí. A ship sails past towering skyscrapers, reminiscent of the Art Deco posters celebrating the launch of the Titanic. Meanwhile, two views over the water evoke imagery of the Grand Canal and Piazza San Marco in Venice.
Her other digital series, ‘Nature’, celebrates the natural world and our deep connection to it, bringing us full circle to the themes explored in ‘Earthly Joys’. The conceptual links between these series highlight how Glafira remains rooted in a core artistic vision. This unwavering commitment to her inspirations ensures that her work will continue to grow and transform while always embodying her distinctive sense of wonder and joie de vivre.
You can find out more about Glafira Kotova’s work on her website and Instagram.
All images copyright the artist
