Appolinaria

Pure color - doesn't mean simple!

Artist Bio

Appolinaria, a St. Petersburg–based artist working at the intersection of figuration and abstraction, represents a new generation of artists unafraid to engage with relevant and pressing topics that reflect our contemporary reality — all while maintaining a dialogue with the art of the past.

Inspired by archaic art, Fauvism, and the works of Wassily Kandinsky, she strives to create a visual language that speaks directly to deep emotions and inner experiences. Her works are characterized by vivid, local colors and simple, yet expressive forms.

The artist aims to present color as an object, not merely as a tool for depiction — where each layer becomes a reflection of a unique story, emotion, and sensation.

This layered approach helps her explore the complex relationship between the individual and society. Through her art, she reminds us of the importance of self-acceptance and encourages openness toward exploring both the self and the world around us.

In her pieces, Appolinaria addresses essential and timely themes that resonate with the modern viewer: the search for identity, the challenges of social integration, and the impact of today’s fast-paced, digitalized world on our generation.

Her art becomes a vital part of the sociocultural dialogue, mirroring both the aspirations and challenges of the present era.

CV

2022 – Participated in the contemporary art festival ARTFESTSPB, St. Petersburg.
2022 – Participated in the All-Russian public art competition “Cultural Cat”, Moscow.
2022 – Participated in the exhibition dedicated to the 350th anniversary of Peter the Great, at the S.P. Diaghilev Museum of Contemporary Art, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg.
2020–2023 – Participated in various exhibitions organized by the Art School of the Russian Academy of Arts.
2023 – Solo exhibition “STEPS”, St. Petersburg.
2023 – Solo exhibition “What Color Is Yours?”, BRUSNITSYN Art Space, St. Petersburg.
2024 – Solo virtual exhibition “What Color Is Yours?” on the online platform Artocratia.
2024 – Group exhibition “The Lightness of Being” at ARTPLAY, in collaboration with Kvartira S Contemporary Art Gallery, Moscow.
2024 – Solo exhibition “Truism” at the Lembiki Ceramic Museum, St. Petersburg.
2025 – Participated in the All-Russian Festival “Book Lighthouse of St. Petersburg” with the exhibition “Truism”, House of Journalists, St. Petersburg.

Her works are held in private collections in St. Petersburg, Moscow, London, and Novosibirsk.