Nikolina Kovalenko: Weaving Nature into Artistic Narratives
Kovalenko's art, inspired by her deep concern for environmental issues such as coral bleaching and deforestation, aims to spark a dialogue about the impact of human activities on natural ecosystems.
This interview aligns with the ‘Nature and Culture’ Program initiated by Culture For Causes Network. Within this framework, an exhibition titled ‘Reconciliation with the Living’ was exhibited in Paris at UNESCO HQ, focusing on the theme of harmonizing humanity with itself and the natural world; the exhibition travelled to Florence and to Lisbon as well. Additionally, MuseumWeek 2023 featured numerous hashtags related to environmental topics and a video series titled ‘Nature and Art’, a collaborative effort between UNESCO and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, was also showcased as part of this initiative. In 2024, more actions are expected to take place, including MuseumWeek 2024.
Nikolina Kovalenko is a distinguished artist deeply concerned with the psychological connection between humanity and Nature. Her artistic endeavor aims to unveil the impacts of our daily activities on the environment through the lens of fragile ecosystems. Inspired by specific locales for each project, Kovalenko's work addresses critical issues like global warming, deforestation, coral bleaching, and the integration of Nature into mythologies and cultural narratives. A graduate of the Moscow Surikov Art Institute with an MFA in 2011 and further studies at Universität der Künste, Berlin, in 2010, she is also a recipient of the Gold Medal from the Russian Art Academy. Residing and creating in Brooklyn, NY, her exhibition history spans globally with notable solo and group shows, including participation in prestigious museum exhibitions at MOMMA and The Russian Museum. Her global outreach extends through collaborations with environmental organizations and contributions to conservation efforts.
Kovalenko's impactful work, reviewed across various media platforms, resides in many corporate and private collections worldwide. Her involvement in 'Reconciliation with the Living' exhibition, both in Paris and Florence editions, underscores her commitment to fostering a dialogue between art, humanity, and the environment. For MuseumWeek Magazine, she shares with you today her vision on the artwork presented in this exhibition created with the support of UNESCO, "Underwater Painting Voyage".
Underwater Painting Voyage
"Underwater Painting Voyage" is an immersive video journey inside my painting series "Utopian Reefscapes" where I paint a fictional ocean of abundance- the one we are losing due to coral bleaching and other environmental threats. I love that second when the veil of the sea lifts and reveals this mysterious and mag- ical universe. One thing was clear to me since my first dive -the underwater world is incredibly fascinating, the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. It felt like I was exploring a new planet, with alien life, colors, textures and shapes. I imagine a diver of the future seeing nothing but dead monochromatic ocean bottom, deprived of color, texture and movement. I feel it’s my duty to convey the mesmerizing underwater world while it lasts. Instead of meticulously documenting particular imag- es I took while diving, I paint the underwater garden of Eden where corals of all shapes and colors thrive.
50% of the world's coral reefs have already been destroyed, and another 40% are ex- pected to disappear in the next 20 years due to warming oceans, pollution, over- fishing, and habitat destruction-all caused by humans, directly or indirectly. By 2100 coral reefs might cease to exist. Coral reefs will become history and slowly sink into oblivion. How can we care so little about the underwater world when it covers 70% of our planet? We are just guests on this Earth- very demanding guests, with horri- ble manners, who keep talking about them- selves while never stopping to listen or ask questions.
I’m hopeful "Underwater Painting Voyage" will inspire in viewers a curiosity, awe, joy, and sense of shared responsibility for our beautiful, fragile planet earth.
— Nikolina Kovalenko
Other artworks from the series “Utopian reefscapes”
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Nikolina Kovalenko: on Instagram • on the Web • on YouTube
Utopian Reefscapes series: https://www.nikolinakovalenko.com/coral-garden
Reconciliation with the living exhibition: https://artists4theliving.xyz