Natali Antonovich’s art offers a window into her soul, revealing her thoughts and emotions in ways words cannot. As she reflects, “Writing or speaking about yourself feels like a form of exposure.” This sentiment underscores her preference for letting her work communicate on her behalf. For Antonovich, painting and photography are more than creative outlets; they are essential tools for navigating her inner and outer worlds. From her earliest days, she has been captivated by the mysteries of existence, seeking to understand the cosmos through her art.
Her creative journey spans a variety of mediums, including graphics, batik, portraiture, and teaching. Today, she concentrates on oil painting and watercolor, with recent projects exploring themes like love, the universe, and the eternal. In series such as “Who are you?”, “Heart on the Snow”, and “Eternity”, Antonovich combines elements of mystical realism and fantastic realism, layering her work with symbolism and narrative depth. Alongside painting, she is drawn to photography, particularly psychological portraiture, where her fascination with the human soul and its connection to the larger universe comes into focus.
Diving into Antonovich’s Creations
1. …to meet the Time…
Oil on linen canvas, 2012
A serene and contemplative piece, …to meet the Time… is part of Antonovich’s “Eternity” series. This oil painting, created in gradients of blue, immerses viewers in a dreamlike atmosphere. The monochromatic color palette transitions seamlessly from dark ocean depths to lighter, ethereal tones, evoking a sense of infinity. At the bottom of the canvas, an eye emerges, appearing to float just above wave-like textures that mimic the ocean.
The eye acts as both a literal and symbolic element—suggesting awareness, observation, and the unending passage of time. The waves below seem alive, representing the fluidity and ever-changing nature of existence. By placing the eye at the boundary between water and air, Antonovich creates a delicate tension, positioning it as a witness to the interplay of time and eternity.
This piece is a meditative exploration of existence, offering viewers a chance to reflect on the transient and the timeless. It exemplifies Antonovich’s mystical realism by blending the tangible—ocean waves and gradients—with the abstract themes of awareness and eternal connection.
2. Rhythm of the Gaze
Giclée print, 2024
Rhythm of the Gaze shifts the focus to a golden monochromatic palette, exploring the interplay of texture and symbolism. At its center lies a singular eye, surrounded by radiating lines and intricate textures that create a dynamic visual rhythm. The golden tones give the piece a warm, almost sacred quality, reminiscent of sunlight or ancient treasures.
The eye, a recurring motif in Antonovich’s work, serves as a symbol of introspection and universal connection. In this piece, it appears to hold its own rhythm, pulling the viewer into a reflective journey. The surrounding textures evoke a sense of motion, as if the painting itself is alive, vibrating with energy and meaning.
Unlike the flowing blues of …to meet the Time…, this piece is more geometric and contained, yet it retains Antonovich’s signature depth. The golden hues and the central gaze invite viewers to ponder themes of enlightenment, perspective, and the unseen forces that shape our lives.
Engaging with the Art
Antonovich’s creations are more than visual expressions—they are invitations to contemplate the profound. Through works like …to meet the Time… and Rhythm of the Gaze, she weaves narratives that connect the personal with the universal. Her frequent use of the eye as a central element acts as a bridge between the physical world and the abstract, urging viewers to see beyond surface beauty and into the deeper mysteries her art explores.
By combining mystical realism with elements of romanticism, Antonovich creates pieces that speak to the soul. Her art doesn’t provide easy answers; instead, it invites curiosity and introspection. Both the oceanic blues of …to meet the Time… and the golden warmth of Rhythm of the Gaze encourage viewers to embark on their own journeys of reflection.
For those fascinated by the connections between humanity, the cosmos, and the spirit, Antonovich’s work offers a path to discovery. Her paintings and photographs are portals to the eternal questions of existence, love, and the universe—questions she continues to explore with each stroke of her brush.
