KATERINA GOROKHOVA

Katerina Gorokhova was born in Moscow, she graduated from the Central St.Martin's School of Art and Design (The Byam Shaw Building) London, Great Britain, earning BA and Postgraduate Diplomas in Fine Art. She exhibited in Moscow, London, Berlin, New York, Toronto; she also curated exhibitions in London and Moscow (The Russian Academy of Arts). Gorokhova is a member of the Professional Artists' Union and the International Arts Fund. At the moment she lives, works and teaches art in Moscow area. Gorokhova's series "Simple moments" were displayed for a year in 2011 at PANAVTO, Mercedes-Benz showroom. In the year of 2011 there were articles published in such editions as "Russian gallery - the XXI century" 7-8 and PANAVTO: cars&people №6.  Katerina Gorokhova’s work can be found in collections of Russia and abroad.

Artist Statement.
People are probably my passion, therefore, I do more figurative paintings, though you can find landscapes among my works too. As the artist, I feel responsibility before the society and I think that art should illuminate all sides of our life. Last series of paintings are called “Heroes”. It is devoted to people, who could stand aside for overcoming inconceivable difficulties, even humiliations in their lives.
Each person bears in himself/herself a mutilation, whether physical or mental – none of us is perfect. At times, a mental disorder can be much stronger than a physical one. Everyone here on Earth strives to satisfy similar needs. The disabled are considered different for their physical dissimilarity but only when the State is not able to create an adequate surrounding for those it is responsible for. In reality people with limited possibilities can enjoy life and be great achievers. Series “Heroes” is a proof that the disabled are not weak, but actually people with a very strong spirit, talent and will!
In this series are pictures with a black monotonous background where paint is imposed by multiple layers with big brush strokes. In that respect the background while remaining monotonous, becomes vivid as well. On one hand, black color singles out the figures, transforming them into iconic images; and on the other hand, while isolating them from the environment, underlines the silhouettes, makes a figure stand out by emphasizing the richness of its color in contrast to the background.
I paint pictures using acrylic on canvas. I have worked with this material for more than ten years. I find a considerable amount of advantages from acrylic paint. In my opinion, it is stronger than oil after drying up and renders a very strong film. One can create a whole range of effects, such as water-color washes and oil strokes.  Acrylic paint is not toxic; it rinses off and dissolves in water, therefore does not pollute the environment and is not injurious to health. But most of all, when working with acrylic, I can correct picture indefinitely thus giving me the chance to get a most desirable result.