While many of my fellow artists find their calling in capturing the world as we see it, creating beautiful and accurate portrayals of reality, I’ve found myself drawn to a different path. For me, the true satisfaction lies in abstraction, in giving form to the unseen and expressing what the naked eye cannot perceive. It is a realm of art that offers a unique and profound connection, both for the creator and the observer.
There is an incredible freedom in this form of expression. It allows me to delve into a spectrum of emotions, to embrace spontaneity, and to experiment with various methods and media. Each canvas becomes a conversation with another part of myself. For you, the viewer, abstract art extends an invitation for personal interpretation. You can explore different corners of a piece and discover shifting moods, or even turn the painting and find a whole new world within it. It’s no surprise that abstract art has found a cherished place in modern interiors; it is at once universal and deeply personal. A painting can hold your secrets, visible only to you.
My own journey into abstraction is a relatively recent one. The catalyst for this shift was my move from the vibrant energy of Johannesburg to the coastal beauty of Cape Town. This change in scenery prompted a change within me, altering not only how I spend my days but also how I perceive art and the people around me.
Before this transition, my artistic voice was shaped by the realist and impressionist styles. This was a natural extension of my training in graphic and interior design, disciplines that demand a keen eye for detail and form. My early drawing lessons also laid a strong foundation in realistic representation. I’ve always been one to explore different creative avenues, and I’ve found immense joy and aesthetic satisfaction in the tangible arts of jewellery making and ceramics.
Yet, nothing has quite compared to the dialogue I now have with a colourful canvas. It is in this space of abstraction that I feel I am truly conversing with my other self, and it is a conversation I am excited to share with you.
Please, enjoy this personal journey through colour, texture, and emotion.
Anelia Mladenova
