BIOGraphy
Alla Samarina is a British artist whose creative journey began in the vibrant underground art scene of Saint Petersburg. In her late teens, she was deeply involved with the New Academy Art Movement, as well as Pop Mechanika, and was a member of the influential pop group Kolibri.
The transformative era following the fall of the Soviet Union led Alla to London, where she embraced diverse artistic experiences. Throughout the 1990s, she worked as a fashion model and was a muse to the renowned milliner Philip Treacy. During this exhilarating period, she collaborated with stylist Isabella Blow, contributing her artistic vision to British and Italian Vogue, Tatler and the Sunday Times Magazine.
Although Alla has always regarded herself as an artist, she fully committed to painting and drawing more recently. Her work predominantly explores themes of figurative art and portraiture, capturing the essence of her subjects with sensitivity and depth. At the same time, she delights in experimenting with various media and degrees of abstraction, resulting in a dynamic and engaging body of work that invites viewers into her creative world.
ARTISTS STATEMENT
In my art, I merge the figurative with the abstract, inviting viewers into a realm of exploration. My gestural and physical painting and drawing process resists over-description, allowing the audience to engage and complete the narrative. I delve into beauty and sensuality, questioning what it means to be human and the essence of our emotions. Each piece uniquely fuses classical drawing techniques with the vibrant energy of graffiti, creating a dialogue between tradition and contemporary expression.
SOLO EXHIBITIONS:
2020 - ‘Elements Of Life’ Solo exhibition, Muse Gallery, London
GROUP EXHIBITIONS:
2024 - “Figuratively Speaking” Maximillian Wolfgang Gallery, London
2024 - Jumblebee Christmas Charity Auction, London
2024 - “Art on Postcard” AAH Charity Auction, Arthur’s Coffee House, London
2024 - “Blossom'“ Cicek Gallery, Hackney Downs Studios, London
2024 - ‘Artists at Home’ group show, Chiswick Cinema, London
2024 - ‘Artists at Home’ group show, Post Room Cafe, London
2024 - “Easter Art Fair” Barnes, London
2024 - “Artist At Home” Annual exhibition, London
2023 - “Christmas Exhibition” Hogarth Health Club, London
2023 - “All Great Ideas Start In A Garage” Cicek Gallery, London
2023 - “Art Fair” Cicek Gallery, London
2023 - ‘Artists At Home’ Annual exhibition, London
2023 - “Last Minute” Cicek Gallery, London
2022 - “Politics Of Charm” Cicek Gallery, London
2022 - ‘Artists At Home’ Annual exhibition, London
2021 - ‘Artists At Home’ Annual exhibition, London
2020 - ‘Artists At Home’ Annual exhibition, London
2019 - “Christmas Exhibition” Hogarth Health Club, London
2019 - ‘Artists At Home’ Annual exhibition, London
2018 - “Christmas Exhibition” Hogarth Health Club, London
2018 - ‘Artists At Home’ Annual exhibition, London
2017 - “Christmas Exhibition” Hogart Health Club, London
2017 - ‘Artists At Home’ Annual exhibition, London
2017 - “Annual Exhibition” Royal Institute of Oil Painters, Mall Galleries, London
2016 - “Christmas Exhibition’” Hogarth Health Club, London
2016 - “Annual Exhibition” Chelsea Art Society, London
2016 - “Affordable Art Fair”at St Peter's Church Kensington, London
2015 - “Affordable Art Fair” at St Peter's Church Kensington, London
2014 - “The female form” Charles Dagette Gallery, London