Prayer, 2023

Eva Pakhomova  

Eva Pakhomova is a Russian contemporary artist working at the intersection of romantic surrealism and naïve painting. Her practice explores tenderness, emotional intimacy and the delicate relationship between the inner world of the individual and the surrounding reality.

From an early age, Pakhomova was immersed in creative practices including drawing, embroidery and collage. Her long-standing connection with religious art, churches and monasteries has also influenced her visual language. Elements reminiscent of icon painting — frontal compositions, symbolic figures and a contemplative atmosphere — are transformed into a personal contemporary mythology.

Tenderness is a central theme throughout her work. Through fragile angels, cats, flowers and other recurring motifs, Pakhomova creates poetic narratives about love, vulnerability, dreams and the need for care. Her deliberately naïve, almost childlike visual language allows her to approach complex psychological and philosophical subjects with warmth and sincerity. Behind the apparent simplicity of her characters and stories lies an exploration of emotional states, desires and the quiet inner experiences that shape human life.

Her works often resemble intimate fairy tales, parables or fragments of dreams. They invite the viewer to slow down and consider the importance of compassion — towards oneself, towards others and towards one's own dreams.

Pakhomova works primarily with acrylic on canvas and paper, using distinctive multilayered techniques that create depth and tactile richness within her compositions. Her artistic influences include Salvador Dalí, Frida Kahlo and Vincent van Gogh.