Sunflowers of Provence, 2023
Natalya Mougenot

French artist Natalya Mougenot's 2023 piece, "The Sunflowers of Provence," is an exceptional blend of tradition and innovation, capturing the essence of contemporary impressionism through a personal lens. Drawing inspiration from the legacy of Vincent Van Gogh, whose iconic sunflowers defined the boundaries of post-impressionism, Mougenot offers her own vibrant homage to the flora of the French countryside, infused with her unique twist of naive art.

Mougenot's fascination with the South of France, particularly the radiant landscapes of Provence, and Van Gogh's profound influence on her work, converge in this stunning piece. She describes Provence as "a radiant source of sunshine," a place that, like Van Gogh's art, emanates warmth, light, and a brilliant explosion of color. The sunflowers in this composition pulse with life, capturing not only the physicality of the flowers but also the emotion and energy of the environment in which they thrive.

This artwork is part of a larger floral series, where Mougenot blends expressionism, impressionism, and abstraction with the playful innocence and unrefined spontaneity of naive art. In this series, she channels her feelings and visions into a single, unalterable sitting. There is no revisiting or editing once the painting is completed; the work exists in symbiosis with the artist for a few hours, after which she releases it, allowing the painting to live its own life.

The fusion of naive art with authenticity forms the core of Mougenot's artistic philosophy. She rejects the constraints of formal training and embraces raw, unfiltered creativity. In her hands, each brushstroke feels personal, a reflection of the simple yet profound human emotions that fuel her art. Her paintings are an invitation to experience not just visual beauty, but also a journey into her world of heartfelt self-expression, where the authenticity of her work speaks volumes in its simplicity.

Using a palette knife, Mougenot imparts rich texture and dynamic movement onto the canvas, giving each sunflower its own energy. Her brushstrokes create a sense of vitality, a pulsating rhythm that brings the flowers to life. The painting expertly combines elements of both impressionism and post-impressionism, channeling the spirit of Van Gogh while simultaneously injecting the artist's own modern touch.

The medium of oil on heavyweight professional Fabriano paper (300g) lends a luxurious quality to the painting, which measures 36 x 48 cm ( 14 x 19 inches).

This unframed artwork is designed to allow collectors the freedom to choose a frame that best complements their personal aesthetic and interior design. 

Mougenot's "The Sunflowers of Provence" is a one-of-a-kind original work, signed by the artist herself and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. Carefully packaged with layers of bubble wrap and shipped in a sturdy cardboard box, the painting will arrive safely at its destination, with tracking details provided upon shipment.

About artist Natalya Mougenot:

Natalya Mougenot, born in 1981 in Pavlodar, Kazakhstan, and now based in Lyon, France, has always been deeply influenced by her multicultural background. Growing up during the Soviet era, she experienced a diverse and multifaceted environment that shaped her artistic journey. Upon moving to France in 2003, she turned to painting as a form of therapy, a way to process her personal challenges and channel her emotions into vibrant works of art.

Her art explores themes of resilience, empowerment, and modern identity, often through the lens of women's experiences. Specializing in floral compositions, landscapes, abstract pieces, and portraits of women, Natalya draws on her eclectic background in music, photography, and international relations. These influences converge in her work, creating a distinctive blend of hope and despair that encourages viewers to engage with the art and reflect on their own personal journeys.

Through her captivating, emotive art, Mougenot invites us to witness the beauty in life's complexities, to engage with her stories, and to connect with the raw, unrefined creative spirit that defines her work.