Dancing souls, 2025
Natalya Mougenot

This contemporary abstract expressionist painting, "Dancing Souls," depicting two women in dance, was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot. A striking work rooted in her ongoing series dedicated to the theme of Women, this piece continues Natalya's deep exploration of the multifaceted nature of womanhood—its individuality, emotional complexity, physical expression, and inner strength. For the artist, this series is not merely artistic; it is personal. Having undergone a transformational period in her own life, Natalya discovered within herself new layers of strength, grace, and capacity—qualities she now channels into her work with raw honesty and vitality.

Inspired in part by Henri Matisse, particularly his use of vibrant blue backdrops and fluid depictions of the female form, Natalya echoes Matisse's celebration of movement, sensuality, and color. Yet, while Matisse offered harmony through balance and simplicity, Natalya injects her own vibrant tension through expressive abstraction. Both artists share an admiration for the freedom of the female body in motion, though Natalya pushes this dialogue further—connecting it with the internal rhythm of the mind and soul.

In her words: “This piece is a pure dialogue between two women in movement, in dance. There is also a dialogue to your own body and mind—if they are aligned, you will be aligned with your partner in dance."

"Dancing Souls" captures two abstracted female figures in an expressive duet of color and motion, set against a vibrant blue background. The use of fiery oranges, deep reds, and luminous yellows creates a bold contrast, suggesting warmth, intensity, and inner fire. These colors do more than shape bodies—they radiate emotion, passion, and energy. Through bold brushstrokes, sweeping lines, and faceless forms, Natalya invites viewers into a universal interpretation: the women could be anyone, allowing each viewer to project their own narrative of freedom, connection, or transformation.

The absence of untouched canvas is intentional. Natalya explains:

“On every canvas, I leave no space untouched. I use every inch to express the energy, thoughts, and emotions that flow through me—mostly through bold, vivid colors. It's my way of adding more joy and intensity to the world around me."

True to her unique signature style, Natalya blends elements of abstract art and expressionism, guided entirely by emotion and intuition. She rejects rigid composition or planning, allowing the act of painting to unfold organically. Her work resonates with the dopamine art trend—the use of vibrant, energizing colors that elevate mood and awaken the senses. These colors aren't decorative; they are emotional conduits, giving life and force to the forms on the canvas.

At the core of Natalya's practice are the values of authenticity, honesty, and simplicity. She believes that true artistic impact lies in being true to oneself and expressing essential ideas clearly, without pretense.

“This piece, as with all of my work, is an extension of who I am—a reflection of how I see the world, how I wish to see it, and what I hope to bring into it."

“I want to show the freedom of a woman. I wish all modern women had this chance to feel free—in their movements, in their thoughts, and in their actions."

"Dancing Souls" is more than a painting—it is a statement, a feeling, and an invitation to connect with the body, mind, and spirit through the language of color and motion.

Artwork Details:

Medium: Watercolor on heavyweight, acid-free Fabriano paper (Italian)
Finish: Sealed with protective varnish
Framing: Unframed (standard size for easy framing)
Images of the painting framed in the interior are for your Instagram only 
Certificate of Authenticity: Included
Shipping: Carefully packaged; international delivery available
Signed on the front and on the back 

About the Artist: 

Originally from Pavlodar, Kazakhstan, and now based in Lyon, France, Natalya Mougenot has spent over two decades refining her artistic voice. Her multicultural background and personal experience inform her bold, expressive works, which have found homes in private collections around the world.

Natalya's distinctive visual language blends Abstract Expressionism, Impressionism, Art Naïf, and Art Brut—resulting in paintings that are raw, instinctive, and emotionally resonant. Across her work, three values guide her: authenticity, sincerity, and honesty.

“Authenticity is everything," she says. “People can always feel when something is real—or when it's not. I want my work to be honest, to come from a place that's true."

In addition to painting, Natalya is also a passionate photographer. Her photographic work—also featured on this platform—mirrors her painterly sensibility: a poetic, observational approach that captures the quiet power of everyday life. For her, photography is both inspiration and a form of presence, often serving as visual sketches for future paintings or existing as standalone works.

Discover more of Natalya Mougenot's work—both paintings and photographs—and step into a world where movement, emotion, and human connection are expressed with striking clarity and truth.