True core, 2025
Natalya Mougenot

This contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait, rendered with elements of Art Brut and Art Naïve, was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot as part of her ongoing series dedicated to women. In “True Core," Mougenot uses vivid color and raw, expressive brushstrokes to explore the emotional depth and inner truth of her subject.

The concept behind the painting centers on authenticity and inner identity. Mougenot questions the many social roles and external layers we adopt in our everyday lives, and instead turns the viewer's attention inward—to the self that exists beyond those roles. Through this portrait, she seeks to visualize the emotional and psychological space where one's true self resides—unmasked, complex, and deeply human.

“This painting is all about knowing who we really are—what is our inner world, our inner self," the artist explains. “We can't hide from ourselves. When we go deeper into our inner truth, we know who we truly are, what our strengths and vulnerabilities are."

"True Core" is not just a representation of a woman—it is a reflection of the human experience. The piece explores the contrast between external identity and internal truth, inviting viewers to confront their own layers and reconnect with their core essence.

“In everyday life, we wear some masks, some roles... But here I wanted to capture the importance of having that freedom of being who we are: strong or soft, courageous or not, determined or uncertain."

While painting, Mougenot immersed herself in the emotional intensity of the work. “I was expressing all my energy into the portrait so the traits of this woman could speak and express the emotions of who she is."

Part of a broader artistic exploration of femininity and self-perception, “True Core" is a bold and deeply felt invitation to authenticity, honoring the complexity and depth that exists within every woman—and every individual.

Every inch of the canvas is intentionally filled—there are no empty spaces. As the artist notes:

"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 intuitive and emotionally driven approach, Natalya allows each piece to unfold naturally. Her work resonates with the growing trend of "dopamine art"—where vibrant colors elevate mood and offer a sensory experience. These hues are not mere decoration; they carry emotional weight and speak directly to the viewer.

Artwork Details:

Medium:  Acrylic painting on heavyweight, acid-free paper 
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.