Bitter Herbs: Botanical Fantasy Artwork in Olive Green and Sepia with Antique Scissors, 2026

Serafima Antipova  

Serafima Antipova (b. 1992, Russia) is a contemporary artist whose work combines mystical symbolism and realism to explore the relationship between humans, animals, and the hidden dimensions of the self. Born in a small Siberian town surrounded by taiga forests, she developed a deep emotional connection to nature from an early age. After studying at an art school, she continued private training with Siberian artist Leonid Raiskiy, whose mentorship strengthened both her technical foundation and her enduring fascination with wildlife.

Serafima later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Tomsk State University of Architecture and Building. Since 2015, she has worked as a digital wildlife illustrator, gradually developing a visual language centered on archetypes, spirituality, and symbolic animal imagery.

A defining influence in her practice came through her studies in Vedic astrology, psychology, and mythology. In 2019, she completed advanced training at the Lakshmi-Ameya Institute of Astrology, specializing in Jyotish, palmistry, and numerology. These studies became the foundation for her ongoing exploration of Totems—animal archetypes representing instinct, shadow identity, protection, and inner transformation.

In 2021, she published and illustrated her book Performers of Karma, dedicated to the hidden sides of personality and the “dark corners” of the soul. In 2022, she created the illustrations for the Russian edition of Totem Animals. Non-Human Power by Don José Ruiz in collaboration with AST Publishing, deepening her research into symbolic animal consciousness.

Since 2022, Serafima has focused on creating her “TOTEMS” paintings—highly detailed symbolic portraits of animals infused with mythological, shamanic, and spiritual elements. Her works combine realism with magical attributes, transforming animals into powerful spiritual guides and metaphors for personal identity.

Her solo exhibition TOTEM was presented at FORT Art Gallery in Sochi in 2024. Her works have also been exhibited in India, Sochi, Novosibirsk, and Krasnaya Polyana, and are held in private collections across Russia.

Through symbolic animals, mystical imagery, and psychological archetypes, Serafima Antipova creates works that invite viewers to reconnect with instinct, memory, and the deeper forces shaping human nature.