"Girls at the table" - (based on Maria Berrio), Circa 2010

Viktor Konotopsky  

1660

In "Girls at the Table," Ukrainian artist Viktor Konotopsky draws inspiration from the visual language of Maria Berrio, blending folklore, surrealism, and symbolism into a richly layered tableau. The painting presents a circle of women gathered around a table overflowing with offerings — fruit, fish, birds, and sweets — symbols of abundance, femininity, and life cycles. Each figure is adorned in ornate patterns, floral motifs, and dreamlike elements, blurring the boundary between individual identity and collective spirit. The scene is not just a feast, but a ritual of connection — between women, with nature, and across time. The birds and butterflies evoke transformation and freedom, while the serene yet introspective gazes of the women suggest both quiet strength and the complexities of the inner world. Despite the vibrant palette, there is an underlying stillness — as though the moment is suspended between celebration and reflection. Through this work, Konotopsky pays homage not only to feminine grace and mystery but also to the enduring power of memory, imagination, and cultural storytelling. It is a painting that invites the viewer to look closer — to find meaning in every detail, fabric fold, and symbol — and to feel the warmth and wonder of a world where myth meets everyday life.