Volery Gallery proudly presents Inner Guide, a solo exhibition by Ukrainian artist Rita Maikova Zaporozhets, opening on December 14, 2024. Known for her ability to blend surrealism with deeply personal symbolism, the artist invites viewers on an introspective journey into ethereal landscapes that reflect the delicate balance between light and darkness, the seen and the hidden. In Inner Guide, she explores life’s cycles and the profound interconnectedness of all beings, drawing from her own experiences and inner world to create compositions that evoke reflection and healing.
In her latest works, the artist transports viewers to surreal settings where green forests and expansive sand dunes unfold like stages, each populated with characters drawn from her imagination and personal life. These figures, poised in dynamic harmony with nature, carry symbols of resilience, transformation, and guidance. Some cradle a box of light, embodying hope and inner strength; others protect new life, symbolizing the ever-renewing cycle of growth and rebirth. Each character — whether human, animal, or mythical — is intricately woven into the landscape, bringing a dreamlike quality to the scenes, which pulse with an otherworldly energy.
The artist’s work is deeply influenced by the transformative experiences of motherhood, which she views as a profound source of strength, stability, and intuition. In Inner Guide, she reflects on the inner light that emerges from these experiences, a guiding force that not only shapes her work but also connects her to her child and the world around her. This inner light, a recurring theme in her art, serves as a powerful symbol of wisdom, healing, and resilience. It is the foundation upon which she builds a sense of balance and hope amid the complexities of life, a message she extends to each viewer as an invitation to explore their own paths of self-discovery.
The works in this series celebrate the beauty of metamorphosis, the fluid transitions between states of being, and the interplay between individual stories and universal cycles. The artist incorporates elements of classical mythology, merging them with her life experiences to create a mystical tapestry of symbols and meanings. The scenes she creates are not only visual expressions but also meditative spaces where viewers can connect with their own inner light and find grounding in the face of life’s continual changes.
