Venus and Mars
Through her recent paintings, Oksana explores the lives of Mars and Venus, juxtaposing Renaissance and contemporary heroes, traditional themes from classic oil paintings, and present-day situations. In this project, Mars symbolizes Oksana's partner, Max, while she embodies Venus, his wife.
VENUS
Venus in a red armchair
Oil on canvas, 65x90cm
'Toilet of Venus' portrays a young woman looking into a mirror—a well-known motif in art history. This is Oksana's interpretation of the scene.
Oil on canvas, 65x90cm
'Toilet of Venus' portrays a young woman looking into a mirror—a well-known motif in art history. This is Oksana's interpretation of the scene.
Harmony without Mars, (The Toilet of Venus in Blue)
Oil on canvas, 70x100 cm
The focal point of the artwork is the reflection of Venus as she gazes into a mirror, engrossed in self-admiration. The painting derives its traditional name, 'The Toilet of Venus,' from this particular scene, which has been a recurrent motif throughout art history.
However, this painting holds deeper symbolism beyond its traditional associations. Oksana gives the artwork an alternative title: 'The Harmony without Mars.' In mythology, Harmony (Harmonia) is the daughter of Mars and Venus, representing the blending of their qualities. By referencing this name, Oksana explores the concept of harmony, particularly in the absence of Mars.
Oil on canvas, 70x100 cm
The focal point of the artwork is the reflection of Venus as she gazes into a mirror, engrossed in self-admiration. The painting derives its traditional name, 'The Toilet of Venus,' from this particular scene, which has been a recurrent motif throughout art history.
However, this painting holds deeper symbolism beyond its traditional associations. Oksana gives the artwork an alternative title: 'The Harmony without Mars.' In mythology, Harmony (Harmonia) is the daughter of Mars and Venus, representing the blending of their qualities. By referencing this name, Oksana explores the concept of harmony, particularly in the absence of Mars.
Venus in a red armchair
Oil on canvas, 65x90cm
'The Toilet of Venus' is Oksana's second portrayal of herself as Venus. The model gazes into a mirror, hence the traditional title of the work. This painting, also known as 'Annunciation,' draws inspiration from Virgin Mary, as Venus discovers her own pregnancy while holding a book (a sketchbook in reality). Oksana introduces a glass of water as a symbol of pure beauty, akin to the vase of flowers in Renaissance paintings.
Oil on canvas, 65x90cm
'The Toilet of Venus' is Oksana's second portrayal of herself as Venus. The model gazes into a mirror, hence the traditional title of the work. This painting, also known as 'Annunciation,' draws inspiration from Virgin Mary, as Venus discovers her own pregnancy while holding a book (a sketchbook in reality). Oksana introduces a glass of water as a symbol of pure beauty, akin to the vase of flowers in Renaissance paintings.
Venus in D Major,
Oil on canvas, 70x100 cm
Reflecting the impressions and emotions evoked by the music, composed after the artist.
Oil on canvas, 70x100 cm
Reflecting the impressions and emotions evoked by the music, composed after the artist.
The Toilet of Venus
Oil on canvas, 90x65cm
The painting captures the essence of what defines a young woman in contemporary society—depicting the everyday routines that shape her identity. By sharing her intimate experiences with viewers, Oksana invites them to delve into her inner world and her perception of herself as the goddess of beauty, love, and passion.
Oil on canvas, 90x65cm
The painting captures the essence of what defines a young woman in contemporary society—depicting the everyday routines that shape her identity. By sharing her intimate experiences with viewers, Oksana invites them to delve into her inner world and her perception of herself as the goddess of beauty, love, and passion.
Mars
Sleeping Mars,
oil on canvas (sold out)
120x100cm
In 'Sleeping Mars,' Oksana draws from classic paintings where Venus slumbers on a red sofa. Artists such as Giorgione, Titian, and Modigliani often portrayed their lovers as Venuses, emphasizing beauty and sexuality rather than mythological elements. Red, symbolizing passion and love, played a prominent role in these works. In this piece, Oksana portrays her ex-husband, named Max, as Mars, reclining on a red sofa and wearing soft slippers—a symbol of contemporary sexuality. By comparing Max to Mars, the god of war, Oksana offers a reflection on her relationship through the lens of this classic theme. The series began in March, the month named after Mars.
oil on canvas (sold out)
120x100cm
In 'Sleeping Mars,' Oksana draws from classic paintings where Venus slumbers on a red sofa. Artists such as Giorgione, Titian, and Modigliani often portrayed their lovers as Venuses, emphasizing beauty and sexuality rather than mythological elements. Red, symbolizing passion and love, played a prominent role in these works. In this piece, Oksana portrays her ex-husband, named Max, as Mars, reclining on a red sofa and wearing soft slippers—a symbol of contemporary sexuality. By comparing Max to Mars, the god of war, Oksana offers a reflection on her relationship through the lens of this classic theme. The series began in March, the month named after Mars.
Bathing Mars / Series of paintings
Oil on canvas
As part of the captivating 'Venus and Mars' series, Oksana Devochkina presents 'Bathing Mars,' a thought-provoking painting that delves into the concept of Mars, the god of war, engaged in a unique and vulnerable moment of taking a shower. Inspired by classical paintings depicting Mars accompanied by angels, this piece takes a contemporary twist.
The setting of Budapest serves as a significant influence on this artwork. Renowned for its thermal spas, Budapest has a rich bathing culture. In the past, it was even said that residents living near natural springs could fill their baths with mineral water at home. This cultural backdrop, coupled with the cinematic allure of the movie 'Grand Hotel Budapest,' sparked Oksana's imagination, leading her to explore the theme of the male toilet.
Oil on canvas
As part of the captivating 'Venus and Mars' series, Oksana Devochkina presents 'Bathing Mars,' a thought-provoking painting that delves into the concept of Mars, the god of war, engaged in a unique and vulnerable moment of taking a shower. Inspired by classical paintings depicting Mars accompanied by angels, this piece takes a contemporary twist.
The setting of Budapest serves as a significant influence on this artwork. Renowned for its thermal spas, Budapest has a rich bathing culture. In the past, it was even said that residents living near natural springs could fill their baths with mineral water at home. This cultural backdrop, coupled with the cinematic allure of the movie 'Grand Hotel Budapest,' sparked Oksana's imagination, leading her to explore the theme of the male toilet.
In 'Sleeping Mars,' Oksana draws from classic paintings where Venus slumbers on a red sofa. Artists such as Giorgione, Titian, and Modigliani often portrayed their lovers as Venuses, emphasizing beauty and sexuality rather than mythological elements. Red, symbolizing passion, played a prominent role in these works. In this piece, Oksana portrays her ex-partner, named Max, as Mars, reclining on a red sofa and wearing soft slippers—a symbol of contemporary sexuality. By comparing Max to Mars, the god of war, Oksana offers a reflection on her relationship through the lens of this classic theme.
BUY AN ARTWORK
Commission a painting! Request an artwork by email, we'll schedule an appointment to the studio in Budapest, or I'll provide you an upgraded info about the requested artwork. You can purchase a paitning or a sketch to the project.
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