Ekaterina Popova
Ekaterina Popova is a Russian-born artist whose contemporary oil paintings explore themes of home, belonging, and identity. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from Kutztown University in 2011, she has continued to develop her studio practice and share her work through exhibitions across the U.S. and internationally. Inspired by post-impressionism, fauvism, and magical realism, Popova’s paintings evoke mood and emotion through richly textured interiors and landscapes.
My work explores identity and belonging through the painting of interiors and landscapes, inspired by my experience as an immigrant and driven by a desire to create safe spaces for myself and others. I use my painted images as vessels to navigate my love of light and color. In my early days, I was captivated by interiors, a fascination that continues on in my work. This interest in domestic spaces started as a way for me to reflect on my upbringing in Russia, but it eventually expanded to the exploration of the overarching concept of “home” and what it signifies to me now. As an immigrant, the question of belonging profoundly affected me, guiding me to create paintings that have enabled connections with people worldwide, united in our pursuit to feel safe and welcome.
Inspired by the Fauvists, Peter Doig, Bonnard, and the fresh Impressionists, I am deeply interested in the way art can transform our emotions. Within my works, you can glimpse images of my home, moments captured while traveling, and my unending explorations of nature – humanity's true home. I hone in on the subtle tones, lighting, and mood of each location to capture the emotions I associate with the space, amplifying the colors to craft a dream-like image.
www.katerinapopova.com
Instagram: @katerinaspopova
