Oksana Evteeva

Oksana Evteeva: Ambassador of Sicily in the art with Arctic Roots

Oksana Evteeva is an accomplished artist who now resides in the sun-drenched landscapes of Sicily, far from her Arctic origins. Born and raised in Murmansk, a city located above the Arctic Circle, Evteeva spent her first 21 years i...

Oksana Evteeva: Ambassador of Sicily in the art with Arctic Roots

Oksana Evteeva is an accomplished artist who now resides in the sun-drenched landscapes of Sicily, far from her Arctic origins. Born and raised in Murmansk, a city located above the Arctic Circle, Evteeva spent her first 21 years in an environment defined by extreme contrasts—where polar nights dominate half the year and endless daylight brightens the other half. Surrounded by tundra, lichen, and the unique flora of the Arctic zone, her early experiences in this stark and beautiful landscape have profoundly influenced her artistic journey.

From a young age, Evteeva's talent was evident. At the tender age of five, she received her first state award, Young Talent of the Murmansk Region, marking the beginning of a promising artistic career. Her formal education in the arts began at the Drawing and Painting Art School in Murmansk, where she developed a strong foundation in classical techniques. This foundation was further solidified through advanced fine arts courses in Murmansk and at the Novosibirsk State University of Architecture, Design, and Fine Arts in Novosibirsk, Russia.

Despite her rigorous training, it is Sicily that has truly captured Evteeva’s heart and artistic spirit. The stark contrast between the Arctic’s subdued palette and Sicily’s vibrant colours has deeply enriched her artistic expression. Her works are a celebration of Sicily’s radiant sun, azure skies, and lush vegetation. This intense appreciation for the island's beauty is rooted in her childhood experiences under the dim Arctic skies, making her connection to Sicily's bright landscape exceptionally profound.

Evteeva’s art is characterized by its vivid colours, dynamic compositions, and a sense of place that captures the essence of her surroundings. Her works are imbued with a love for Sicily's natural splendour, reflecting its cultural richness and inviting viewers to experience the island's unique beauty through her eyes. Drawing inspiration from surrealist masters like René Magritte and Giorgio de Chirico, her art-ventures into the surreal, creating dreamlike worlds that challenge perceptions and stir the imagination.

Her artistic achievements include participation in some of the most prestigious exhibitions in Europe. Notably, her work was featured in the 58th Venice Biennale, a testament to her innovation and impact on contemporary art. Additionally, she exhibited at the 4th Bienal de Arte Barcelona at MEAM, where her work was celebrated for its emotional depth and technical brilliance.

In 2023, Evteeva held a personal exhibition titled “Sicilia nel cuore” in Termini Imerese, Italy. This exhibition was a heartfelt tribute to her adopted homeland, reflecting her deep connection to the island and its influence on her artistic vision.

Her participation in group exhibitions has also been significant. Evteeva's work has been showcased at the Biennial International Exhibition of Etruria in Rome and a few famous exhibitions in Switzerland, among others. These exhibitions highlight her versatility and the wide appeal of her art, allowing her to engage with diverse audiences and contribute meaningfully to global artistic dialogues.

Oksana Evteeva's journey from the Arctic Circle to the sunlit shores of Sicily is a testament to her passion and dedication to the arts. Her work is a vivid tapestry of her experiences, reflecting the stark beauty of her Arctic origins and the vibrant allure of her Sicilian surroundings. As an ambassador of Sicily in art, Evteeva continues to inspire and captivate audiences with her evocative creations, bringing the warmth, colour, and spirit of Sicily to the world stage.