In the chiaroscuro of Varvara Zabezhinskaya’s art, there is a silent conversation between the viewer and the viewed. “RUIN,” a series by this Russian-born, Israel-based artist, is an arresting visual narrative of the battles fought within the silent arenas of our minds. With a rich background in psychology, Zabezhinskaya delves into the abyss of emotions that society often veils in shadows—depression, anxiety, grief, and the exhaustive weariness of burnout.

“RUIN” is a stark yet intimate series, each piece a dialogue of textures and emotions. Zabezhinskaya’s work goes beyond mere representation; it seeks to make tangible the intangible. The imagery—a hand pressed against the sinews of a shoulder, the solitary flame of a candle, the spectral figure shrouded in red, or hands cupping broken glass—each a metaphor for the fragility and transient nature of our internal states.

The series invites contemplation of the societal dichotomy that segregates emotions into acceptable and taboo. Zabezhinskaya’s art reclaims these emotions, presenting them as neither positive nor negative but as intrinsic to our existence. Through the visceral and tactile nature of her work, she fosters an empathetic connection, encouraging a collective acknowledgement of these hidden experiences.

Using her own form as a canvas, Zabezhinskaya’s “RUIN” employs diverse media to capture the physicality of emotional states. The human body, presented through a lens of raw authenticity, becomes a powerful vessel for exploring the depths of personal struggle and resilience. Zabezhinskaya’s artistry bridges the gap between the observer and the observed, offering solace in shared understanding and the potential for communal healing.

“RUIN” is not just an artistic endeavor; it is an invitation to witness the solemn beauty of our deepest sentiments, to see the unseen, and to find kinship in the silent echoes of our own vulnerabilities.

Jenya Stashkov, art critic, artist

Sheffield, UK