Oil painting Girl with a key Igor Konovalov

"Girl with a Key" by Igor Konovalov: Empowerment and Elegance in Oil

Artistic Insight

"Girl with a Key" offers a compelling visual narrative that combines elements of strength and elegance. The painting features a young woman in construction attire, complete with a hard hat and a wrench, yet her pose and attire incorporate playful elements of femininity, such as frilly pink undergarments. This juxtaposition creates a powerful commentary on breaking down traditional gender roles within society.

Set against a rich purple background adorned with white polka dots, the scene transcends ordinary settings to suggest a realm where traditional norms are reimagined. The mechanical bunnies that encircle the figure add a layer of whimsy and surrealism, enhancing the dreamlike quality of the composition.

Thematic Exploration

Through this work, Konovalov explores themes of empowerment, identity, and the fluidity of roles in modern society. "Girl with a Key" challenges the viewer to reconsider conventional views of labor and gender, emphasizing that attributes such as strength and grace are not mutually exclusive but can coexist harmoniously in one persona.

Collection Significance

"Girl with a Key" is a prime example of Konovalov's genius in the Collection of Contemporary Art and stands out in our Collection Portraits & Genre. It not only highlights his unique artistic voice but also serves as a vibrant dialogue on contemporary issues.

Ideal Collector

This painting is perfect for those who value art with a message of empowerment and societal commentary. It is especially appealing to collectors who are advocates for gender equality and enjoy art that challenges societal norms.

About the Artwork 

Artwork Details

• Title: "Girl with a Key"
• Artist: Igor Konovalov
• Size: 135x110 cm/'53.14x43.30 inches'
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Technique: Original artwork from our collection

Condition and Detailed Viewing

Presented in impeccable condition, oil painting invites viewers to explore its every detail through comprehensive imagery, capturing all angles and facets of this stunning piece.

About the Artist

He was born in 1965 in the city of Novy Bug.

1983—1987 — Dnipropetrovsk State Art School.

1987—1993 — Kyiv State Art Institute.

Since 1993, co-founder of the art commune "Squat on Olehivska Street", the activity of which has two periods:

1993—1996 — "classic squat" (occupation of premises for workshops and housing, exhibition activity, as a practice of introduction into society).

1996-2006 — "fictitious squat" (author of the project — Fiction Gallery Expedition. — going beyond workshops and galleries (institutions) into open urban space.

The founder of the Hill-art direction (art on the hills), within the framework of which actions were held and facilities were created on the hills of Kyiv.

2010-2020 - develops the author's mythology, which he called "Infodelica".

The creator of paintings, promotions, objects and video art.

Lives and works in Kyiv.

EXHIBITIONS

Personal exhibitions:

2020 - Recreation room, Kyiv History Museum, Kyiv

2019 - "Voices", CSM "Soviart", Kyiv

2018 - "Two Pages", Kyiv History Museum, Kyiv

2017 - "Point of support", CSM "Soviart", Kyiv

2016 – "Presidency", CSM "Soviart", Kyiv

2016 - "Relax", CSM "Soviart", Kyiv

2015 – "Wi-Fi", DTEK Academy, business center "Eurasia", Kyiv

2013 - "Infa&infadelika", 8-bit Gallery, Kyiv

2012 - "Infa", Gallery "Forest", Moscow, Russia

2011 - "Infa", RA Gallery, Kyiv

2010 – I. Konovalov, Museum of Sovr. image of Arts of Ukraine (MSIIU), Kyiv

2009 – "Golden Mountains", RA Gallery, Kyiv

2008 - Ctrl-Z, RA Gallery, Kyiv

Group exhibitions:

2020 – ART CAPITAL, Grand Palais, Paris. Salon Comparaisons, groupe Alain Campello

2017 - "Squat on Olehivska Street", Sumy Municipal Gallery, Sumy

2015 – Museum collections, Ukrainian modern art. (1985-2015)

2015 – "Coefficient of independence" (America House), Kyiv

2015 - "Art for the sake of life" - charity project, "Art Arsenal", Kyiv

2014 - The 21st nude art exhibition "MAN & WOMAN", At the Museum of New Art, Pärnu, Estonia

2012 - "Squat on Olehivska Street", M17 Center of Contemporary Art, Kyiv

2012 - Art-Moscow, 16th International Art Fair, Moscow, Russia

2011 - "Independents", New art of the new country 1991-2011, "Art Arsenal", Kyiv

2011 – "Space Odyssey-2011", "Art Arsenal", Kyiv

2010 - Art project "AUT" - international art project, Chocolate House, Kyiv

Press:

• Catalog for a personal exhibition: I. Konovalov, Museum of Modern Fine Arts of Ukraine (MSIIU), "Infa", "Forest" Gallery

• The book "Squat on Olehivska Street" (1993 - 2015), Kyiv

• Collection of the Museum of Ukrainian Modern Art 1985–2015 from private collections

25 years of presence. Modern Ukrainian artists. 1991-2016, Kyiv

• Collection of catalogs of participation in numerous exhibitions and auctions

Works are located:

• Dnipropetrovsk Art Museum

• Museum of Modern Fine Arts of Ukraine (MSIIU)

• Kyiv History Museum

• In private meetings: Boris and Tetyana Hrynievych, Igor Voronov, Igor Abramovich, Oleg Krasnosilskyi, Volodymyr Kashirskyi, and others.

Purchase and Display

Available for purchase, this painting is an exceptional addition to any art collection, offering both aesthetic beauty and a profound narrative. It is a testament to Konovalov’s mastery in portraying complex themes through visually striking compositions.

Viewing and Contact

To view "Girl with a Key" or to explore more of Igor Konovalov's innovative works, visit our gallery or reach out for more information. We offer a curated selection of Signed Artwork for Sale, each piece carefully selected to ensure it resonates with both connoisseurs and new collectors.