London – 15 February 2022 – Ambient Anxiety presents two ambitious female artists at the beginning of their careers, with a series of abstract paintings exploring an unshakeable sensation that exists in contemporary everyday life. Two modern neuroses collide: environmental helplessness with technological dependency.
Elina Yumasheva explores the intersection of art and science by working with abstraction and landscapes in mixed media. Her research focuses on environmental issues – being able to emotionally express them as an artist and decipher the science behind them creates her unique signature style.
“Rich in textures, shapes and forms, Elina’s works, often in monochrome, are a truly fascinating light journey that connects with you deeply on an emotional level,” comments Chris Corbin, Director and Curator, Curious Kudu Gallery.
Hideaway in the green void. Is this a liminal space between the portals – a journey from pristine rainforest to technogenic fractured reality?
Green void
Acrylics, oil, spray paint on canvas, 160 x 120cm, 2021
Fading away. Destruction. Horror. Guilt. Fear. Anger. Intuitive and acted on impulse, the painting channels the artist’s feelings evoked by the horrors of war.
Point of no return
Oil on canvas, 140 x 110cm, 2022
Capturing contained chaos of anxiety, the painting creates a psychological landscape and touches upon a deeply personal subject. It raises the question of how the climate crisis impacts women’s feelings, thoughts and decisions around childbirth. What planet will we leave behind? Is it fair to bring a child into this world knowing what we know and doing what we do?
How do I feel about bringing children into this world?
Oil on canvas, 140 x 110cm, 2021
Air pollution is a major cause of premature death and disease and is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe. The painting comments on the unsustainable speed of material progress and sets the candy fumes series.
Candy fumes
Oil on canvas, 90 x 60cm, 2021
Juxtaposing the popular carefree and naive colour with the context of air pollution is a manifestation of the mindless consumption culture.
Candy fumes 2
Acrylics on silk, 90 x 60cm, 2022