‘Magic of Africa,’ an art project by Volgograd-based artists Nina and Nikolay Zotov is being held at the State Museum of Oriental Art in Moscow.
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Press Photo/ N. Zotov
“We had a real passion for avant-garde art style when it was forbidden,” says Nina Zotova. “Africa inspired Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, Henri Matisse and Alberto Giacometti, and we too were captivated by this continent and its unique culture.”
Press Photo/ N. Zotov
Since their first trip to Morocco in 2011, the Zotovs have been depicting African culture in their paintings.
Press Photo/ N. Zotov
“Someone calls African art primitive, but this is not true. The ethnic art of Africa has its own language of symbols,” Nina Zotova adds.
Press Photo/ N. Zotov
Africa inspired the duo to experiment with unique art styles.
Press Photo/ N. Zotov
Nina uses both dry pastel and acrylic art techniques, while Nikolay uses the felted tracery technique.
Press Photo/ N. Zotov
“This is my new technique, which combines the skills of a sculptor and a painter,” Nikolay says.
Press Photo/ N. Zotov
As a part of the ‘Dialog Between Two Cultures’ project, the Embassy of Morocco invited the Zotovs to stage their art exhibitions in Fes and Casablanca.
Press Photo/ N. Zotov
At the on-going Moscow exhibition, the Zotovs are also displaying their private art collection, which includes Berber brass work, daggers and masks, and drums from Mali, Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo, the Ivory Coast and Morocco.
Press Photo/ N. Zotov
The duo’s African collection comprises of 300 unique material objects and 150 paintings.
