Ana-Teodora Kurkina
@ana-teodora-kurkina
Ana is a social historian who holds a PhD in history from LMU Munich and UR Regensburg. She earned her second MA from Central European University, Budapest and her first MA from MSU, Moscow. When she is not writing about art and propaganda, she plays strategic boardgames. Her professional interests revolve around Eastern Europe.
Antonio Canova and His Influence on Italian Nationalism
Antonio Canova was a sculptor devoted to the Classical art of Antiquity. After his death, however, he became a symbol of Italian Nationalism.
The Russian Revolution in 5 Great Paintings
Throughout the Russian Revolution, painters documented the radical events happening around them. They also created jarring propaganda that told more about reality than official records.
The French Revolution in 5 Iconic Paintings
The French Revolution is one of the most iconic events in history. It not only restructured the political order in Europe but also provided future generations with artistic inspiration.
11 Famous Kazimir Malevich Paintings and Why They’re Important
One of the most famous painters of the 20th century, Kazimir Malevich defined the Russian avant-garde, invented Suprematism, and expanded the boundaries of abstract art.
Orientalism as the “Other” in Artwork
The very notion of Orientalism evokes two intertwined concepts: the mysterious and subtle beauty that stands against Occidental rationality; and the idea of backwardness and barbarism imposed by Western colonialism.
Aubrey Beardsley: Defining Art Nouveau From Beauty to Obscenity
How eccentric can an artist be? Aubrey Beardsley proved that there was no limit to the grotesque, repeatedly shocking the public of his time and defining British Art Nouveau.
Futurism Explained: Protest and Modernity in Art
How to capture the unstoppable world constantly in motion? Futurism answered this question, creating dynamic art and changing the world with its ideas – for better and worse.
Marcel Janco: Dadaist Art in a World Gone Mad
How does art react when the world goes insane? Marcel Janco, a Romanian-born artist turned international star, reflected on this vision of the world and created Dadaist art.
The Madí Movement Explained: Connecting Art and Geometry
Mathematics and art do not always intersect, but when they do, the results are often unpredictable and breathtaking. The Madí movement strives to combine geometrical patterns and artistic spirit.
Nicholas Roerich: The Man Who Painted Shangri-La
Nicholas Roerich not only found the entrance to Shambhala, what author James Hilton immortalized as Shangri-La, but also lived to tell the tale in a sweeping series of ethereal paintings.
Ivan Aivazovsky: Master of Marine Art
Artists often have favorite subjects to which they return time and again. Ivan Aivazovsky painted the sea, inspiring a whole generation of European Romantic artists.
Prestige, Popularity, and Progress: A History of The Paris Salon
Art needs an outlet to influence people and challenge worldviews. The Paris Salon became one of the most influential exhibitions in Europe and shaped the way most current exhibitions function.