Uslada

I'd like to thank all those of you who visited my short exhibition in Belgium. And those who didn't - I invite you to read the description of my exhibition concept which tells a nice story about my homecoming to the country where my art was born - Belgium. (see in comments)

Although I think that art should be experienced on the visual, visceral and purely energetic levels, where words are not required, I absolutely love telling stories about every piece of my art. Every painting is not just what you see as the final "result" - it's also a journey that evolves over time, enriched with incredible personal stories which always seem to happen during the time of creation, making each piece a unique blend of energies, symbols, and invitations for the future. I know very well the stories of my art, but sharing them like that - standing in front of the work I made - instead of just posting on social media, feels incredibly intimate and rewarding.

I am very happy to share that I am now a member of StudioToGallery - a new curatorial and advisory platform for artists, launched by Sonia Borrell.

Launched in February 2026, it is not yet another commercial marketplace, but a thoughtfully curated, mentor-led space designed to support artists with genuine career guidance and international opportunities. I feel honored to have been one of the first artists Sonia hand-picked personally.

Sonia has spent the past 15+ years shaping conversations in the contemporary art world — founding the Tryson Collection in 2008, dedicated exclusively to acquiring works by contemporary living artists. In her collection there are works by such prominent artists as Takashi Murakami, Banksy, Yosh*tomo Nara, Alex Katz and Jaume Plensa.

What makes StudioToGallery special is its focus on the artist first. I have participated in a couple of structured mentoring sessions through weekly Q&As (exclusive to participating artists) which offer invaluable advice. Sometimes art collectors can also join StudioToGallery online discussions about art investments, creating and curating a personal art collection, art market trends and similar subjects.

Each artist receives a carefully considered profile with a limited selection of up to eight works, personally reviewed by Sonia. Any sales are handled securely through the platform.

Sonia has curated major exhibitions, served on juries for international art prizes, advised institutions across regions including Asia and the Middle East, and consistently championed emerging talent with a focus on long-term growth rather than short-term transactions. Her work often bridges cultural contexts, helping connect European and other artists with broader global networks.

Yet what I value most personally is her enthusiasm, warmth and friendliness, as well as generous spirit. All of which I witness first-hand in my recent trip to London, where many StudioToGallery members came to meet her in an amazing private event at D Contemporary.

I am delighted to invite you to a special moment this spring: on May 30–31, I will return to Belgium — the land where my artistic journey first began — to present my work at the elegant Hotel DolcDolce La Hulpe Hotel Brussels part of the ParcParcours d'artistes 2026 à La Hulpe - 6ème éditione exhibition carries the title Uslada: Il Ritorno della Dolcezza.

This name, translated into English as Return of sweetness, creates a beautiful linguistic bridge: the Italian word dolce — sweet — resonates directly with the Russian uslada, which also carries the meaning of sweetness, delight, and deep pleasure.

Together, they evoke a soulful sweetness — at once tender and powerfully alive — that feeds the heart and awakens inner joy. Since I now live in the Italian-speaking Ticino region of Switzerland, this title feels like a natural bridge between my present life and my artistic roots in Belgium.

At the heart of the Dolce La Hulpe, nestled in the majestic Sonian Forest, my paintings will dialogue with sculptures and installations by fellow artists participating in the Parcours.

Together, they will create a space of beauty and reflection within this refined, verdant setting — a beautiful haven south of Brussels where nature and elegance gracefully meet, welcoming visitors from around the world.

For me, this hotel holds a particular resonance. Just as it opens the refined charm of La Hulpe to international guests, my own path began in Belgium when I moved from Brussels to this nearby region, drawn into closer contact with the surrounding nature.

Since those early beginnings, my art has unfolded toward broader horizons. This return to Belgium, and to the region where my artistic journey began, feels both intimate and expansive — a homecoming that carries the sweetness of memory and the promise of new encounters.

Because this exhibition will be presented for only two days, it is a rare opportunity to experience my work in person.

Please feel free to share this invitation (or this link to the exhibition announcement on my website) with friends, art lovers, or anyone who might appreciate a moment of beauty and soulful discovery during my short visit to Belgium.

Uslada: Il ritorno della dolcezza

Date: 30-31 May, 2026

Time: 11.00-18.00

Address: Hotel Dolce La Hulpe, Chaussée de Bruxelles 135, 1310 La Hulpe

RSVP: [email protected]

Purple Moon

Acrylic on canvas, 50 × 60 cm (20 × 24 inches)

The name "Purple Moon" came to me very early in the creative process.

Quite magically, I finished the painting on the night of the full moon.

Eclipse, acrylic on canvas, 120x150 cm (39x47 inch)

The Flow series - six paintings created over several years. The first one was The Wet Kiss. And the last one - Encounter. Maybe there will be more - time will show.

Brave Soul is an original acrylic painting on stretched canvas mounted on cardboard (40x40 cm / 16x16 inches), created in 2014.

I wanted to deliver a visual and conceptual contrast in this small format piece: its modest size juxtaposes strikingly with the grandeur of its title and message, symbolizing that our perceived "smallness" in the world has no bearing on the true mightiness of the soul and its boundless potential.

Maybe some of you can notice that this work radiates deep empowerment, at least this is how I felt when I was creating it. There's a courageous inner fire in it that defies limitations, awakens resilience, and affirms the soul's capacity for extraordinary achievement, transformation, and fearless self-expression.

Let it be a reminder that true strength emerges from within, often in the quietest, most unassuming spaces.

Brave Soul, acrylic on canvas, 40x40 cm (16x16 inches)