Written by Amelia Pontifex
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– Emile Zola
Born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Margarita Iakovleva’s first impressionable moments surrounded by art were the trips she would do as a child with her father to the Hermitage Museum to see the collections of fine art from all around the world. It was there she saw works from the Dutch Golden Age, Italian Renaissance, French Classical, German Romantic period and many other world renowned works. The pieces at the Hermitage, the quality of art and the nostalgic memories Margarita attaches to that place and being with her father, all inform her practice as an artist now. The music, musicians, sculptors and artists that Margarita also grew up around also contribute to her artistic practice.
Margarita Iakovleva
Working predominantly with oil, acrylic and pastels across painting and etchings, Margarita also works with ceramics and sculpture and has developed an extensive body of work. Arriving in Australia 25 years ago, Margarita’s works focus on Australian flora and fauna. It was by coming to Australia and seeing our way of life, the animals and our environment that Margarita was able to compare the way of living in Russia. She also mentioned in my interview with her, the serious nature of the environment in the North of Russia.
Dogs of Red Land | 91 x 77cm, Acrylic on canvas
“I think in these cold environments, our imaginations can thrive. But when I came to Australia, my imaginations came to life and I could see everything I imagined before my eyes. I always tell people this is paradise on earth and I still believe that. It is that paradise that I want to capture in my work. I’m lucky to be here, in a place where anything is possible.”
Blue-faced Honeyeaters | 42 x 59cm, Watercolour on paper
Margarita started her art education training at a local children’s art school. She continued her training before being granted entry into an art institute in Russia. She tells me it’s a very driven and long training program that allows students to explore a range of artistic practices. This competitive environment, the 6 years of training and her disciplined approach, all contribute to her practice today. Margarita’s etchings also connect her with older traditional techniques explored by many artists during the 16th century. Etchings have been traditionally done as a way for people to have original works by artists but as a more affordable alternative.
“I love bringing these older and traditional practices into my work, almost acting like a bridge between contemporary Australian subject matter and older techniques from Europe.”
Spotted tailed Quoll and two Golden Bower birds | 20m x 40cm, Four colour etching, aquatint on paper
“I consider myself now an Australian animalistic artist. I love to explore the variety here in plants, animals and people. There’s so much diversity and so many possibilities.”
Margarita began as a graphic designer when she first arrived in Australia but found it too restrictive as an artistic outlet and so she began drawing and painting and creating etchings of the animals she saw around her.
“I have a wild imagination and find that that drives my work. I have so many wonderful pictures in my mind and feel that I need to express them artistically.”
Bourke’s Parakeet parrots | 42 x 59cm, Watercolour on paper
Margarita’s practice has changed and developed throughout her time in Australia. She originally worked with watercolours and oil but now prefers to work with acrylics. And where she once focused on figurative painting, she now focuses on animals and the variety of native animals we have here.
Blue-faced Parrot Finches | 91 x 77cm, Acrylic on canvas
There are also a number of artists that Margarita continues to find inspiration from. The visual art of Russia is a source of constant inspiration and emotional connection. The art of the Renaissance, the pre-Raphaelites such as William Holman Hunt, John Everrett Milais, for example. The etchings and paintings of Rembrandt are also inspirations for Margarita. She also notes Russian Classical schools of art of the 19th century such as Mikhail Vrubel, Valentin Serov, and Nicholai Roarich as a strong influence on her techniques and approaches.
Bilbies at night | 10 x 15cm, Limited edition etching aquatint on paper
“It’s all of these inspirations and my imaginations that I bring and how I approach my work looking at Australian wildlife. We don’t see enough of this, we need to acknowledge our animals and the situations that many of them are in. The widespread devastation to their natural habitats. I think that through my work, I’m spreading awareness by focusing my attention on them and their environments.”
Golden Pheasants | 55.5 x 76cm, Watercolour on paper
“My paintings are a little brighter than reality but that is part of my imagination. Life would be boring if we only paint what we think or see but if we use our imaginations too, anything is possible.”
Margarita’s works are available for sale on the Art Lovers Australia website.
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