Madrid-based contemporary artist Yana Medow, is renowned for her diverse body of work, which ranges from expressive botanical paintings to striking black and white Surrealist Art.
Yana Medow’s artworks draw inspiration from various artists and movements exploring mythological themes, symbolism, and the relationship between nature and the human psyche. Her black and white drawings, which you can explore on Rise Art, are reminiscent of the evocative figurative forms of Picasso’s Guernica (1937).
Yana Medow’s Artistic Journey
Medow graduated from the Academy of Applied Arts in Saint Petersburg, where she specialised in painting restoration. This rigorous academic background equipped her with a deep understanding of fine art techniques and historical preservation. Her studies at the academy refined her eye for detail and gave her the tools to engage with art on a technical level.
After completing her education, Medow transitioned from restoration work to graphic design and illustration, where she further developed her creative skills. Over time, she embraced contemporary fine art, blending her technical expertise with innovative, expressive approaches to create a diverse range of artworks.
Surrealist Art and Black & White Drawings
Yana Medow’s monochromatic art is deeply rooted in Surrealist themes, where she merges fantasy with psychology. Completing her drawings in charcoal, Medow masterfully uses dark tones and smudges to create an atmospheric, haunting quality. This technique adds an organic, fluid element to her drawings, enhancing the surreal and dreamlike atmosphere that dominates her art.
Artworks like Centaur (2024), fill the composition with a fantastical, hybridised form. Medow’s graphic design background plays a significant role in her approach to drawing. The precision and attention to detail, developed through years of design work, are evident in her intricate linework and the careful balance of negative and positive space in her drawings. Her ability to evoke deep emotional and imaginative elements through minimalistic black and white drawings showcases her unique blend of technical skill and creative expression.
International Exhibitions and Projects
Yana Medow has established a significant global presence, with her work featured in modern art exhibitions across Taiwan, New York, Spain, France, and Japan. Notable exhibitions include a 2024 group show at Yin Art Gallery in Taiwan, a 2023 collaboration with Court Tree Collection in Brooklyn, and a group show in Santander, Spain.
Medow has also contributed to urban art projects such as Pinta Malasaña and Tous Droits dans le Mur in Madrid and France. Additionally, she participated in the documentary Mishka for ARTDOC.FEST and exhibited internationally in places like Hong Kong, Tokyo, and South Korea.
