Natali Antonovich believes her art is the truest way to understand her. Her words, “It is always difficult to write or talk about yourself because it is a kind of revelation,” capture her introspective nature and desire for authenticity. She has spent a lifetime exploring the world and her inner self, using painting and photography as tools for connection and reflection. Since childhood, Antonovich has sought to make sense of the universe around her.
Her work spans graphics, batik, portraiture, and teaching art and art history, yet her focus now lies in oil painting and watercolor. Themes of love, mystery, and the cosmos drive her recent series like “Who are you?”, “Heart on the Snow”, and “Eternity”. She identifies with mystical realism and fantastic realism, blending symbolism, narrative, and romanticism. Her art speaks to those drawn to the spiritual, the esoteric, and the beauty of human connection. Alongside painting, Antonovich has a deep passion for photography, especially psychological portraits. Whether painting or photographing, her work reflects a profound curiosity about the human soul and its connection to the universe.
Exploring Antonovich’s Recent Works
1. …to meet the Time…
Oil on linen canvas, 2012
Part of the “Eternity” series, …to meet the Time… is an evocative oil painting rendered in gradients of blue. The monochromatic palette immerses the viewer in a serene yet enigmatic atmosphere, with layers of blue subtly transitioning from deep oceanic tones to lighter sky-like hues. At the bottom of the canvas, an eye emerges, seemingly floating above the waves. This motif of the eye—at once human and cosmic—anchors the painting in introspection, as though it peers into both time and eternity.
The lower portion of the painting resembles an ocean in motion, with wave-like textures suggesting the fluidity and rhythm of time itself. The eye, positioned at the boundary of water and air, feels like a guardian or witness to the passage of moments. Antonovich’s use of monochromatic blue emphasizes calm and infinite depth, making the piece a meditative exploration of existence. It invites the viewer to pause and reflect, as if meeting time face-to-face.
This artwork perfectly encapsulates Antonovich’s mystical realism. It bridges the tangible—waves, gradients of blue—with the symbolic, presenting a narrative of eternity and self-awareness.
2. Rhythm of the Gaze
Giclée print, 2024
In Rhythm of the Gaze, Antonovich takes a different approach, using a golden-like monochrome palette to explore texture and focus. The print centers around a singular eye, its placement and design commanding attention. The golden hue imbues the piece with warmth and mystery, as though it captures the light of the sun or the shimmer of hidden treasures.
Unlike the flowing, oceanic theme of …to meet the Time…, this piece is more structured, yet it retains the symbolic depth Antonovich is known for. The eye, recurring in her works, acts as a focal point for thought. Its gaze seems to hold a rhythm of its own, pulling the viewer into a dance of observation and introspection.
The golden color symbolizes enlightenment, discovery, and warmth, while the eye continues Antonovich’s exploration of the self and the unknown. The piece feels like an invitation to connect with something greater while also reflecting on one’s own vision and perspective.
A Dialogue with the Viewer
Antonovich’s works are more than visual experiences; they’re philosophical conversations. Both …to meet the Time…and Rhythm of the Gaze are rooted in themes of connection—between humanity and time, the cosmos, and each other. Her recurring use of the eye becomes a symbolic gateway, urging viewers to see beyond the surface and into the deeper layers of existence.
These pieces embody mystical realism’s core principles: blending reality with the fantastical, the seen with the unseen. Whether through the flowing blues of …to meet the Time… or the golden textures of Rhythm of the Gaze, Antonovich’s art invites introspection. Her works don’t demand immediate answers; instead, they allow viewers to linger in their mystery, asking their own questions and forming personal interpretations.
Antonovich’s ability to blend narrative, symbolism, and emotion ensures her art resonates with curious, cosmic-minded individuals. For those drawn to exploring the mysteries of love, eternity, and the human spirit, her paintings provide both questions and clues. Through her creations, Antonovich guides us toward the eternal secret she herself is always chasing.
