|
Annya Sand has fast established herself in the contemporary art world. Her work has attracted much critical acclaim from Art Critics and International Press, and she was recently described by a leading art publication as 'one of London's most exciting abstract artists'. Her career is rapidly gaining momentum, with an enviable client list, and numerous successful exhibitions at leading international galleries already behind her. Most recently, in recognition of her achievement, Annya was selected by the minister of culture of the Kyrgyzstan Republic to exhibit her paintings in the G. Aytiev Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts. Annya is also currently presenting her work in the national Museum of Kazakhstan, (her native country), in the A. Kasteev State Museum of Arts, of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Her painting now sits proudly alongside some of the great artists of Kazakhstan and former soviet states.
| Annya is heavily involved in charity and has over the years donated a lot of her work to charities, helping raise money for worthy causes and raising the profile of the arts to those less fortunate. As co-director of the highly successful inaugural Russian, Eastern & Oriental Fine Art Fair held in London, Annya was involved in helping raise thousands of pounds for two highly worthy causes. It is her intention that charity always remains central to her work and achievement. Annya is also passionate about helping talented emerging artists. To this end she has established The Annya Sand Prize, designed to provide the winner with a stepping stone in their career. This will be a prestigious annual award with the competition being open to all young artists from the former Soviet States. The winner will be selected by a combination panel of high profile judges and public vote and be rewarded with an exhibition in central London and a cash prize. |
2010 Annya Sand Prize Awards
|
Annya's work is predominantly abstract - though often inhabited by figures, her paintings never sit within a conceptual framework. They flow from an innate and intuitive place. On closer inspection her work also traces a deep history, hinting with subtle inflections at a worldly perspective and layers of tradition.
|
In Annya's paintings, colours live in harmony rather than competing for space. Her subtle uses of earthy tones, occasionally overlaid with flashes of more intense colour have become a trademark of her work and have won her a strong following. "My art is very ornate, and very sensual. I work with oils because I think it gives the work life. I create very thick layers yet try to keep the texture quite light. I like layers of colour, so you can sometimes see the original colour underneath."
Painting from a very early age, Annya was heavily influenced by her father and grandfather and the creative environment in which she was raised. "I was born in central Asia, so the history of figures such as Genghis Kahn is present in my work. They have elements of the warrior yet are earthy." Just as she avoids the static energy of the portrait, attaining dynamism through graceful strokes, her work also contains a strong spiritual element. "Most of my work is an expression of my feelings and my views on life. Everything I do is a reflection of my soul at that specific moment in time.
|
 | The biggest inspirations for my work are the positives and negatives of life. I truly believe in the powerful effect of personal energy. Whatever you put into life is what you get back"
|