BIOGRAPHY
from St. Petersburg to St. Petersburg
In 2009, Moved from St. Petersburg, Russia to St. Petersburg, Florida. Natalie credits her relocation for opening a new world for her, that of American contemporary art and how it can alter the ways in which we visualize and conceptualize the world.
Natalie earned her B.A. and M.A. degrees from the State University for Culture and Arts in St. Petersburg, Russia. While there, she spent time at the Hermitage Museum and visiting galleries, and participating in art talks by local and international artists. This experience led to an appreciation of the interdisciplinary approach to art, culture, and philosophy, setting the stage for her future career, and the way she perceives and creates art.
A published photographer and artist, Natalie is the founder of the Bela Unica gallery here in St. Pete. Her professional experience includes working as an international education consultant, online art gallery owner, art event coordinator, and educator of arts. Her passion is creating art exhibitions and events that unite local communities and artists, as well as encouraging conversations about art and its various roles and manifestations in our world.
Natalie is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in philosophy and aesthetics in visual art from the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts headquartered in Maine.
A FEW WORDS
ABOUT MY TEACHING & CURATORIAL WORK
In my philosophy of teaching art theories, I encourage students to draw on their personal experiences and perspectives when interpreting cultural and social events.
By adopting a personal approach and fostering critical thinking, I make the process of understanding the humanities and their messages throughout history a deeply personal journey. This method helps students discern the intended messages for both historical audiences and themselves, allowing them to learn about historical and cultural contexts while applying their contemporary views. By encouraging discussions about the relationships between philosophy, history, religion, arts, and politics, I aim to inspire my students to use their creativity and ideas to contribute ethically and positively to society.
In my curatorial work, I focus on creating visual stories that carry deep messages.
I collaborate closely with artists, embracing their unique philosophies to craft meaningful exhibitions with careful attention to the space and environment, utilizing architectural advantages to elevate the presentation of the art. My interest in cross-cultural collaboration allows me to bring diverse perspectives into dialogue. Additionally, I am drawn to art with strong political messages, as it adds depth and urgency to the narrative I aim to convey.
Through these elements, I strive to create experiences that challenge viewers and inspire reflection.
READ MY
LATEST PUBLICATIONS
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