Through his paintings Costa goes beyond the obvious to uncover the symbolism of the human aspect of daily life. His images are a study of the human reality presented in a simplistic and surreal existence. The human form is the focus. Intricate details and lines of the human body are juxtaposed against a stark background revealing the artist's conviction of the important role of man and woman's existence. Through his artwork, Costa invites the observer to not only understand the scope of the actual image, but to also experience the reality of the other and comprehend the feelings that this experience provokes.
Costa has drawn inspiration for his prolific works of art from broad travels and his abundant life experiences as both a visitor and resident of numerous countries. Born in Russia in 1968, Costa developed his unique brand of art through extensive schooling at the Art College and the Academy of Arts in Moscow. His passion and talent for art was recognized by Russia’s Union of Young Artists when he received the Development of The Year Award in 1997.
Through his paintings Costa goes beyond the obvious to uncover the symbolism within the human aspect of daily life. His creativity and style come alive through his dark and surreal imagery. As a viewer of Costa’s images, one is transported to a world of fictional proportions that exists in the recesses of the artist’s mind.
Metamorphosed human and animal figures shrouded in darkness, suggest the existence of a distorted world-order. These images evoke one to closely examine and question the reality of what one sees. Through his artwork, Costa challenges the observer to not only understand the scope of the actual image, but to also comprehend the feelings that the image provokes. His paintings are as bold as the statements that they make, and it is up to each individual to decipher what the meaning behind the image really is.
Costa’s art has achieved international recognition. It has been featured in many private and public exhibits on European and North American stage, and has been sold to many private collection in Europe, the United States and Canada.
Tina Sgouros
Exhibitions
2010. Galerie D’Este, solo show, Montreal, Canada
2009. Bill Lowe Gallery, solo show “Barcode of Life” Atlanta ,Georgia, U.S.A.
2009. Engine Gallery, solo show “Tribute to Velazquez”, Toronto, Canada
2008. Bill Lowe Gallery, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
2008, Toronto International Art Fair with Engine Gallery, Toronto, Canada
2008, Wall Space Gallery, Ottawa, Canada
2008, Engine Gallery, Toronto, Canada
2007, Toronto International Art Fair with Engine Gallery, Toronto, Canada
2007, Engine Gallery, solo show “Jump”, Toronto, Canada
2006, Toronto International Art Fair with Engine Gallery, Toronto, Canada
2006, Engine Gallery, solo show “Captured”, Toronto, Canada
2006, Cadillac Fairview, fundraising Gala, Toronto, Canada
2005, Gallery Babianne, “The Blue “, Toronto, Canada
2005, Brush Gallery, Toronto, Canada
2004, Dennison Gallery, Toronto. Canada
2004, Art Expo, presented by Dennison Gallery, N.Y. U.S.A.
2003, Gallery 2001, Montreal, Canada
2002, Contemporary Art Gallery, solo show, Toronto, Canada
2001, Art Expo, presented Atelier America Inc., N.Y. U.S.A.
1997, Exhibition at Art Manege Moscow, Central Exhibition Hall, Moscow, Russia
1996, Nagornaya Gallery, Moscow, Russia
1995, Central Exhibition Hall, “The Gold Brush of Russia”. Moscow, Russia
1995, Academy of Medical Science, solo show, Moscow, Russia
1994, Central Exhibition Hall, “Show of Four”, Moscow, Russia
1992, “Art of Four”, Basel, Switzerland
1992, Central Exhibition Hall, group show
Private collections in France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, U.S.A. and Canada.
