Marat Kharisov

Milky twilight, opaque fields of color and soft elements of sacred geometry comprise the vivid acrylic on canvas works of talented artist Marat Kharisov. Schooled classically in portraiture, landscape and still life, his contemporary abstractions are driven with the energy and spontaneity of gestural angst. Kharisov’s dynamic use of drips, drags, swivels, coils, ribbons and otherwise expressive applications of pigment forge a gravitational disequilibrium accented by bold strokes of primary colors and faint atmospheric dust. Although bound to two-dimensional space, the works speak of elemental juxtapositions – earth and sky, fire and water, wind and bone – with the lyrical and radiant language of metaphysical poetry. Describing his work as an infinite and potent ‘link to source, or God,’ Kharisov is aware of the emotional appeal of his dramatic abstractions, which portray the subtle longings and aesthetic wisdoms of spiritual belonging. Indeed, he says that for him, “essentially true art is revelation – not illustration,” leaving behind the demands of the ego and reaching into the soul of the world.

Russian-born Marat Kharisov studied art extensively at the university level in his home country. The artist currently lives and works in New York City.