From Chernobyl to Monaco: The Remarkable Journey of Irina Malkova
Artistic Profiles
December 02, 2024
Irina Malkova’s life is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the healing power of art. Born in Ukraine, near Chernobyl, her story begins amidst one of history’s most harrowing nuclear disasters. Irina’s father, a chief engineer at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, became a hero during the catastrophic explosion of 1986. The event uprooted her family, forcing them to leave their homeland for Moscow, where Irina’s artistic journey began in earnest.
Photo Courtesy: @irina_mdesign
Even as a child, Irina exhibited a prodigious talent for art, winning global awards for her illustrations by the age of five. Her early works, inspired by the fairy tales she loved, were filled with imagination yet tinged with the shadows of her childhood experiences. As she grew, these shadows transformed into depth, reflected in her exploration of oil painting and her eventual transition into interior design, where she flourished for 15 years.
Photo Courtesy: @irina_mdesign
But Irina’s path was far from conventional. A turning point came when she met her late husband, a businessman with deep ties to China. Their life together took her to the East, where she immersed herself in the ancient artistic traditions of China and Japan. It was in Japan that Irina discovered Gongbi, a meticulous painting technique that requires immense patience and skill. Gongbi, traditionally practiced by imperial artists, involves layering fine, natural pigments on delicate rice paper—a process that can take months to complete.
This art form became her refuge, a way to channel the beauty and pain of her life. After her husband’s tragic passing from COVID-19, Irina returned to her canvas, drawing inspiration from her surroundings in Monaco, where she now lives with her two children. Her current work, infused with the Côte d’Azur’s vibrant palette, blends the structured elegance of Gongbi with the raw emotions of her experiences.
Today, Irina’s art is celebrated internationally. Her works grace the collections of private collectors in Monaco, London, Switzerland, and the United States. She has also exhibited at esteemed venues, including a collective show on Mount Street in London, organized by ArteLia Gallery in 2018.
Gongbi Art @art_malkova
Irina Malkova’s Gongbi painting, where every stroke captures a perfect balance of precision, tradition, and deep emotion
Black Panther @art_malkova
One of her most poignant works is a black panther surrounded by orchids, symbolizing her journey of loss and rediscovery. The piece pays homage to her late husband and their beloved pet, Panthera, embodying both strength and vulnerability.
“Black Panther is a reflection of my journey—strength in adversity, love in loss, and the beauty of rebirth. Each detail tells a story of resilience and hope.” – Irina Malkova
Irina’s home, overlooking the Japanese gardens of Monaco, has become her sanctuary. It is here that she paints scenes of flora, fauna, and love, reflecting the resilience of the human spirit.
Irina Malkova’s journey from the ashes of Chernobyl to the luminous shores of Monaco is not just a personal triumph. It is a universal story of hope, transformation, and the enduring power of art to heal and inspire. Through her creations, Irina reminds us that, no matter the darkness we endure, there is always light waiting to emerge.
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