VALENTINAKI

ARTISTIC JOURNEY

Valentina Kovalishina, known as Valentinaki, is a Latvian-born artist who has developed a unique style of abstract painting. Born in Riga in 1985, Valentinaki's artistic journey began with experiments in watercolor before studying pastel under the guidance of Valeria Shuvalova in Latvia. However, it was only after moving to Italy in 2009 that she discovered her true vocation as an artist. Here she learned the art of oil painting under the guidance of the renowned Florentine figurative oil painting artist, Giusy Boncinelli.

Valentinaki's art reflects her unique vision of the natural world. She is particularly drawn to the oyster shell, which she sees as a symbol of imperfect perfection and is the main subject of her creations.

Her abstract paintings feature easily recognizable natural forms, all inspired by her deep love and respect for the most tangible elements of the planet: nature, the sea and water.

Through her art, Valentinaki hopes to raise awareness of the urgent need for sustainable practices and inspire viewers to take action to preserve our planet for future generations. Her artistic style is based on abstractionism and is dedicated to maintaining a balance and coherence between poetic and aesthetic taste through the observation of matter in its simplicity. Valentinaki has participated in numerous projects both in Italy and abroad, receiving particular attention for her site-specific installations in historic places. Her works have been exhibited in public and private places, including the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dei Miracoli in San Celso in Milan (Italy), the Castle of Vigevano in Vigevano (Italy), the Castel dell'Ovo in Naples (Italy), the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio in Milan (Italy) and the Palazzo del Pegaso in Florence (Italy). Valentina Kovalishina is also the founder of The Baltic Vibe, a project founded in 2022 with the goal of promoting Baltic culture abroad (https://thebalticvibe.com/).

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2023 “Liquid Blue” - Espinasse31 Art Gallery - Milan, Italy 2022 "Tree of Life” - Capitol 55 - Rho, Italy 2018 "Liquid Blue” – St. Celso – Milan, Italy 2017 “Into The White” – St. Ambrogio – Milan, Italy 2016 “Untitled” – Gallery Statuto 13 – Milan, Italy 2015 “Antichi sguardi su Valentinaki” – Gallery Ars Antiqua – Milan, Italy “Black Sand” – EOTW Gallery – Lodi, Italy 2014 “Black Sand” – Spazio Manuzio – Milan, Italy

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2023/2024 “Aqua” - Meridien Plaza with Espinasse31 Art Gallery - Monte Carlo, Monaco “Amber Road. Reloading” - Latvian Academy of Sciences - Riga, Latvia “Terra Cielo” - On House Milano - Milan, Italy 2022 “Art & Design II” - Espinasse31 Art Gallery - Milan, Italy 2021 “Green Gold” - Villa Camperio - Villasanta, Italy 2020 "The Amber Way. Reloading” - Palazzo del Pegaso - Florence, Italy 2019 “Aurum” - Arc Gallery - Monza, Italy “Sacrum pictura” - Museum of A.Volta - Lazzate, Italy “Aquarius” - Arc Gallery - Monza, Italy "Leonardo da Vinci from Ancient to Modern” - Museum of A.Volta - Lazzate, Italy 2018 “My Latvia” - Palazzina Liberty - Milano, Italy “Leonardo da Vinci from Ancient to Modern” - Castle of Sforza - Vigevano, Italy “Dialogue between Generations” - Castel Dell’Ovo - Neaples, Italy 2017 “Shade of white” - Hernandez Art Gallery - Milan, Italy “Virtual Art meets Ocean” - Espinassse31 Art Gallery - Milan, Italy “Contemporary Art in Villa” – Villa Mazzucchelli – Brescia, Italy 2016 “Small is Beautiful” – Zoia Gallery – Milan, Italy “Elusive Amusement” – WE Gallery – Berlin, Germany 2015 “Grottesco” – University of Parma – Parma, Italy “Who Art You?” – Fabrica del Vapore – Milan, Italy “Terra” – Porta Venezia Bastions – Milan, Italy “Lumière” – Rosso Tiziano Gallery – Piacenza, Italy

ART FAIRS

2023 Palm Beach Modern and Contemporary with Espinasse31 Art Gallery 2022 Palm Beach, USA - Context Art Miami with Espinasse31 Art Gallery - Miami, USA 2019 Tilt Brush painting in virtual reality - Towant event - Milan, Italy 2018 “Affordable Art Fair” with ARCGallery – Milan, Italy 2017 Art festival “BrerArt” – CAM Garibaldi – Milan, Italy Live Art Performance “Acqua” - Rho Fiera - Milan, Itay “Affordable Art Fair” with Zoia Gallery – Milan, Italy 2016 Affordable Art Fair with a EOTW Gallery – Milan, Italy

PUBLIC COLLECTIONS

2022 Sculpture Post-Plastic-Fauna, 20x30x5 cm - Latvian Embassy - Rome, Italy 2020 Sculpture Post-Plastic-Fauna, 18x30x5 cm - The art collection of Tuscany region - Florence, Italy 2017 Painting [WHITE SAND IV], 100x100 cm - The art collection of Municipality of Milan - Milan, Italy 2016 Painting [XXV], 80x80 cm - General Honorary Consulate of Latvia in Milan - Milan, Italy