Koulakova’s Digital Illustration Intrigues Art Lovers
Ekaterina Koulakova is an emerging young artist who has captured the imagination of many Long Island art lovers. The Huntington High School junior recently had one of her digital illustrations accepted for exhibit at the Huntington Art Council’s High Arts Showcase XI at the Main Street Gallery.
An energetic teenager, Ms. Koulakova is bursting with creativity. Her path to Huntington followed an interesting route. Since she arrived, the articulate young woman has taken advantage of numerous academic, co-curricular and social opportunities.
“Throughout my life I have transferred to many schools as my family moved from state to state and assimilated into many friend groups in attempts to find my niche in that social sphere,” she said in an artist’s statement that accompanied her piece on display. “However, as the list grew I found little personal reward in this tactic and in recent years, found particular enjoyment in analyzing people’s relations and unique perspectives. Within my piece ‘Sweet Tooth,’ I express the ethics of materialism and attempt to convey my perspective on the matter.”
Ms. Koulakova has been working closely with Huntington art teacher Kasmira Mohanty and the results are impressive. “Sweet Tooth” measures 20x20 inches. The piece drew many positive comments from gallery-goers during its recent run on exhibit.
“The word ‘rhinoceros’ is a conjunction of two Greek words; rhino (nose) and ceros (horn),” Ms. Koulakova wrote in her artist’s statement. “However, many rhinos are currently being stripped of this title. During 2014 in South Africa alone a staggering 1,215 rhinos were killed by poachers, fueled by demand from Asian medicine markets. Based on traditional Chinese texts from the 1500’s, rhino horns have been utilized in Asian medication for more than 2,000 years. As testimony to the power of this archaic tradition, millions of people believe that this ingredient works, contrary to scientists who have concluded that it contains no medicinal benefits. These beliefs, in turn, have bolstered highly profitable international poaching syndicates who deploy advanced technologies to carry out their illegal missions. My piece, ‘Sweet Tooth’ ironically understates and feeds on this concept of an irrational and corrupt desire.”
Ms. Koulakova put a great deal of thought into her colorful digital illustration. It is filled with symbolism. “An ice cream cone placed instead of a horn displays the childish lust for this commodity, while the torn head illustrates a sense of ruthless action in its pursuit,” she said. “The rhino’s wrinkles provide an exhibition of age and superiority while a modern style links this archaic adversity to a contemporary issue. To complete the piece, a peering small eye is located in the center of the head to symbolize an unheard and restrained voice in the matter.”
The issue of poaching has struck a nerve with Ms. Koulakova. “Overall, these animals are being killed to provide remedies that have been proven ineffective; [it’s] a strong argument to curtail poaching for rhino horns,” she said in her artist’s statement.” However, certain countries, such as South Africa still debate its legality due to materialistic ethics.”