Portraits and Beyond  

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"I do not presume to prophesy
But I know for sure I will be back
In the country of not fools,
But geniuses.."
-Igor Talkov, Russian poet-singer

Russia...how large this country... how small our knowledge.
In the summer of 2002, I completed a four-year journey. I became a Canadian citizen. At the ceremony, there was a declaration of more than 20 countries of origin. I did not hear the name of my homeland! My history, my culture and my pride triggered an uncharacteristic shout of “Russia” from me!
I am Russian. I am Canadian. Awesome!
I am an artist with the experience of two cultures. Russia, which inspires great art through its amazing contrast of people and country. Canada whose physical beauty is matched only by the opportunities that are available to its people. I am forever grateful for this.
I aspire to create a “visual language” bridge to help familiarize North Americans with my heritage. My portraits, not only, include well-known Russians but empathetic visual renderings of people that I have had the honor of meeting during my time in Montreal. These are extraordinary individuals who display the beauty of his or her soul. It is my desire to capture this unique aura.
We share our small planet; probably it’s most bizarre region. That is why we like to smile.
Have fun and smile!

Sincerely, Alexei Dymov