NIKYOTO - MOTION & EMOTION

The artist Nikol Andonova for the inspiration, framework, and spirit, which makes them different.

by Maria Kasimova-Moase / photography by Roy Hill @3 FRAMES

NIKYOTO is the artistic pseudonym of Nikol Andonova. It stands for Nicole in Kyoto and was born after a visit to the famous Japanese city, which turned out to be an emotional and creative turning point for the artist. Nicole or NIKYOTO doesn't remember ever not being involved in art in one form or another. However, her professional path began in 2015, when she created her first digital surrealist portrait paintings, connecting reality with imaginary, dream worlds. To stand out in the space of contemporary art, you have to have your signature - NIKYOTO's signature is her highly original resin work. Her imagination and hands give birth to the so-called flowing paintings – works in which the movement seems to have not stopped and at every moment turns the frame into a starting point for a new change. Outside the box are also the jewelry and fashion that NIKYOTO creates. They also bear her unconventional view of matter as an expression of the desire for eternal and unceasing movement. A beautiful escape from labels, frames, and limitations.

How would you introduce yourself to a traveler you met at a random summer location for a few minutes?

It's not usually my style to go into detail about myself, but I'm quickly revealed to have a creative soul. However, if I am with my children, I am always proud to say that I am their parent.

As a child, what did you think you would become? And why did you become what you are?

Art was always a part of my childhood, but the desire for communication and social activity dominated. I was the founder and president of the youth Rotary Club in my hometown. I remember that at that time my dream was to be involved in politics like my father.

How would you describe your first memorable encounter with art?

Already at the age of two, I painted my father's student book, of course, in "abstract surrealism", thanks to which he passed all his exams with enviable ease. I had talent (laughs). At an aware age, I remember my first exhibition. I was five years old and I was painting at the foundation of Prof. Minko Balkanski. Then they chose as my best work again something quite unusual – a green monster, haha!

Your paintings are modern and challenging to conventional taste. What do you want people to experience through them?

I want them to evoke emotions and questions, and for those who understand them to feel the message. The sculptures I am currently making are not something I have studied or encountered in art circles. However, they describe me quite tangibly as an artist.

You also do fashion and jewelry. How do these art forms complement each other for you?

Yes, it happened quite spontaneously and experimentally, but it continued because of the positive feedback from people. I like to surprise my audience and so it will be.

Who is the most suitable buyer for your work?

I would not allow myself to frame any art connoisseur. I'm not rejecting either one buyer profile, but I always hope it's someone touched by my work.

How do you feel as a female artist and what are the challenges before you?

I feel completely in place and the right shoes – in my case rubber boots (laughs). There are many challenges and I thank God every day for them!

How is one of your works born?

From my imagination, through the creative decision of how to materialize it, to my hands creating it as a work of art for me to see in front of me with all my senses! The process is always very emotional because of myself and very often labor intensive and capricious because of the resin.

How to choose the works of art in your home? How to buy a painting?

A picture is mostly bought with the heart, not with the mind. At least that's how I buy art. It's not a whim, nor something you replace easily. Art is creation and love. A way to communicate with the artist outside of their physical presence.

If you could change one thing about your artist bio, what would it be?

I don't mean to be trivial, not for a second. Rather, I would try to better remember each of my artistic periods as I rush to the next.

Which world-famous work do you wish you had made?

Very soon I was in the Eternal City - Rome. Perhaps the masterpiece that will always amaze and inspire me is Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, which for me are a divine creation and the pinnacle of Renaissance art. Not only because they are the work of one of the greatest creators of human civilization, but because to this day they hide fascinating secrets and raise questions for millions of visitors from all over the world. This is the art. Magic!