Arcadia Contemporary | 12/12-1/12 | New York, NY

A Symphony of Emotion

Arcadia Contemporary holds its third solo exhibition for Denis Sarazhin beginning this December.

Denis Sarazhin’s approach to the human figure has evolved significantly over the years. Earlier in his career, his paintings focused primarily on the human form, expressing various emotions and narratives. “I was fascinated by its form, movement, and the visceral and non-verbal way it could communicate feelings and thoughts,” he says. “My interest was very much about the plasticity of the body and how I could manipulate that form to evoke mood and feelings.”

Untitled, oil on canvas, 24 x 24"

As the artist developed his process and his creative mind, he began to see the body not just as a singular subject, but part of a larger conversation within a complex composition. “The human figure…interacts with a bigger symphony of abstract forms, symbols and figurative objects. This combination has become a part of my visual language. Each component is in dialogue, and their interactions create a unified expression,” Sarazhin explains.

Untitled, oil on canvas, 62 x 62"

Untitled, oil on canvas, 24 x 24"

“The human figure still holds an emotional charge for me, but it now shares space with other ‘voices’ on the canvas. I think of my compositions as orchestrations where the body, abstract forms and symbolic elements each contribute to a cohesive narrative, a layered story that invites the viewer into a more nuanced experience,” he adds.

Untitled, oil on canvas, 54 x 54"

Untitled, oil on canvas, 64 x 64"

His dynamic, slightly cacophonous paintings often feature fantastical beasts and mythological themes—a muscular figure riding a demonic flaming horse, or a sphynx-like figure with a piercing gaze—welcoming viewers to come up with their own interpretations for what it all means. “I’m exploring the emotional landscapes of our minds and the constant interplay between noble and darker tendencies that shape our actions and identities. These reflections are drawn from observing the world around us and how all these manifest in everyday life,” says Sarazhin. “I typically prefer not to over-explain the meaning behind my paintings. I believe that an artist communicates everything they want to say through their visual language on the canvas. For me, part of the power of art is its ability to speak directly to the viewer, bypassing the need for words. It’s a visual dialogue that invites the audience to engage their own imagination, life experiences and emotions to interpret what they see. The ambiguity or unanswered questions within a piece are what compel people to delve deeper, making each viewer’s experience unique and personal.”

Untitled, oil on canvas, 104 x 40"

Untitled, oil on canvas, 45 x 45"

Sarazhin, who recently emigrated from Ukraine to the United States, will be having a solo show at Arcadia Contemporary from December 12 to January 12. This will be the artist’s third exhibition with Arcadia Contemporary and his first as a U.S. citizen. —

Arcadia Contemporary
421 West Broadway • New York, NY 10012 • (646) 861-3941 www.arcadiacontemporary.com