One Show, Two Styles Gubin Paints Dream World; Demovidova Seeks ëMore Dimensioní by Jessica Forres The International Visions Art Gallery is currently showing the work of Ukrainian-American artist Mikhail Gubin and Russian artist Anna Demovidovaótwo artists with similar cultural backgrounds but very different styles and creative interpretations. Gubinís return exhibition, ìTime Quilt,î is a reflection of the unconscious imagination, of those fleeting dreams that pass in the night and their many complexities. The series of drawings and paintings for the most part depicts people enveloped in a dream world, and Gubinís dream world doesnít cater to those without an imagination. Born in Kharkov, Ukraine, Gubin has spent more than a decade living in New York. He has had 15 solo exhibitions and more than 100 group shows, most of which were held at colleges, universities and small museums. He said that he wants ìeducated people to see something specialî when viewing his work, and his use of metaphorical and allegorical subjects certainly add depth to the 60-by-34-inch canvas. ìMy interest lies in human beings. Iíll say no more. I love them. Some wouldnít believe me, those even feel insulted by my paintings. Still, I love them,î he said. Each one of his human figures is distinctly different, almost making it difficult to identify his particular style. Two of his paintings, ìBoy Called Sebastianî and ìWindow,î completely different in style, successfully reveal the unconscious and the many forms it can take. For Gubin, art is not about conforming to one style but rather playing with them all, making his exhibit a nice break from the uniformity of reality. Russian artist Demovidovaís creativity extends far beyond the limitations of her palette. She uses all sorts of techniques to capture the essence of her subjects. One clever idea was to attach portable compact disc players to the wall below each painting, allowing viewers to listen to music or interviews about the paintingsí subjects. Her figurative art combined with interviews and soundscapes allow viewers to get an inside peek into the lives of the people she paints. Her objective, she said, is to ìmake painting a little more accessibleî and give ìmore dimension to the painting.î Demovidova said what she truly seeks is spontaneity: ìI am looking for a new way of seeing, and I want each painting to surprise and startle in its expression of life.î Currently living in Washington, D.C., her series ìWashington Paintingsî highlights the lives of local Washingtonians who have been monumental in making the nationís capital more than just a place of politics. Her portraits include ìKelly and Maze,î owners of the Twins Lounge on U Street; ìMohammed Aliî; ìAnna Maria,î owner and chef of Anna Mariaís restaurant on Connecticut Avenue; as well as a self-portrait, all of which include in-depth interviews about each subjectís life. Her group portrait of the ìFederal Jazz Commissionî performing is especially enjoyable. Instead of an interview, a compilation of the groupís songs plays while viewers pass by the painting. The infusion of music and portraiture brings the painting to life and is a refreshing stimulant for the senses. Born in the town of Rostov the Great, Russia, the young artist continues to work on a series called ëRussia Is Us,î which she began two years ago. If all goes well, she will share with the rest of the world what she so brilliantly captured with the people of Washington. ìTime Quiltî and ìWashington Paintingsî run through Oct. 12 at the International Visions Art Gallery, 2629 Connecticut Ave., NW. For more information, please call (202) 234-5112 or visit www.inter-visions.com. Jessica Forres is an editorial intern for The Washington Diplomat.