musetouch_issue_19

musetouch 

Visual Arts Magazine 

ISSUE 19 MARCH 2012 

Michael Cheval Alexandra Manukyan CelineM Arsen Kurbanov Marcela Bolivar 

Mstislav Pavlov Carmen Gonzales Petia Papazova Yuriy Ratush Felicia Simion 

musetouch.org

Dear readers, 

Once upon a time, somebody told me that I am kissing like I am fighting 

to breathe. He was my air, my love, my everything. Once upon a time I 

lost him. Once upon a time Musetouch replaced him. 

The Spring is almost here. Open the windows of your soul, smile to the 

Sun, kiss the first blossom and breathe...breathe always. 

I want to thank Ljiljana Bursac, Nini Baseema, Kiyo Murakami, Murielle 

Mirabelle Velay Michel, Jelena Grujic, Ian Furniss, Dejan Bogojevic, 

Bolek Budzyn, Thierry Bruet,Gines Serran, Mark Sadan and to all 

of you. 

Maia Sylba

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THE FORM OF 

BEAUTY 

blog 

by Nini Baseema 

KIYO MURAKAMI 

photography 

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ACADEMY OF ARTS FOUNDATION 

To draw public support and to popularize the Russian Academy of Arts I. E. Repin Institute 

of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, Saint Petersburg “Academy of Arts” Foundation 

has been founded in 1996. 

General objective, pursued by The Foundation, is domestic and foreign promotion of I.E. 

Repin Institute’s students and graduates through expositions and media projects. 

Web site of the “Academy of Arts” Foundation (www.academart.com) has been created in 

1999. To familiarize the broad audience, comprising museums’ and private galleries’ personnel, 

collectors and amateurs of fine arts with the avenues, explored by The Foundation, 

it was further revised and updated on 2002 and 2011 years. 

Website organized as online galleries of the artists graduated, teaching and studying in 

the I. E. Repin’s institute. Main goal of the gallery is providing the best creative artworks 

by academician artists all around the world. Foundation’s online gallery united over 50 

well known figurative artists with recognizable manner and progressive style from Saint- 

Petersburg. 

Worldwide promotion of Saint-Petersburg modern figurative art is main strategy of the 

Foundation’s activity. 

Outstanding paintings of the most of participants in Foundation’s projects combined 

classic traditions of figurative paintings with contemporary mentality. 

In the nearest perspective of the our activity is creating of wide database of I. E. Repin’s 

institute graduates for last 50 years. We also provide online exhibitions of the best works, 

artists and important art themes. 

www.academart.com

MUSETOUCH MAGAZINE March 2012 

Editor 

Maia Sylba 

Graphic designer 

Dejan Silbaski 

Contributors 

Nini Baseema 

Kiyo Murakami 

Ian Furniss 

Cover 

Eolo Perfido 

MUSETOUCH is a magazine about visual arts. It has been created by Maia Sylba out of a love and passion for 

art with the hope that people will be able to use the publication and website as a platform to showcase their 

skills and gain recognition. 

Facebook 

facebook.com/musetouchvisualartsmagazine 

Twitter 

Linkedin 

Mail 

twitter.com/musetouchmag 

linkedin.com/in/maiasylba 

maiasylba@gmail.com 

Submission Guideline 

If you want to contribute to the next edition, you can send us an email with your data and a PDF file that 

shows your works, also a link of your website if you have any. 

We would love to see your art so don’t hesitate to contact us and welcome. 

All artwork in this magazine is copyright protected under the MUSETOUCH Magazine brand or remains 

property of the individual artists who have kindly granted us permission to use their work. 

musetouch 8

CelineM 

Whisper 

Felicia Simion 

Dreamer 

Michael Cheval 

Parallel World 

010 

Arsen Kurbanov 

The Artist 

156 

048 

Alexandra Manukyan 

Inevitable Fate 

178 

Yuriy Ratush 

Sophisticated Emotion 

Mstislav Pavlov 

Hidden Meanings 

082 

Carmen Gonzales 

Desire 

214 

Marcela Bolivar 

From Feelings 

112 

Petia Papazova 

Sense 

234 

136 

264 


CelineM 

Whisper 

CélineM was born in 1975 on the shores of the lake in the Alps. These landscapes never 

stopped to inspire her. Every day, every season, she photographed her perception of the 

world around...She is self taught visual artist and started the create photographs at the age of 

13. The self-portrait series, she started at the age of 25 . Celine favorite quote is a sentence by 

the great and unique Frida Kahlo : 

“I paint myself because I am so often alone and because I am the subject I know best.” 

“CélineM is, to say the least, an outstanding photographer. She has her own poetic view on people, 

on nature, on everything she finds on her way actually. Her sometimes minimalist style is a 

real feast to the eye. She doesn’t use big eyecatching effects, no vivid colours, but i always like to 

run through her pages and each time i discover new pictures showing her never ending fantasy 

world in which i can dream away for awhile. She’s poetic, sensitive, sensual, smart and she’s got 

humour.....Sit down and take your time to wander through CélineM exceptional view on beauty. 

You won’t regret a minute of it... She’s one hell of a photographer.” 

Yves Lorson 

musetouch 10 

celinem.org.uk









musetouch 19





























Michael Cheval 

Michael Cheval is the world’s leading contemporary artist, specializing in Absurdist paintings, 

drawings and portraits. In his definition, absurdity is an inverted side or reality, a 

reverse side of logic. It does not emerge from the dreams of surrealists, or the work of subconsciousness. 

It is a game of imagination, where all ties are carefully chosen to construct a 

literary plot. Any one of Cheval’s paintings is a map of his journey into illusion. His work is 

often metaphorical and requires a sharp eye to decipher the often hidden allusions. 

Born in 1966 in Kotelnikovo, a small town of southern Russia, Cheval developed passion for 

art in his early childhood. When his family moved to Germany in 1980, the West European 

culture made a great impression on the young artist. In 1986, he moved to Turkmenistan and 

graduated from Ashgabad school of Fine Art. Absorbing Eastern philosophy and the character 

of Central Asia, he began working as an independent professional artist, shaping his style 

and surrealistic direction. His decision to immigrate in 1997 to USA began a new epoch for 

the artist. He returned to the Western culture that greatly inspired him in his German youth, 

but now he brought his own experience, his philosophy, and vision.In 1998, Cheval became 

a member of the prestigious New York’s National Arts Club where he was distinguished with 

the Exhibition Committee Award in 2000. He is also a member of the Society for Art of Imagination 

since 2002. 

In 2006, Michael’s works were accepted by “Feast of Imagination” exposition at H.R. Giger 

Museum Gallery, Switzerland.In 2008 - he was accepted as a participant in the “Dreamscape 

2009” exhibition in Amsterdam and published in “Dreamscape” book among of 50 Worldwide 

famous surrealist artists. In 2009 - Michael Cheval was chosen as the Best Of Worldwide 

Oil Artists by the “Best Of Worldwide Artists” Volume I Book Series (Kennedy Publishing, 

USA) 

In 2009 - Palm Art Award Jury and Art Domain Gallery (Leipzig) certify that Michael Cheval 

is the winner of the First Prize of “Palm Art Award”. In 2010 – Michael’s artworks have been 

published in “Dreamscape 2010” book among of 50 Worldwide famous surrealist artists. 

In 2010 Michael’s artworks have been published in “Imaginaire” book in Denmark and participated 

“April’s fool” exhibition organized by “Fantasmus Art” 

Cheval published two full-colored art albums—Lullabies in 2004 and Nature of Absurdity 

in 2007. His work is internationally acclaimed and can often be seen in USA galleries and 

abroad. 


chevalfineart.com

Parallel World 


































Alexandra Manu 

Who are you Alexandra? 

I was born and raised in Armenia. Since a very young age my parents engaged me in various 

after school programs, but at the age of 11 I urged them to take me to an art school. After art 

school I graduated from Fine Art College, and later from State Pedagogical University where I 

majored in Teaching Fine Arts. When we immigrated in 1990 to the US, I realized that it’s going 

to be very hard for an artist to earn a living, so I decided to graduate from a Fashion Design 

school. After working for many years as a Fashion Designer at some point in my career I 

had to learn graphic design and stylized fabrics and do screen prints, so I had to take courses 

at UCLA, and some additional private classes in graphic design. 

Later when I became really proficient in graphic design and various graphic applications I 

started freelancing for different Entertainment Agencies and designed movie posters. 

Currently I freelance for the fashion industry and paint full time. 

When did you realize that you are an artist? 

I had a very beautiful childhood, full of fond memories, so when I started drawing it was just 

a conscious decision. I realized that I had a need of being creative, and the only way I could 

fully express myself, and could control my ideas, was through drawing or painting. 

Could you tell me some more about your paintings? 

I focus on combining traditional oil painting techniques with surrealist symbolism to communicate 

the immediate and lasting impact of technological innovations on the human body 

and psyche. 

One recurring motif in my paintings often appears as the feminine form bearing the burdens 

of worldly grief and mistakes on her body bowing in resignation to a seemingly inevitable 

fate: the acquiescence of the corporeal state to the encroaching dominance of modern technologies 

conjoining itself like an apathetic demon of silicon and circuitry cursing more than 

fulfilling promises of beauty and comfort. 

Tell me about your inspiration...where is it coming from? 

My main inspirations are the models I work with. Every time I draw or paint a model a series 

comes up in my head. I start making up stories and narratives, and then quickly sketch out in 

the pad. 


kyan Inevitable Fate 


What is your creative process? Which techniques you utilize? 

Thinking through, and preparing the compositions for my paintings, is an elaborate process, 

and sometimes it takes me months to start a painting. I always think of a series, and 

start doing several pieces to each series. I saw and make most of the costumes you see in 

my paintings. Before starting a series, I sketch out my ideas, and have a solid understanding 

of images I want to depict, and what models I’m going to hire, or what kind of clothing I 

need to make, or rent for my heroes. My compositions take weeks, and sometimes months 

to finish. 

I always start with Imprimatura, meaning an initial stain of color in raw umber. It provides 

me with evenly toned ground. This is the way Renaissance artists worked. Then I start 

drawing my objects by paying a very close attention to the accuracy of my drawing, then 

after the drawing layer is dry, I build the under-painting layer. After I let these two layers 

completely dry I start painting successive layers of colors giving each layer time to dry before 

applying the next coat of paint. My final stages are glazes, which are semi-transparent 

layers. 

What’s the best and worst parts of being an artist in today’s world? 

The best part is the cornucopia of information and inspirational resources, and worst part 

is the fast pasted life, too many distractions and enormous competition. 

What is the contrast between the intent of your art and the perception of it? 

So far I have not felt any contrast between the intent of my and the perception of it. 

What aspiration as an artist is most important to you? 

The best quality of work. 

What has been your most exciting moment as an artist? 

My first solo exhibition. 

Where do you see yourself in let’s say...10 years? 

If I’m still healthy and alive …… Painting, painting, painting……… 

MS 


alexandramanukyan.com




























Mstislav Pavlov 

Mstislav Pavlov graduated from art college under I.E. Repin Institute for Painting, Sculpture 

and Architecture. 

Mstislav loves to create a romantic setting, using the impressionistic play of light to synthesize 

the beauty of woman or child and beautiful surroundings. He is a master – with strengths in 

drawing figures and the use of a magnificent color palette. The paintings come alive and ever 

changing, opening up and allowing the viewer to see more and more beauty and the hidden 

meanings within. 


academart.com

Hidden Menings 







musetouch 119

















Marcela Bolivar 

Please tell me who is Marcela... 

Marcela is a photo-illustrator with a bachelors degree in graphic design and has been cutting 

and pasting photos to transform them for eight years now. 

Why do you create and what is the purpose of your art? 

That’s a big philosophical question! I feel I’ve always had that urge within me, to create from 

nothing, something new, something mine and I do it with images, since I’m not that good in 

expressing myself through words. 

Where is your inspiration coming from? 

From feelings, time, nature, stories and art itself. 

There is a gentle touch of gothic in the most of your creations, as well as mythology and even 

religion...can you tell us more about that? 

I find myself recurring into dark subjects more than I’d like it to be, but for me is to dive and 

lurk into the hidden side of everything and make it beautiful and evident for once. 

Besides Adobe Photoshop, are there any other programs you are using? 

I only use Photoshop, my camera and a scanner. 

Do you think that a modern way of creating is giving an artist more freedom than classical 

techniques? 

Yes indeed, that in the other hand is sometimes a problem when you can’t commit to the result 

of one picture. You have so many possibilities… it can be overwhelming when you’re not 

sure of what you want. But is a perfect tool to experiment! 

How do you see yourself and your art in the future? 

Hopefully working on big projects and collaborating with creative people. 

MS 


marcelabolivar.com

From Feelings 





















“Someone once told me that I press the shutter when God wants it pressed. From then on, I felt 

like photography indeed was something bigger than an ephemeral crotchet, beyond the crust of 

my soul, brighter than light itself. And so it is. Art has made me a believer, a deceiver, a winner, 

a loser, a fighter, a thinker, a dreamer, a doer, a goer, and, above it all, it has made me myself. 

And I realised we are much more than just mould; and there is much more to love.” 



facebook.com/pages/Felicia-Simion-Photography 

ineedchemicalx.deviantart.com

Dreamer 






















Arsen Kurbanov 

Arsen Kurbanov was born in Makhachkala, republic of Dagestan, in the USSR. His mother 

and father were artists as is his brother. In 1988, Kurbanov completed his education at the 

Jamal Dagestan Art College, receiving a red diploma of scholastic excellence. He was immediately 

accepted into one of the most prestigious art academies in the world – the Repin 

Institute of the St. Petersburg Academy of Art. After graduating in 1994, Kurbanov exhibited 

his final artwork to the graduation committee and was accepted into the “Union of Russian 

Artists.” 

Kurbanov combines the techniques of the Old Masters (particularly Pieter de Hooch and 

Vermeer) with a contemporary, personal sense of imagery. Biblical and historical references 

appear alongside modern elements in his paintings, introducing a feeling of mystery. While 

Kurbanov’s portraits represent precise, almost photographic likenesses of his sitters, they are 

also created as compositions in their own right. 

Since graduation, Kurbanov has been painting in Russia and abroad. He has participated in 

Artists’ Union exhibitions in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Makhachkala. His work has also 

been exhibited in Germany, the United States, China, Holland, Norway and Finland. In 1997 

he won the exhibition/competition My Russia…My World, at the United Nations information 

center in Moscow. Kurbanov currently lives in St. Petersburg and paints full time. 


academart.com

The Artist 












musetouch 190
























Yuriy Ratush Sophi 

“My name is Yuriy Ratush. I live in Ukraine. I attended Art School from 1978 till 1985. From 

1984 till 1998, I founded, together with other artists, the Experimental Creative Laboratory. We 

organized around 100 exhibitions. I started using computer for my art in 1993. At the moment I 

work as a freelance artist, designer and illustrator.” 


coroflot.com/yratush 

facebook.com/profile

sticated Emotion 





musetouch 219















Carmen Gonzale 

Carmen Gonzalez is a photographer from Spanish origins currently living in Holland. Mostly 

known for her self portraits, Carmen sees herself more as a visual artist than a photographer. 

Her work is too versatile to be be pigeonholed. “I use my camera like a painter uses 

brushes and canvas to create art; the photo is just the beginning” she states. Using herself as the 

main subject in her photography is, according to Gonzalez, the ultimate form of self-expression. 

“I see myself become a sort of personification of something that once was an abstract in my 

fantasy and it gives me the perception that I have succeeded to capture my existence on various 

levels”. 

In 2004, she started taking photos with a small digital compact camera and uploaded them 

on different photo sharing sites where she discovered that the public loved her work. Seven 

years later, the crappy camera has been replaced with a Canon EOS 5D mark II and though 

primarily self-taught, she followed photography training and is now a certified photographer. 

She loves to touch people with her work, to inspire them, to move them, and evoke emotion. 

Hence, the arts sector has her preference though she is aware of the difficulty to get a 

foothold in it. ”There are too many damn good artists in the world. Sometimes it amazes me 

what I find on the worldwide web. Kids who barely walk this earth for two decades, are creating 

the most incredible art works with so much imagination and skills that more than occasionally 

my jaw dropped to the floor. Unfortunately talent alone is not enough. 


s Desire 


It is a tough business where you have to constantly network and work really hard to stay in the 

picture so that people won’t forget about you. A good business instinct is an indispensable asset 

but alas; this often does not go hand in hand with having a creative mind.” Luckily Carmen 

was able to show her work through a number of exhibitions in the Netherlands and Belgium 

and through collaboration with various artists from different art disciplines. She worked with 

painters, multimedia artists, and she did a show with a musical performer and a performance 

poet from South Africa. “It was an explosion of artistry!” She says enthusiastically, ”What a 

great experience to be able to melt the passions together into one spectacular scene!” Carmen 

hopes that in the future she will be given the opportunity to work again with talented artists. 

Meanwhile regional television discovered Carmen’s mystical world and made a background 

documentary about her. She also has had publications in several magazines, art books 

and newspapers including The Sunday Times in the United Kingdom. 

Currently Carmen takes it easy. She works as a freelancer and has her own company in visual 

arts. Last year she was hired to photograph at the Danone nations cup soccer final in Madrid. 

Children from 40 countries worldwide participated and the proceeds of this event went to 

charity. ”For me this was the first time to document a sports event and I did not know what to 

expect of it. In the end I was so thankful to be part of this wonderful event where I could capture 

all these children from different nations playing sports, still so pure and not so screwed up as 

us adults”. 

Still she thinks creating for the desire of creation is the most beautiful thing there is. “There 

is no deadline attached to it, you do not need to negotiate with anyone and there is no money 

involved. There is only you and the engagement in the process of trying to visualize the images 

in your head. If I ultimately succeed in creating what I had in mind, I can really fall in love with 

my own work. I find that very unusual”. The euphoria never lasts long though. “There are 

many images in my head”. 


carmengonzalez.org




























Petia Papazova 

Petia Papazova is an artist who was born in 1975 in Gorna Oriahovitza, Bulgaria. In 1999 she 

graduated from the University of Veliko Turnovo with a Fine Art Specialty. Now she lives and 

works in Varna. She paints mainly in oil on canvas. Up till now she has had 16 solo exhibitions 

both in Bulgaria and abroad. She has participated also in 9 international art symposiums 

and in many group exhibitions. She was awarded with the ‘Golden Roze’ award as an artist of 

the year from Diva Gallery. Papazova’s art pieces have been collected all over the world. 


facebook.com/pages/PAPAZOVA-ART-GALLERY

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