Chronicling the beauty of Brunei with charcoal portraits
It’s a beautiful thing, being able to capture a moment, but it’s a delicate dance between artistic expression and its manifestation on the canvas.
For Russian artist Lyubov Shibanova, this delicate balance has become an integral part of her life through a continuous effort to immortalise cherished memories and the people who inhabit them.
Two years ago, she traded the bustling city life for the serene Sultanate, where the dedicated mother and wife discovered her art flourishing under the gentle embrace of the Abode of Peace.
Brunei Darussalam, unexpectedly, became her muse, revealing a hidden essence expressed not only in vibrant colours but also in the nuanced strokes of black, capturing a simple beauty through charcoal portraits.
Preferring to be called Lyubov, the 44-year-old told the Bulletin that she, along with her family, relocated to the Sultanate approximately two years ago.
Her artistic journey, which began with an education in Russia under the mentorship of artist N Ovchinnikov, which understandably took a captivating turn when she found herself amidst the serene landscapes of Brunei.
Demonstrating proficiency in landscapes, still life, oil portraits, and unique graphic works on fabric using the batik technique, she has a diverse range of artistic skills.
While her distinctive signature lies in wall paintings, Lyubov has consistently explored various media and art forms over the years.
Her versatility extends beyond canvas as seen in collaborations with architects, contributions to living spaces and interior designs, and the crafting of corporate brands – a testament to her enduring passion for capturing the essence of the world through portraits of people embedded in their surroundings.
The trajectory of Lyubov’s art however took a personal turn as she embraced motherhood, dedicating herself full-time to raising children.
While this phase necessitated a pause in her broader artistic pursuits, it never truly halted.
Recognising the preciousness of a mother’s time, she engaged in swift charcoal portraits whenever possible, completing each within a short timeframe of 15 to 30 minutes.
Furthermore, through the serene surroundings of Brunei, Lyubov discovered the luxury of time and unearthed the motivation and creative energy essential for her artistic expressions to flourish on canvas.
The charcoal drawings, distinguished by a velvety tone adept at conveying texture, served as a medium for capturing the subtleties of light and shadow.
This influence, however, extended beyond Lyubov, becoming a shared experience among the women she encountered.
This realisation inspired her to continue drawing charcoal portraits, focusing specifically on women from diverse parts of the world and various cultures.
What united them was an illuminating inner calm, vividly captured in Lyubov’s drawings.
From Lyubov’s initial co-exhibition with four other artists, her journey culminated in a solo exhibition titled ‘The Female Face of Brunei’, which debut last month at the Alliance Francaise de Brunei Darussalam.
The exhibition explored the transformative impact of the Abode of Peace on women and stood as Lyubov’s heartfelt ode to Brunei before her departure in March.
In her address to the audience at the exhibition’s opening, Lyubov conveyed gratitude and excitement for sharing her collection.
She expressed how the exhibition was not merely a display of paintings but a conversation – a means for her to articulate values that hold profound significance, including family, friendship and the beauty of nature.
“Through these paintings, I’m not just trying to show you something nice to look at; I want to share some warmth and love,” she said.
Addressing the essence of motherhood prevalent in her art, she elaborated on how the determination reflected in the eyes of the mothers in her paintings goes beyond love, embodying a steadfast commitment to shielding their children from life’s challenges.
“Through their everyday actions, these women contribute to making the world a better place and shaping a brighter future for their families.”
In a personal reflection, Lyubov acknowledged rediscovering her artistic passion in the magical confines of the Sultanate.
The shift from the hustle and bustle of city life to the tranquil surroundings, accompanied by the calming sounds of nature and a supportive community, has intricately woven a profound reconnection with the love of art for Lyubov.
Each brushstroke, in her perspective, becomes a nuanced expression, reflecting not only artistic technique but also embodying a fragment of the peace and inspiration derived from the serene embrace of this beautiful corner of the world. – Rizal Faisal
