Martin Lawrence Galleries

Liudmila Kondakova’s first childhood memories were all bright color: reds, blues, greens, yellows, and whites. She recalls that her first persistent question to the adults around her was “What color is this”? Painting absorbs Kondakova’s whole being. If she is not painting, she is thinking about her current or future projects. Days when she does not work, she considers lost. Liudmila Kondakova painted with egg tempera for many years. It is an unforgiving technique. If you make a mistake, you have to start over. Through this process, she learned planning and discipline, and she uses those skills to create highly detailed paintings of her favorite cities, places, and spaces.  She starts painting from the farthest background area, and she works forward. From the darkest parts of the painting to the lightest, as if she is bringing her composition from darkness to light. Paris is a city that Kondakova has portrayed time and again in her work, and its architecture has inspired many of her works.

“Carousel a la Tour Eiffel” is part of a 2006 collection of miniature lithographs produced as a comprehensive homage to Liudmila Kondakova’s dedication to the faces of cities. It amply demonstrates her wit, knowledge of art and the depth of her world travels. True to centuries of printmaking tradition, great pride was taken during the production of these prints. Liudmila Kondakova extensively participated in the entire printmaking process. The printer, Art Estampe, has been uncompromising in taking the many essential steps necessary to ensure that these works are faithful to the artist's vision.

“Carousel a la Tour Eiffel” has been created in true Kondakova style with her mastery in detail clearly showing throughout the artwork. In love with Paris and its architecture Kondakova could not miss on mixing the Eiffel tower, and a children’s carousel on the towers opposite side, as if to symbolize that true artistic growth begins and meets at the Eiffel tower. The scene seems to be set in the fall, evident by the brown hues of the tree leaves. The sky is as always telling in her works, and in this case, we are introduced with a sky that is magnificently approaching dusk. “Carousel a la Tour Eiffel” is a 4.25 x 2.5 – inch hand signed lithograph.