SHIMOVA | Shimova’s New Totems: Blending Animalism, Pop Art, and Spiritual Mythology

“I see animals as ancestral guides,” Shimova explains. “They carry wisdom that reflects human archetypes and hold up a mirror to our identities and qualities.”

In her latest series, New Totems, Russian-born and Miami-based figurative painter Alina Shimova masterfully bridges the ancient and the contemporary, offering a bold and thought-provoking reinterpretation of the animal kingdom as a lens to explore human archetypes and modern society. Through her signature black-and-gold palette, Shimova weaves together classical techniques with a contemporary sensibility, infusing her works with layers of symbolism and narrative depth. Her paintings not only captivate the eye but also invite deeper reflection on themes of identity, interconnectedness, and spirituality.

At the core of New Totems lies Shimova’s unique ability to transform animals into cultural totems, endowing each figure with a profound symbolic presence. A standout piece from the series, Monkey Power, explores the intersection of power and wisdom. Around the chimpanzee’s neck hangs a collection of Ji beads, ancient Tibetan talismans believed to channel harmony and success. The gold adornments and rings on its fingers elegantly merge material opulence with spiritual resonance. Other notable works in the series include G.O.A.T., a celebration of ambition and symbolic greatness, and Horse in Black, which embodies power, rebellion, and the quest for freedom.

“I want to remind people that we are deeply connected to nature and the animal world, often in ways we fail to recognize. By placing these animals in a modern context, I hope to bridge that gap and bring the message to a broader audience.”
-Shimova

Drawing on her experience as the former Vice President of the Union of Animalistic Artists in Russia, Shimova seamlessly blends her passion for animal conservation with her artistic vision. A portion of her art sales is devoted to wildlife preservation, a cause she has championed throughout her career.
New Totems debuted at Art Basel Miami in December and is set to make its mark during Frieze Art Week at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles in February, followed by exhibitions at Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary in March and the Hamptons Fine Art Fair in July. The series has already garnered acclaim, resonating with collectors and art enthusiasts alike. Yet, for Shimova, the impact of her work transcends the commercial.

SHIMOVA

Shimova (Alina Shimova; born in Russia in 1985) is a contemporary female figurative painter who lives and works in Miami, USA. 
Traversing the interconnected realms of identity, spirituality, human society, and the animal kingdom with a distinct touch of contemporaneity, Shimova asks her viewers to rethink the networks of connection we inhabit. Whether it be striking hyperrealistic portrayals of feminine archetypes or anthropomorphized animals, Shimova’s work positions her subjects as cultural totems that bridge worlds, inviting a deep exploration of consciousness through the natural world’s wisdom. 
Shimova’s journey as an artist began under the formal training of the esteemed Russian painter Mikhail Satarov, which enriched her classical foundation and enabled her to master the techniques of landscape, still life, and portraiture. This disciplined foundation, complemented by an early education in psychology, set the stage for Shimova’s eventual turn toward symbolism and human-animal archetypes. Immersing herself in countless contemporary art museums during her early travels to the United States, she redefined her artistic path, steering her away from classical representation toward a bold, modern style infused with narrative depth. 
Her global experiences—living in Casablanca, Cairo, Nice, and London—expanded her artistic vision, shaping her as a cultural nomad. Shimova has traveled through over fifty countries, each location enriching her perspective. North Africa’s geometric art, Islamic motifs, the elegance of French design, London’s dynamic art scene, and her exposure to sacred sites and indigenous traditions, including Machu Picchu, fostered her fascination with symbolism and the metaphysical, which she integrated into her compositions.
These journeys built her expansive visual lexicon, leading to the recent emergence of her bold, dark elegance style of ‘humanized animals’—spiritual totems imbued with the inherent wisdom from Hindu, Egyptian, and other traditions. Shimova emphasizes interconnectivity and unity of life across boundaries, beliefs, and species through these cross-cultural inspirations. 

Shimova’s artistic journey has significantly transformed, shifting from vibrant, light-infused canvases adorned with quintessential Pop Art elements to a more introspective and nuanced approach, evident in her gripping “Black and Gold” series. This new body of work reflects a sophisticated palette characterized by muted yet elegant tones, which deepens the narrative complexity. Shimova adeptly intertwines symbols and contemporary brand logos in these pieces, reimagining animals as modern archetypes that resonate with today’s viewers. Her compositions pay homage to the ancestral bond between animals and humankind, seamlessly interweaving the essence of modernity with ancient mystique.

Motivated by a passionate commitment to environmental advocacy, Shimova strives to create a bridge between the natural world and human society, captivating collectors and conservation champions alike. As a co-founder and former Vice President of the Union of Animalistic Artists in Russia, she actively supports various global conservation initiatives, dedicating a portion of her art sales to these causes. This dedication reflects her broader mission to honor the profound, interconnected relationships that exist between nature, society, and the alignment of our inner selves with the world around us.
Her artwork has been included in esteemed collections worldwide, including the United States, Germany, Russia, and Dubai. Shimova has showcased her talent at prestigious art venues such as Art Basel Miami, the Qatar Art Festival, and the Pop-Up Museum in Moscow, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene.

“Animals in my art serve as totemic figures—ancestral guides that carry inherent wisdom, revealing hidden qualities, mysteries, and the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability. Each piece becomes a mirror, reflecting human archetypes that have become ingrained in our daily lives. Through my exploration of anthropomorphism, I allow each of us to glimpse a part of ourselves within these modern totems.”
– Alina Shimova

“I continue to uncover hidden internalized strengths and illuminate the challenges we encounter in reconciling with the state of our world. I turn to explorations of animalism to narrate latent qualities, mysteries, and the nuanced interplay of power and vulnerability.”
– Alina Shimova

Looking ahead, Shimova envisions expanding her artistic footprint across the vibrant art landscapes of the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. She actively seeks gallery representation while exploring opportunities to participate in additional art fairs.
Driven by her mission to safeguard natural habitats and promote animal conservation, she is eager to forge collaborations with charitable organizations such as WWF, Greenpeace, and 1% for the Planet, using her art as a powerful vehicle for advocacy and awareness.

NEW TOTEMS

In recent years, Shimova’s work has captured the attention of the global art community, leading to a series of successful exhibitions in esteemed galleries, museums, and international art fairs. Her work was exhibited in 2024 at the prestigious Context Art Miami and the Women Artist Exhibition at the David Banegas Gallery in Miami, USA, promising to further elevate her profile in the art world.

In 2023, Shimova’s creations were prominently featured at the renowned Artexpo New York and once again at Context Art Miami, solidifying her presence in the vibrant Miami art scene. The previous year, 2022, marked a significant period of artistic engagement for her, as she participated in a diverse range of exhibitions, including the Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary in Florida and the Collective Exhibition Benegas & Women Visual Artists, also in Miami. Her work reached an international audience at the Artexpo Dallas in Texas, the Qatar Art Festival in Qatar, and a Pop Up Museum in Moscow, Russia. Additionally, she was represented by Perseus Gallery at Red Dot Miami. This brief overview merely scratches the surface of her extensive portfolio of exhibitions, illustrating her growing influence and remarkable success in the contemporary art landscape.

“I continue to uncover hidden internalized strengths and illuminate the challenges we encounter in reconciling with the state of our world. I turn to explorations of animalism to narrate latent qualities, mysteries, and the nuanced interplay of power and vulnerability.”
– Alina Shimova

The elegant tones intensify the narrative, layering symbols with contemporary brand logos to portray animals as modern archetypes. Shimova’s compositions honor animals’ ancestral connection to humankind, weaving modernity into the mystic. 

See the full article in Art Market Magazine Issue #101