Vasilisa Romanenko

IN THE ORCHARD

feature

May 19th, 2023

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Arch Enemy Arts presents IN THE ORCHARD, a highly anticipated collection of seven new paintings by Vasilisa Romanenko, each gorgeously rendered in acrylic on canvas. Known for her naturalistic and whimsical work that communicates a deep reverence for nature, Romanenko found inspiration for this series in the fruit orchards of her New England home.

 

“As a New Englander, orchards have a certain nostalgic appeal since I grew up going apple picking every Fall. I wanted to capture the magic of an abundant orchard at the peak of harvest time.” Thus, Romanenko’s work feels both true-to-life and profoundly inward. Painting with the descriptive precision of a Rilke poem, she invites us into the velvety shade of her memory. It is a place where, in the stillness of night, the artist shines a spotlight on harvest-laden trees befriended by birds, cultivating the peculiar calm of romantic reverie. 

 

As if bending back the branches of some secret space, we can hear and smell and taste these paintings. In this place, paint is both vivacious and quiet. It carries the fragrance of unplucked fruit, ripe and heavy, textured and succulent, popping brightly against impossibly pewter leaves emerging from a midnight milieu. Silent songbirds, mossy bark, and nibbled stems remind us that, despite their stillness, Romanenko’s memories are teeming with life. Effortless precision in paint means the artist has sowed every stroke. She’s studied every shape. She is the perennial farmer “forever committed to…grow and bear fruit” (The Apple Orchard, Rainer Maria Rilke).

 

Vasilisa Romanenko is based in Connecticut where she has lived since she was seven. Though she attributes much of her artistic upbringing to her parents, who are both artists, she holds a degree in Illustration from the Fashion Institute of Technology. IN THE ORCHARD is Romanenko’s second solo feature with Arch Enemy Arts and follows her *sold out* debut last year. We invite you to join us in celebrating this gorgeous exhibition on First Friday, June 2nd from 5PM - 9PM at 109 Arch Street, Philadelphia. 

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- Candice Musher

 

IN THE ORCHARD will be on view from May 19th - June 11th, 2023.
Sold works will begin to ship the week of June 18th, unless other arrangements have been made.

Items marked with a red dot have already been sold.

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