A child prodigy, Vania Zouravliov’s work was being exhibited internationally, and television programs were being created to chart his success by the time he turned 13.
Yet for all of this attention, Zouravliov remains an enigmatic and alluring figure, understood only through his work, which his predecessors claimed was “from the Devil”.
A Gothic mix of beauty and harrowing dread, of fantasy and eroticism, his illustrations have been inspired by such eclectic sources as Dante’s Divine Comedy, Disney productions, and Native American art. Such a blend has resulted in a unique inking style that feels familiar and yet undeniably of Zouravliov’s hand.
Zouravliov’s process usually involves no preliminary sketches; he simply works on one drawing from start to finish. It’s an amazing accomplishment, especially considering the intricate detail in his work that no digital image can truly capture.
One of the truly remarkable elements of Zouravliov’s work is his use of character. Men are often portrayed as fearsome and dangerous, while women are delicate, exposed, and emotional. Though he is a man, Zouravliov states that the women often represent him, providing critical insight into a brilliant artist who does few interviews and hates having his photo taken.
As his career gathered momentum, Zouravliov counselled that he believed pursuing a career in the arts was something only those who were guaranteed success should do. When asked what motivates him to continue making art himself, he simply stated “A strong belief that creativity is the only relative freedom we have in this world”.
For more of Vania Zouravliov’s work, visit his BigActive page.