Who Are We? – Oil Painting Series by Nelya Akimova

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Series of artworks
"Who are we?"

"Who Are We?" is a psychological and symbolic series of oil paintings that explores the fragmented layers of human identity. Each canvas invites viewers to confront different aspects of the self—some painful, some humorous, all deeply human.

From the manipulative, wounded inner child to the powerful yet absurd jester, these images reveal how our roles, masks, instincts, and hidden fears shape how we relate to the world. The paintings ask: What drives our behavior? Who is really in control—the mask we wear or the spirit beneath?

Through surreal imagery and emotional intensity, the series reflects on themes of maturity, duality, inner conflict, and the unconscious. At times ironic, at times unsettling, the works invite us to look within—beyond performance, beyond persona—to the raw truth of who we are becoming.

"Offended infant forever"
Oil, canvas, 100x80 cm, 2022
Series "Who are we?"

He torments loved ones with resentments, demands, and manipulations, destroying intimacy every day
And at the same time, like a small child, he is terribly afraid of being abandoned and longs for love.
At what age will he reach maturity?

Oil painting of a manipulative, wounded man-child seeking love – Nelya Akimova

"The female soul"
Oil, canvas 80x50 cm, 2019-22
Series "Who are we?"

Feathers meld with silken fur, weaving tales of duality—instinct and insight converging.
In her eyes, the universe reflects, twinkling with the allure of unseen truths.

A surreal female face blending fur and feathers – duality of instinct and insight

"Hyperborean"
Oil, canvas 80x50 cm, 2019-22
Series "Who are we?"

Surreal arctic-inspired portrait exploring human mythology and isolation

"What mask will I wear today?''
Oil, canvas, 50x50cm, 2019-22
Series "Who are we?"

Which avatar will you choose today?
A simple naive guy, an arrogant blonde, or a business shark?

Surreal portrait of shifting personas – archetypes and social roles

"When the whole universe is in my head.
Please stop launching rockets''

Oil, canvas, 50x50cm, 2019-23
Series "Who are we?"

A surreal head bursting with cosmic thoughts – plea for peace and silence

"Night visit to the executioner-pensioner''
Well, who is the evil spirit here?

Oil, canvas, 50x50cm, 2022
Series "Who are we?"

Surreal image questioning evil and innocence through night encounter

"The all-powerful jester rules the king and the world''
Who really rules the world?

Oil, canvas, 50x50cm, 2022
Series "Who are we?"

Surreal court jester with power over king and world – commentary on absurdity

"Conspirators''
Huge storms begin with a light whisper

Oil, canvas, 50x50cm, 2022
Series "Who are we?"

Symbolic image of whispering figures before global upheaval

"The Minds of the mad professor''
Which mind is fighting for your body right now? Who wins?

Oil, canvas, 50x50cm, 2019-22
Series "Who are we?"

Multiple minds competing for control – chaotic internal conflict

"The Fraud Man and His Suffering Spirit''

Oil, canvas, 50x50cm, 2019-22
Series "Who are we?"

Portrait of a man torn between ego and suffering soul – identity conflict

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