Beauties and the Beast: Jessica Lange in King Kong (1976 film) Painting

Arina Orlova is a London based visual artist. Her paintings are studies of modern mythology through the lens of popular culture and contemporary cinema. Myths are the stories we tell in order to understand our complex and contradictory world. All civilisations have created myths to represent their unconscious beliefs. Shaped and reshaped by the dynamic process of telling, listening, and reflection myths evolve and hold a mirror to society. Arina’s work focuses on popular cultural heritage, its heroes and the artefacts they employ, seeking patterns, rhymes and synergies. The artist creates acrylic paintings with elements of gold leaf on board and canvas. Her works reference influences from pop art, film as well as traditional religious iconography. The ‘mythological characters’ that she captures are instantly recognisable, connecting with the viewer on a subconscious level. Arina works from her South London studio.