About Albina Kumirova

Drawing and painting were my favourite hobbies since my childhood in a remote village on the North of Sakhalin, a Russian Far East island. I loved depicting people, especially in movement. Dancers therefore never stopped attracting me. My inspiration then was Nadia Rusheva, who at a young age left a legacy of drawings in black ink. Ink drawings took an important part in my art.

A university student studying French in Moscow, I began selling pictures in the late 80-s. Arbat Street was turning into a Russian "Montmartre". Starting with portraits, I continued with romantic watercolour mono-prints. My customers were mostly tourists from Europe and USA.

 
In Britain, married to an Englishman, I participated in group shows
and organized 30 solo exhibitions with my oil and acrylic paintings. Acrylic became my favourite medium. Bright colours and expressive movement characterized my art. 

An opportunity to study art appeared after divorce - first in a College, then in a University (2010-14). 
Studies opened my mind to political and religious subjects. My artworks naturally reflected my convictions. I also made short films, which are available on YouTube. 

Currently I am working on a series of Flame radio programs called "Inspiration", where I record and edit my own poetry. 

Yet, I always kept love for painting dancers, nudes, flowers and still lives.