Original artwork description:

“Ex Boyfriends” by Inga Makarova is an emotionally charged and conceptually rich mixed-media piece that delves into the lasting remnants of love and relationships. Measuring an impressive 212x168 cm, this large-scale artwork is constructed from stitched fragments of denim trousers—referencing the iconic “boyfriend jeans”—and coated with glossy enamel, creating a tactile yet polished surface. The piece is a meditation on the fragility and endurance of human connection, expressed through the juxtaposition of rough, stitched textures and smooth, reflective enamel.

The title hints at both the playful familiarity of denim and the poignant reality of what remains after a romantic relationship ends. The patched and stitched fabric tells a story of intimacy, of moments that are pieced together in memory, yet never fully restored. Makarova’s use of stitching mirrors the process of emotional repair, where the fabric of one’s heart is patched over time but always carries the marks of the past. The glossy enamel acts as a shield, symbolizing how we present our polished versions of these memories to others while carrying the rawness within. “Ex Boyfriends” is a powerful reminder of the duality of love—its tenderness and its scars—and how these elements coexist within us long after the relationship fades. A must-have for collectors who appreciate art that bridges personal and universal experiences.

Materials used:

Denim, Enamel

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