One Canvas, Two Directions
In my world of contemporary figurative paintings, a surface is never just a surface.
This piece—yes, the one with the soft mountains, sleepy blossoms, and that quiet river of grey—holds a secret. Turn it 180 degrees and the entire mood shifts. Birds that once crossed the sky now dive into water. What looked like snow on the peak becomes the fold of a woman’s robe. A hush becomes a question.
I started it on the floor (as always), pushing charcoal and acrylic until the mountains showed up. Somewhere in the smudge, I saw a sleeping face. I flipped the canvas. Suddenly she was awake, singing with the blossoms. That was the click: flip art found me instead of the other way around.
Why Flip? Because Stories Aren’t Linear
We live between sirens and sunsets here, so why should a painting sit politely in one direction? Rotate it and you’ll feel the tension loosen—or tighten, depending on your heart. It’s a unique art viewing experience: no curator, no label, just you wrestling with perspective.
- First view (horizontal) – A misty valley, cherry trees breathing pink into a cold dawn.
- Second view (vertical) – A woman rising, hair dripping into rivers, blossoms trailing like thoughts she can’t let go.
Both are true; neither is complete without the other.
How to Hang It (or Not)
I love when collectors text me: “Nikita, which way is up?”
My answer: try breakfast, try midnight, try after bad news, try after wine. Let the room decide. Art survives best when it’s allowed to wander.
Tips
- Use two hooks so you can rotate without new holes.
- Keep a small note on the back: Flip me when you need a different story.
- Invite friends; watch how each person chooses a side. It tells you a lot.
A Tiny Confession
Some days I paint blossoms because the news is too sharp. Some days I flip the canvas because I’m scared of my own lines. This dual view reminds me there is always another angle, even when life feels stuck.
So next time you’re in the studio—or scrolling online—turn your phone, tilt your head, rotate the frame. You might meet a whole new story waiting upside-down.
With love and gentle rebellion,
Nikita
