Valéria van der Ko’s book in the pipeline

XXIX is a collection of works by Russian artist Valéria van der Ko spanning the period 2014–20. The book shows the development of Valéria’s work over the course of these six years as she explores themes of identity, sexuality and eroticism, using a variety of media including watercolour and digital outputs.

The progression of an artist’s work becomes evident when seen in chronological order. Themes, interests and a growing confidence all become apparent. In many of these images the artist herself can be seen, and this openness of spirit and vulnerability connects directly with the viewer.

Whilst some of the images are explicit, many also illustrate aspects of innocence, imagination, the fantastical, dressing-up, escapism and the imagining of a new world.

These raw and revealing works remind us of our humanity and our primal nature, but they are also sensitive and intimate. Otherworldly, venturing into space, escaping into romanticism: they represent freedom for us all from this mortal coil.