Text: Irina Pivkina
05/04/2023

Olga Lukoyanova, also known by the pseudonym Ficiko, is a talented artist and illustrator whose works in book and magazine illustration stand out with bold forms and a vibrant palette. Her professional journey began in St. Petersburg, but the influence of the new illustration environment in Moscow and encounters with global illustration stars strengthened her style and direction. The artist aspires not only to illustrate children's books but also to address socially significant themes for an adult audience.

The folklore motifs in Olga Lukoyanova's work, especially in her depictions of village life, are of particular interest. The artist delicately captures the atmosphere of the "Russian village," embodying in her works the heavy agricultural labor, mystical aura, and cheerful national character. Wooden houses and onion-dome Orthodox churches are personified in the illustrations, filled with warmth and nostalgia.

In 2020, Olga Lukoyanova presented a unique series of illustrations for the Folk Tale Festival, dedicated to the narrative of "Turnip." This collection of small artistic works was created to support the movement to popularize folk tales on social media.

The festival's participation rules required each illustration to correspond to the theme of the chosen fairy tale and, at the same time, respond to a common theme. Olga Lukoyanova, aiming to preserve the core plot of the fairy tale, infused her works with additional details reminiscent of the era, allowing the viewer to better grasp the story. In this series, the artist's grandparents, modern retirees who decided to try rural life, play host to guests, including their granddaughter. All the characters, including their pets, boldly battle the elements - a gigantic harvest.

The series is executed in a mixed technique, using digital drawing and adorned with the artist's favorite palette, including coral and indigo. The use of red-orange color, in turn, logically fits into the narrative of the fairy tale, creating a unique visual experience for the viewer.

Lukoyanova not only preserves the mystical depth and complexity of living material in her works but also gives them a unique "sound." Her style combines clear lines and silhouettes with a bright palette and bold plastic solutions. The mixed technique, including watercolor, acrylic inks, gouache, colored pencils, and digital drawing, gives each work individuality and depth.

Choosing the path of an illustrator, Olga Lukoyanova actively engages with the audience, providing not only harmonious images but also evoking emotions and dialogue. Her works, especially those depicting the Russian village, become not just illustrations for fairy tales but genuine narrative works of art, transporting us into a unique world of mysticism, nostalgia, and modernity.