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Secret Gardens
Rachel Korzeb & Nikki Rakov


NIKKI RAKOV
My paintings celebrate mysteries and stories that echo ancient tales interpreted through my imagination. Resurrecting myths, folktales, and ghost stories, my paintings feature figures and animals situated in landscapes that evoke sacred spaces intuitively composed to reflect personal visions and dreams. My landscapes are symbolic of magical places that exist in between the worlds. It is in these mystical places where we encounter our shadow self and reconnect to the spiritual.
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In the face of historical oppression and societal silencing, my artwork explores the complex identities of women through mythology, ancestral connections, and the esoteric realm of the supernatural. I seek to reclaim the spiritual lives of women who once navigated the roles of healers, mediums, magicians, and folk practitioners—figures whose voices were stifled by fear and persecution. By invoking myths, reviving rituals, and immersing myself in sacred spaces, my work reconnects with silenced ancestors, illuminating the enduring power of the word “witch.”
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My process is deeply intuitive, beginning with uncanny experiences and subconscious visions, which I translate into sketches and watercolors inspired by photographic references and my imagination. Through research into historical figures who held clandestine knowledge—particularly women—I aim to resurrect their stories and reexamine their significance. Traveling to the lands of my ancestors, especially the British Isles, I explore ancient sites that serve as repositories of collective human consciousness. These journeys infuse my work with imagery, experiences, and a profound sense of communion with the spirits of the past.
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My oil and acrylic paintings seek to restore agency to women who, as spiritual intermediaries, moved between worlds, concealing their truth in the shadows. The landscape itself holds secrets and ancient wisdom; by engaging with these liminal spaces, I tap into their essence, forging a dialogue between past and present. Through my work, I honor the resilience of women who have shaped spiritual traditions, reclaiming their legacy and reasserting the mystical power that once defined them.
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