About the Artist
KATE TOVA
Kate Tova is a visual artist residing in the Monterey hills with a dynamic presence in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Her art delves into the perpetual transformation of nature and identity, revealing their intertwined evolution. Tova focuses on the human connection to the natural environment, as well as its disconnection and its impact on ecological systems. The artist’s imaginative use of mixed media on unconventional surfaces reflects her mission to inspire environmental protection and nurture a sense of peace and healing.
Tova’s initial process involves collecting memories in the form of photographs, studies, and sketches. These elements are later synthesized into a cohesive "bouquet" through a blend of physical and digital techniques. Her painting process often involves layering acrylic, oil, and various gels onto unconventional surfaces such as clothing, carved wood, discarded books, accessories, or unrecyclable plastic.
The radiant compositions she calls "Glitches", either draw viewers inward or radiate outward from a tranquil center. This calm core represents the eye of the storm, a serene sanctuary within our minds. The Glitches reflect our modern, dynamic life and the ever-expanding universe — a powerful act of creation. When Tova incorporates figures into her compositions, they pulse with a sense of ecstasy and overwhelm or gently draw us in.
Kate Tova’s work embodies the ethos of wabi-sabi, a Japanese philosophy embracing impermanence, imperfection, and transformation. She continues to explore innovative ways to depict the ceaseless cycles of change, growth, and renewal. Tova explains, “Nature is a symbol of perpetual transformation. When painting flowers, I’m also reminded of how powerful they are in the way they captivate us. In an overwhelming world where humans' attention spans are so short, nature transformers us and makes us pause. And art holds the same power.”
Biography:
(b. 1995, Russia; lives and works in Monterey, San Francisco & Los Angeles, CA, US)
Kate Tova grew up in the small rural town of Balakovo, Russia. Art has been a passion of hers since she could hold a brush. She studied at the Academy of Art in her hometown and quickly transitioned to painting professionally and exhibiting all over the world. She has been a full time artist since 2017, just a couple of years after moving to the United States. Kate is a passionate supporter of charity organizations that focus on women, animal welfare, and environmental issues. Through her art, she raises awareness and advocates for these important causes.
CV
Residencies:
SVA New York City, July 8 - August 8, 2024
Exhibitions:
Solo
2024 SCIC, “Wild Glitches”, San Francisco, USA
2024 Shack 15, “Transformation”, San Francisco, USA
2023 Adeeni Galerie, “Glitches”, San Francisco, USA
2023 475 Sansome, “Unbound”, San Francisco, USA
2021 765 Beach, “Maskerade”, San Francisco, USA
2019 Canal Place, “Krewe Des Femmes”, New Orleans, USA
2013 Shelk Gallery, “New School of Art”, Moscow, Russia
2013 First Moscow Educational Complex, “Identity”, Moscow, Russia
2010 City Exhibition Hall, “Spring Mood”, Balakovo, Russia
Group
2024 Vita Brevis Gallery, “Grand Opening Show”, San Francisco, CA
2024 Gallery of Hermosa, “May Flowers”, Los Angeles, CA
2024 PACE Center, “Remake, Reuse, Recycle”, Denver, CO
2024 Oceanside Museum of Art, “More Disruption”, Oceanside, CA
2023 Fluo White Gallery, “Edgy”, Dubai
2022 Palette Gallery, “Palette Cleanser”, San Francisco, CA
2021 111 Minna, “Discolandia”, San Francisco, CA
2019 SOMArts, “ArtLaunch”, San Francisco, CA
2018 R. W. Norton Art Gallery, “BLOOM!”, Shreveport, LA, USA
2017 Louisiana State Archives Gallery, “48th Annual River Road Show”, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
2016 Isaac Delgado Fine Arts Gallery, “Spring Exhibition”, New Orleans, USA
2014 ARTPLAY Gallery, “Time For ART. Part 2”, Moscow, Russia
2014 Culture Center of the Jewish Museum, “World ORT”, Prague, Czech Republic
2013 West Park Art Gallery, “New York Realism”, New York, USA
2013 KPB, “Berlin Art Week”, Berlin, Germany
Awards:
2017 Denice Cyrex Ducote Memorial Award, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
2013 Second place in the international competition "Art Week in Berlin", Germany
2007 First place in the international competition “Open Europe”, Austria
Education:
Academy of Art
Balakovo, Russia
2005 – 2010
Selected press / collaborations:
2024 Haute Living “Artistic Angles”, March/April 2024
2024 ArtScene Magazine – Cover + article on p.112-135
2023 Cadillac Video Commercial
2022 CBS “American Dream” TV show
2021 San Francisco Magazine – Art Issue - Cover + p.58-59 (Dec 2021-Jan 2022)
2021 The San Franciscan – p.52-53 (Issue #53)
2021 Moncler Mother’s Day Collaboration
2013 EUPHORIA Magazine – Publication (February 2013)
2012 Yoga Journal – Illustration (#47)
2011 Krug Newspaper “To the Peak of Inspiration” (#225)
2010 Bumblebee Newspaper “Look Into My Eyes” (#195)
