Yaroslav Ponomarenko (1982) - Ice and Fire

“Ice and Fire” by Yaroslav Ponomarenko depicts a faceted glass tumbler containing an amber-coloured drink and ice cubes, accompanied by two further pieces of ice resting on the dark surface. The composition is set against a deep, almost black background, allowing the warm reflections within the glass to emerge from the surrounding shadows. The contrast between the golden-brown tones of the liquid and the pale, translucent ice creates a compelling interplay of warmth and coolness.

Rooted in the tradition of classical still-life painting, the work transforms an everyday drinking glass into a study of light, transparency and reflection. The artist’s careful attention to the glass’s cut surfaces, the irregular forms of the ice and the subtle highlights gives the composition a strong sense of realism. Through its restrained arrangement and dramatic chiaroscuro, the painting captures a quiet moment with an atmosphere of intimacy and understated elegance.

Please note: Any framed mock-up images are for illustrative purposes only. They show a possible presentation of the artwork and may not accurately represent its actual framing or appearance.

Unique SKU: HCO-YAP-IAF-2026-014

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Yaroslav Ponomarenko (b. 1982, Kharkiv, Ukraine) is a contemporary painter whose practice is grounded in the technical discipline and visual language of European Old Master traditions.

Trained at the Kharkiv Art Lyceum and later at the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture in Kyiv, Ponomarenko developed a rigorous approach to drawing, composition, and pictorial structure. His work reflects an ongoing engagement with historical methods, informed by extended study of classical painting techniques and the material processes of European schools.

Working primarily within still life and symbolic composition, he focuses on the precise observation of natural forms, often isolating modest subjects and rendering them with a heightened sense of clarity and restraint. Light and tonal construction play a central role in his practice, allowing objects to emerge gradually from subdued atmospheric grounds.

Alongside his studio work, Ponomarenko has been active as an educator, contributing to the transmission of classical techniques through structured teaching and research. This dual engagement with practice and pedagogy informs a body of work that is both technically exacting and conceptually measured.

His paintings situate themselves within a contemporary revival of classical realism, where historical continuity is approached not as imitation, but as a disciplined and evolving language.

Yaroslav Ponomarenko is represented by Havisham & Co., where his paintings are introduced to collectors through curated sales and selected auction placements.

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Havisham & Co.

Havisham & Co. is a London-based fine art agency representing contemporary artists whose work engages with heritage, symbolism, and classical craftsmanship. The agency facilitates the placement of original artworks through curated sales, private transactions, and selected international auction platforms.

Instagram: @havishamco
Website: www.havishamco.com
Email: info@havishamco.com

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