Yaroslav Ponomarenko (1982) - Beautiful Contrast

Beautiful Contrast presents a carefully observed still life in which a turquoise ceramic vessel filled with blueberries is set against a cluster of vivid red currants. The arrangement rests upon a cool stone surface, emerging from a deep, almost black background that gives the composition a strong sense of depth and concentration.

Ponomarenko builds the work around contrast, both chromatic and tonal. The cool blue of the vessel and berries is set against the warmth of the currants, while the restrained light gradually reveals the textures of the fruit, the glazed surface of the vessel and the weathered character of the stone.

The composition remains deliberately simple, allowing each element to hold its own presence. Scattered blueberries and trailing currants introduce a gentle sense of movement, preventing the arrangement from becoming overly formal. The result is a quiet yet richly atmospheric still life, rooted in traditional observation while retaining a distinctly contemporary sensibility.

Signed by the artist on the reverse.


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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
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