Acrylic, Soft Pastels on Masonite, 2023, 30x35"

Growing up, Sofya was captivated by crime dramas on Russian TV, foreign films, and American TV shows, especially Sex and the City. Among the many characters, Carrie Bradshaw left the deepest impression. Sofya dreamed of a life like Carrie’s—wearing extravagant heels, always rushing off, and living with endless possibilities.

In Carrie, Sofya pays tribute to this character who represented freedom and independence during her formative years. The painting, created in a naïve, primitivist style, simplifies the forms to focus on Carrie’s essence, reflecting her significance. Stripped of excess, it’s a tribute to someone who was important enough to deserve a place in memory.

Born in a small town in southern Russia, Sofya Beloded's life was initially guided by tradition and stability, but her passion for art led her down a different path. She immersed herself in creative pursuits from a young age, moving abroad at 14 to continue her education. Over the next eight years, she lived between countries, coming to view “home” not as a fixed place, but as a temporary base. Art, along with her suitcase, became her only constant.

Sofya began her formal training in classical techniques at a school in her hometown, then studied contemporary art at the British Higher School of Art and Design in Moscow. She is currently at the University of Alberta, combining art, design, and history to explore themes of globalization, immigration, and the impact of media on connecting cultures.

Her work reflects her personal journey, shaped by her experiences and the stories she seeks to tell. Art became her refuge after moving to Canada as an international student at 18. Though the technical challenges were manageable, the vulnerability of sharing her art publicly has been the greatest challenge—one made possible through the support of her instructors.