An exhibition that invites the public to delve into a visual universe where light and symbolism take center stage.
From October 6 to 30, the CRAI Multipurpose Room on the Gandia campus of the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) will host the exhibition “Golden Surrealism” by contemporary artist Aleksandra Istorik. The exhibition invites the public to immerse themselves in a visual universe where light, symbolism, and gold leaf take centre stage.
An introspective universe
Born in St. Petersburg and now based in Valencia, where she studied at the UPV’s School of Fine Arts, Istorik has developed her own style, which she calls “golden surrealism”—an artistic approach that combines material, colour, and meaning.
Created with oil, acrylic, pigments, and gold leaf, her works explore concepts such as memory, freedom, love, and the human experience. In this context, gold ceases to be a merely decorative element and becomes a symbol of inner wealth and the value of personal experiences. Each painting begins with an idea or an emotional state that evolves during the creative process, resulting in compositions open to the viewer’s interpretation.
Far from literal representation, Istorik’s work offers a visual language in which human emotions and contradictions take centre stage. The use of color, textures, and materials invites the viewer to establish a personal connection with each piece and to form their own interpretation of the work.
The artist has exhibited her work in cities such as Paris, Milan, Seoul, St. Petersburg, Venice, and New York. In addition to her paintings, she creates live art projects and participatory events that bring the creative process closer to the public. She has also launched the Istorik Gallery in Valencia, a space dedicated to promoting contemporary art and conceived as a meeting place for artists and the public.
Aleksandra Istorik’s exhibition “Golden Surrealism” will be on view from October 6 to 30, 2026, in the Multipurpose Room of the CRAI on the UPV’s Gandia campus.