In Memento: Kept Within

Six acrylic miniatures in a classic Polaroid aesthetic

In Memento: Kept Within is a series of six acrylic miniatures rendered in a classic Polaroid aesthetic, complete with personal handwritten annotations on the lower border.

Conceived as an intimate cartography of inner anchors, the collection captures places that continue to ground the spirit, teaching us to pause, re-evaluate our pace, and live in gentle harmony with our surroundings.

Acrylic on stretched canvas, 20 × 20 cm each.

My Kamchatka
Chapter 1 of 6
When I first arrived in Kamchatka, a dense white fog blanketed everything for two full days, completely concealing our surroundings. Then came a crystal-clear morning as we drove toward the city, and the majestic, snow-capped Koryaksky volcano suddenly rose directly before us against a brilliant blue sky. In that singular second, the immense reality of where I was finally settled in my heart. It became far more than a scenic view along the road; it became an enduring inner reminder that even after the darkest and cloudiest days, clarity always returns. The mist inevitably disperses, revealing our true horizon.
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My Minusinsk
Chapter 2 of 6
Minusinsk is a quiet town in the Krasnoyarsk region that holds tender childhood memories of journeys taken with my parents. Warm ribbons of sunlight filtering through the shadows of towering pines became the defining symbol of those visits. Life naturally moves through contrasting seasons, with light and shadow constantly alternating along our path. Yet this piece serves as a gentle reminder that all temporary circumstances pass. In the final sum of what endures, we carry forward only our cherished memories and the lasting warmth of loved ones.
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My Moscow
Chapter 3 of 6
Having lived in Moscow for nearly eight years, the city holds a deeply cherished chapter of my life. In my memory, it remains forever illuminated by bright sunshine, vibrant energy, and genuine personal warmth. Beyond its grand avenues and urban rhythm, Moscow gifted me the most meaningful foundation of my existence. It is the city that brought me my beloved husband and the joy of raising our two sons.
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My Vilyuchik
Chapter 4 of 6
This work portrays the monumental Vilyuchinsky volcano in Kamchatka, affectionately known by locals simply as Vilyuchik. In our relentless pursuit of everyday goals, we so easily forget to look around and truly absorb the world before us. Here, the solitary figure reminds us of the profound value of stillness: pausing to breathe in the silence, the crisp air, and nature's timeless scale. While hardships and life's shifts are inevitable, they eventually run their course. Luminous memories like this remain anchored within us forever, offering quiet warmth through any season of darkness.
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My Cheryomushki
Chapter 5 of 6
Cheryomushki is a peaceful settlement tucked away in Khakassia, resting just beside the Sayano-Shushenskaya dam. Its atmosphere is extraordinary: residential buildings stand directly immersed within a centuries-old pine forest where children play freely amid wild nature. For me, this town became living evidence that modern human life and the natural world can coexist in thoughtful balance. Above all, it stands as an enduring lesson in humility. It reminds us that we are merely guests on this magnificent planet, and never the other way around.
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My Petersburg
Chapter 6 of 6
Saint Petersburg revealed to me an essential truth: sometimes the most vital thing we can do is simply stop and look up. Stepping into the stillness of an enclosed courtyard and tilting one's gaze upward past historic facades instantly fills the spirit with air and perspective. We spend so much of our lives rushing forward with our eyes cast down at our feet. In doing so, we forget that life’s purest, most profound beauty is not hidden away in the distance. It floats quietly and gracefully directly above our heads.
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