Word Geostrategic Insights interview with Laura Julian on her journey bridging gaps between cultures, her philosophy on art, and her views on the digital transformation of art in the context of cultural diplomacy.
Lara Julian is an abstract artist. Her journey from Siberia to the heart of global art scenes is not just a personal evolution but a testament to art as a tool for cultural diplomacy, fostering dialogue and understanding across continents. Originally from Siberia, Russia, Lara has carved a unique path in the art world, transitioning from banking to becoming a celebrated abstract artist. Now based in London, her work has been showcased across major cities like New York, Berlin, Venice, and London. Julian’s latest exhibition was at Bonhams London in January 2025, where her works were presented against the rich heritage of Tantra, Jainism, and ritual art of India.
Q1: You currently reside in London, but you were born in Siberia, Russia, growing up in a creative environment with an artist father, an art historian mother, and a poet grandmother. Although from your childhood you had a strong interest in art, your initial path was different. You studied international relations, earned a master’s degree in banking, and worked for four years at MDM Bank in Novosibirsk. However, for four years alongside your office work, you completed various courses at the Novosibirsk School of Fine Arts, and in 2014 you decided to change your life. You went to the United States, where you studied at the School of Visual Arts in New York, and then to England, studying at the UCL Slade School of Fine Art in London, beginning a prestigious artistic career. At present, your artistic works are shown in solo and group exhibitions in London, Berlin, Venice, and New York, and are part of private collections worldwide. How do you see your journey as an act of cultural diplomacy? How has your art served as a bridge between your Siberian roots and the global cultural landscape? How has living in different countries influenced your art?
A1: My journey from Siberia to the global art scene is indeed a narrative of cultural diplomacy at work. Art has always been a bridge between cultures, and my background provides a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. Coming from a family deeply rooted in the arts, I was encouraged to see art as a universal language, one that transcends borders and ideologies. My career began in banking, which taught me discipline and the value of different perspectives, but the call to art was always present, leading me to pursue formal education in various countries.
Living in different countries has profoundly influenced my work. In the US, I was exposed to a melting pot of cultures, which expanded my visual vocabulary and introduced me to a broader spectrum of artistic expressions. New York’s dynamic art scene encouraged bold experimentation. Then, London, with its rich artistic history and contemporary edge, has allowed me to refine my technique and engage with an audience that appreciates both tradition and innovation. This journey has taught me to appreciate the nuances of color and form through different cultural lenses, which is evident in my work where I explore color as a language of its own. My art serves as a dialogue between my Siberian roots and the cosmopolitan influences I’ve absorbed, aiming to create a visual conversation that invites understanding and connection across cultures.
Q2: You can be defined as an abstract artist and color technologist. What are the main goals, themes, characteristics, and practices of your art in fostering cultural dialogue?
A2: My art centers on using color as a dynamic force, exploring its essence both as matter and energy through a systematic and scientific approach to color theory. In my recent work, I meticulously select each hue and shade to trigger specific emotional and visual reactions, marking a pivotal shift in my artistic evolution. I blend my London art scene influences with an innovative spirit, focusing on painted lines not just as marks but as narrative elements that convey emotion, movement, and structure. My technique delves into the potential of lines to express rhythm, tension, or tranquility, creating compositions that are both chaotic and ordered like natural fractals.
The overarching goal of my work is to craft a transcendental experience, where art transcends simple observation to become a portal into new dimensions of perception and emotion, inviting a dialogue that transcends cultural boundaries. I aim for my paintings to be windows or doors to other worlds, much like the spiritual landscapes of artists like Mark Rothko and Vasily Kandinsky. My process involves a detailed study of color interactions, drawing inspiration from masters like Lee Krasner and Joan Mitchell, who used their techniques to vividly express complex emotional states. This practice not only explores the physical properties of color but also invites viewers from diverse backgrounds to engage in a dialogue with the artwork, merging art with the science of perception in a symphony of visual and emotional resonance, thus fostering a global conversation through art.
Q3: You have started working on the digitization of your artworks. What do you think about the increasingly close link between a wide range of digital technologies, such as big data, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality, and the art sector, especially in terms of cultural diplomacy?
A3: The integration of digital technologies into art has opened up new avenues for expression and interaction, significantly enhancing its role in cultural diplomacy. Digitization allows for the preservation and dissemination of art in ways that were previously unimaginable, making it accessible globally while also creating new forms of engagement. Virtual and Augmented Reality offer immersive experiences where viewers can interact with art in three-dimensional spaces or see additional layers of meaning through AR, breaking down cultural barriers by sharing experiences across the globe. AI can assist in analyzing viewer interactions with art, helping artists understand emotional responses or even co-create with algorithms, leading to generative art forms that can reflect diverse cultural inputs. Big data can pinpoint trends and preferences, tailoring art experiences to individual tastes from various cultural backgrounds.
However, my approach to these technologies is one of enhancement rather than replacement. My aim is to use these tools to deepen the viewer’s connection with the art, not to overshadow the emotional and intellectual depth of the work itself. Technologies like NFC tags can provide additional context or stories behind the art, making each piece a more interactive and personal journey, thus promoting cultural understanding on a digital platform. This blend of digital with traditional art practice is about expanding the narrative and experience of art, ensuring it remains a vibrant, living conversation with its global audience.
In conclusion, my path from Siberia to a global audience underscores how art can act as a diplomat, bridging gaps between cultures. My work in 2025 and beyond continues this mission, with plans for both physical and digital exhibitions that will further this narrative of cultural connection.
Indeed, I believe that this year will be very productive for me, with significant projects planned in London, and I am also planning my next solo exhibition, possibly in another country. So, keep an eye on my social media platforms for updates. I am very open to communication, so feel free to connect with me through LinkedIn, Instagram, and arrange a studio visit.
Lara Julian – Abstract artist.