Alexandra Mirzayantz
New York-based painter Alexandra Mirzayantz has a way of evocatively capturing the viewer’s attention with just a few ink lines and brush strokes. From dreamy portraits that seem to visualize the sitter’s state of mind, to Duchamp-esque self-portraits with fruits standing in for the artist and her family, her work draws from the subconscious as much as from the world around her. The figurative compositions marry reality and dreams though deceptively stark yet vibrantly coloured still lifes. A descendent of the Greek royal family – her father is Prince Michael of Greece while her mother is acclaimed Greek artist Marina Karella – Alexandra and her husband Nicolas Mirzayantz are frequent patrons of the New York art scene so perhaps it’s only natural that she became an artist, a passion she has been diligently dedicated to during the last few years, graduating in 2018 from the New York Academy of Art, America’s leading program in figurative art. We recently caught up with Alexandra to ask her about her inspirations, latest discoveries, favourite museums and art galleries.
How would you define yourself in three words?
Curious, seeking light and laughter.
A project/initiative you’re most proud of?
My parents’ Greek non-profit Eliza for child abuse treatment, education and prevention.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Perfume, people, communication, Peter Sellers and Louis de Funès movies, shapes and colours of vegetables, Rembrandt and Willem Claesz. Heda still lifes, Buddhism, empty churches and beach walks.
Which art/design/style icons you are most inspired by?
Melina Mercouri, Rita Wilson and Niki de St Phalle.
The beauty product you can’t live without?
Perfumes! New York Amber by Bond no. 9, Eau Profonde by Thirdman and La Vie Est Belle by Lancome.
Favourite destination and hotel?
Adrère Amellal desert eco lodge in Siwa, Egypt.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?
My father says “to marry”; I say swimming with sharks and turtles in deep dark water with my children in the Galápagos Islands.
Which city would you chose to live in if you had to move?
Athens.
What souvenirs would you bring back home?
Ileana Makri jewelry and anything from the Acropolis Museum store.
Your latest discovery?
That everyone does not think like me and I must respect people’s opinions, interests and rhythms.
Favourite gallery/museum?
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Archaeological Museum in Athens, La Specola Natural History Museum in Florence and Perrotin Galleries.
What is on your bookshelf?
James Baldwin, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche and Petros Markaris.
What quote do you live by?
Yoda’s “May the force be with you”.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Do you have a little bit of chocolate?”
Your idea of happiness?
When those in my life are content.
Alexandra Mirzayantz is wearing Zeus+Dione's, Hestia blouse and Elounda skirt
