THE UNIVERSE OF SELENTRA

A collection of paintings from 2020-2024, each capturing elements of the imagined world of Selentra.
TIM ILY & NATALI RYKAVA

Celestine & the Origin of Life (2020-2021)

This painting served as the inaugural piece of artistic odyssey, symbolizing the commencement of journey as TsiRy delved into experimentation and embarked on a quest to explore new creative frontiers together.
iLARTi, New York, USA
Triptych, Canvas, Oil
2021
"Celestine & the Origin of Life" emerges as the inaugural work of Tim Ily and Natali Rykava (formely TsiRy project), marking the dawn of the "Deep Dive" movement in art. This groundbreaking work serves as a captivating portal into the profound depths of human existence and the mysteries of the cosmos.

At its essence, "Celestine & the Origin of Life" is a symphony of visual storytelling, weaving together elements of mythology, science, and spirituality to explore the fundamental questions of existence. Set against a backdrop of cosmic expanses and ethereal landscapes, the artwork invites viewers on an immersive journey through time and space.

Central to the narrative is Celestine, a mythical star-figure embodying the spirit of exploration and discovery. Through her eyes, we witness the unfolding of the universe—from the primordial chaos of the cosmic void to the emergence of stars, planets, and life itself.

Size: 50х60 cm - 100х50 cm - 50x60 cm
TIM ILY & NATALI RYKAVA
New (Big) Celestine
(2023)
As Celestine traverses the vast expanse of Selentra, it encounters myriad wonders and challenges, each offering a glimpse into the deeper mysteries of existence.
iLARTi, New York, USA
Canvas, Oil
2023
With her luminous presence and boundles curiosity, “New Celestine” leads travelers on a quest through the wonders of life, guiding them along hidden pathways and forgotten realms. Her lights, crafted from the fabric of dreams, carry her effortlessly across the celestial expanse, while her eyes, radiant with wisdom, pierce the veil of illusion that shrouds the universe.

Size: 170х85 cm
TIM ILY & NATALI RYKAVA

SELENTRA
(2023)

In this parallel universe of «Selentra», where reality intertwines with the surreal, each plunge offers a journey into the depths of the unknown.
iLARTi, New York, USA
Canvas, Oil
2023
(Popov's Saint-Petersburg Central Museum)
In this parallel universe of «Selentra», where reality intertwines with the surreal, each plunge offers a journey into the depths of the unknown. Here, Selentra is not merely a name but a gateway to uncharted realms, where the fabric of existence is woven from threads of wonder and possibility. Within Selentra's ethereal landscapes, time dances to the rhythm of dreams, and the boundaries between imagination and reality blur. It is a realm where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary, and the mundane is infused with magic.

As we navigate the currents of Selentra's parallel reality, we encounter a tapestry of vivid characters, surreal landscapes, and enigmatic phenomena. Here, the laws of physics bend, and the impossible becomes possible, inviting us to question the nature of our own reality and explore the boundless depths of human imagination.

Each plunge into Selentra offers a glimpse into a universe teeming with untold stories, hidden truths, and infinite possibilities. It is a place where the journey is as important as the destination, and every twist and turn reveals new mysteries to unravel.

In Selentra, the exploration never ends, and with each plunge, we embark on a new adventure into the unknown, guided by curiosity, fueled by imagination, and propelled by the boundless spirit of discovery.

Size: 170х105 cm
TIM ILY & NATALI RYKAVA
The Depth
(2024)
"Depth" reveals the external and reflects the hidden.
iLARTi, New York, USA
Canvas, Oil
2024
"Depth" is a captivating painting that delves into the multifaceted nature of human experience and the varied ways in which individuals navigate their inner worlds.

This piece, central to the "Deep Dive" art movement, explores the profound concept of personal depth and the diverse expressions of inner life.




Size: 80x120 cm


TIM ILY & NATALI RYKAVA
The Bird
(2023)
"The Bird" is a mesmerizing painting that captures the essence of undiscovered birds gracefully crossing the expansive sky in the mystical realm of Selentra.
iLARTi, New York, USA
Canvas, Oil
2023
In "The Bird," artists invites viewers to embark on a journey of discovery, to gaze upon the beauty of the unknown and to ponder the mysteries that lie beyond the reaches of the human imagination. It is a painting that speaks to the boundless potential of the universe Selentra and the endless possibilities that await those who dare to dream.

As the flock of undiscovered birds traverses the heavens, their flight is imbued with a sense of wonder and possibility, evoking a feeling of awe in those who behold them. Each bird possesses a unique allure, with feathers that catch the light in mesmerizing patterns and songs that resonate with the harmony of the cosmos.

Size: 100х100 cm
TIM ILY & NATALI RYKAVA
Bird over the city
(2024)
The painting captures this symbiotic relationship beautifully. The bird’s presence suggests that it guides the city, infusing it with energy and life. The urban sprawl, normally seen as a hub of human activity and innovation, is depicted as part of a larger, more profound narrative—one that includes the mysteries of space and the wisdom carried by the bird.
iLARTi, New York, USA
Canvas, Oil
2024
"Bird over the City" transcends its visual appeal by embedding a rich narrative within its striking imagery. Central to this narrative is the bird itself, an embodiment of wisdom and cosmic connection. This bird, more than just a mere creature, symbolizes an ancient being with profound knowledge of the world and the universe beyond, living in the liminal space between the earthly and the celestial.

As it soars above the city, the bird carries with it the collective experiences and stories of countless generations. Its flight is not just a journey through physical space but a traversal of time and dimensions. The bird's eyes, filled with the reflections of stars and distant galaxies, suggest an existence that spans beyond the ordinary, hinting at secrets of the cosmos and the interconnectedness of all things.

The city below, bustling with life and movement, seems to pulse in rhythm with the bird’s wings. This connection illustrates a profound truth: the world and its myriad forms of life are not isolated but move in harmony with the greater forces of the universe. The bird, in its solitary flight, becomes a conduit through which the city—and by extension, humanity—aligns with the broader cosmic dance.

Size: 120х120 cm
TIM ILY
P-O-W-E-R
(2024)
The artwork delves into the various dimensions of power, from governmental authority to the collective strength of the people, highlighting its pervasive and sometimes dark nature.
iLARTi, New York, USA
Canvas, Oil
2024
"Power" is an intricate and compelling painting that explores the multifaceted nature of power in society.

The artwork delves into the various dimensions of power, from governmental authority to the collective strength of the people, highlighting its pervasive and sometimes dark nature.

Through a blend of symbolic imagery and dynamic composition, the painting portrays power's omnipresence and its potential for both constructive and destructive influence.

Size: 50х40 cm
TIM ILY
KIDNEY
(2024)
"Kidney" is a powerful and evocative painting that delves into the vital role and intricate beauty of this essential organ. The artwork captures both the biological significance and the metaphorical resonance of the kidney, portraying it as a symbol of life, filtration, and renewal.
iLARTi, New York, USA
Canvas, Acrylic
2024
"Kidney" is a powerful and evocative painting that delves into the vital role and intricate beauty of this essential organ. The artwork captures both the biological significance and the metaphorical resonance of the kidney, portraying it as a symbol of life, filtration, and renewal.

Surrounding the kidney, vibrant colors and organic shapes convey a sense of life and energy, emphasizing the organ's importance in sustaining life.

Size: 50х40 cm
TIM ILY
Kidney: Echoes of Form and Flow
(2024)
Painting metaphorically celebrates symbols of life and renewal, capturing its essential role in sustaining health and vitality.
iLARTi, New York, USA
Canvas, Acrylic
2024
(private collection)
"Kidney: Echoes of Form and Flow" metaphorically celebrates symbols of life and renewal, capturing its essential role in sustaining health and vitality.

The abstract, vibrant orange shapes against a deep blue background evoke the intricate beauty and complexity of flowers, suggesting the delicate balance in filtering and purifying the body. The swirling lines and dynamic patterns represent the continuous, life-giving processes within this vital organ, underscoring its harmonious and interconnected nature within the human body.

Size: 50х40 cm
TIM ILY
Vital Pathways
(2024)
This painting reflects intricate, abstract patterns and lines, hinting at the complexity and interconnectedness of life's basic processes from the outside and inside.
iLARTi, New York, USA
Canvas, Oil
2024
"Vital Pathways" is an abstract painting that reflects intricate patterns and lines, hinting at the complexity and interconnectedness of life's basic processes, both from the outside and inside.

The delicate black lines weave together in a harmonious yet intricate design, symbolizing the myriad ways in which life's systems are intertwined and interdependent. This artwork invites viewers to ponder the unseen networks and connections that sustain and influence life.

Size: 50х40 cm
TIM ILY
Nature
(2024)
Nature surrounds us and we are part of it.
iLARTi, New York, USA
Canvas, Oil
2024
A painting titled "Nature" would be a visual representation of the beauty, complexity, and significance of the natural world. It would highlight our place within it and our impact on it, encouraging viewers to appreciate and protect the environment. Through its composition and themes, it would capture the essence of nature and its profound influence on our lives.

Size: 50х40 cm
TIM ILY
Motion
(2024)
Everything flows, everything moves.
iLARTi, New York, USA
Canvas, Oil
2024
The painting would likely have a dynamic composition, with elements that lead the viewer's eye across the canvas in continuous motion. The use of curves, spirals, and diagonal lines would enhance the sense of flow and movement.

Size: 50х40 cm
TIM ILY
The end of ocean
(2024)
A thought-provoking picture that captures the vibrant life and beauty of the underwater world, subtly touching on themes of environmental fragility and the importance of preserving marine habitats.
iLARTi, New York, USA
Canvas, Oil
2024
"The End of Ocean" could depict a dramatic and evocative scene where the ocean meets its terminus. The painting focuses on the marine ecosystem, highlighting the vibrant life forms that inhabit the ocean while suggesting a looming threat or a sense of finality.

Size: 50х40 cm
TIM ILY
Circuit of the Mind
(2024)
This painting captures the intricate and dynamic interplay of thoughts and emotions within the human psyche, represented through abstract geometric shapes and fluid lines.
iLARTi, New York, USA
Canvas, Acrylic
2024
(private collection)
"Circuit of the Mind" is an abstract exploration of thought processes and the complexity of the human psyche. The painting features a dynamic interplay of geometric shapes and fluid lines, representing the structured yet chaotic nature of the mind. The central, circular motif suggests a hub of energy or a vortex, symbolizing the core of consciousness where thoughts and emotions converge.

The upper portion of the canvas is filled with wavy lines that mimic the electrical impulses and neural pathways in the brain, hinting at the unseen activity that drives cognition and perception. The lower section, with its sharp, angular forms, represents the grounding aspects of logic and rationality, contrasting with the fluidity above.

As usual in a iLARTi project, the color palette is monochromatic but with subtle gold accents, adding a layer of sophistication and depth. These golden elements signify moments of clarity or enlightenment that occasionally pierce through the complexity. The overall composition evokes a sense of movement and interconnectedness, emphasizing how thoughts flow and interact within the intricate 'circuit' of the mind.

Size: 40х30 cm
TIM ILY
Beauty in red
(2024)
iLARTi, New York, USA
Canvas, Oil
2024
"Beauty in Red" is a new painting that captures the viewer's attention with its vibrant and evocative use of the color red. As a part of the "Deep Dive" art movement, this piece delves into the intensity and passion associated with the hue, exploring themes of emotion, energy, and transformation.

Central to the composition is the figure of a woman, exuding strength and confidence. She stands at the heart of the canvas. Around her, men are represented as abstract elements. These abstract male figures appear to be drawn towards her, unable to resist her powerful presence. Their positions and forms suggest a mixture of admiration and submission, highlighting the woman's dominance and influence within the scene.

The use of black color within the red spectrum emphasizes the painting's exploration of duality—passion and calm, energy and stillness, external allure and internal depth of woman.

"Beauty in Red" is not just a visual feast but a profound exploration of the human spirit, embodied through the powerful and passionate language of color and lines.



Size: 50х40 cm
TIM ILY & NATALI RYKAVA
Summer is coming
(2023)
Summer always comes and life goes on.
iLARTi, New York, USA
Canvas, Oil
2023
(private collection)
Summer always comes and life goes on. As we journey through the seasons of life and art, let us embrace the beauty of each moment, cherish the memories of summers past, and look forward with hope to the promise of new beginnings yet to come.



Size: 75х50 cm

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