Roman Manikhin is a Moscow-based artist with an international reputation. His bright and distinctive style is designed to convey warmth and kindness, lifting the mood and transporting viewers into a joyful escape from the monotony of everyday life. Manikhin's works reflect his vision of an ideal, fairy-tale world—one he wishes to inhabit forever.
In his art, Manikhin creates an illusory universe where objects and characters from entirely different realms intertwine. Mermaids converse with dolphins, a sleek Dalmatian cruises in a pink convertible with a companion, and a girl smokes a hookah with a crocodile in the bathtub. This playful grotesque, combined with a deep appreciation for the beauty of women, forms the foundation of his artistic style.
Educated at one of Moscow's oldest art schools, Manikhin began his career illustrating books. This background is evident in his technique—despite his experience in graphic design, he continues to think in bold colors, layered compositions, and striking focal points, yet he executes his vision in a classical medium: oil on canvas. His mastery of oil painting allows him to achieve an extraordinary contrast of colors and forms, defining his unmistakable aesthetic.