Creativo’s Garden of Eden: Anastasia Butacova in Full Bloom

Creativo's Garden of Eden: Anastasia Butacova in Full Bloom

Few events rival the spectacle and vibrant intensity of Art Basel, a global curation and celebration of artistic innovation and unrestrained revelry. For Anastasia Butacova, showing her work at Creativo’s Adam and Eve rooftop party in Miami was not just a milestone—it was a moment of alignment between her personal resilience, creative passion, and the feminine strength she has so delicately explored in her paintings. Exhibiting her work was more than a professional milestone; it was a homecoming.

Anastasia’s introduction to the Creativo community began serendipitously. Abbey, the art curator of Creativo, discovered Butacova’s Summer in Eden at a New York exhibition and was immediately captivated. This initial connection blossomed into an invitation to participate in the Adam and Eve party, an event highlighting female artists.

“Being originally from Moldova, where fragments of patriarchal systems persist, it was deeply meaningful to join an event promoting women’s artistry,” Butacova reflects. “Being part of an event that promotes female artists and showcases their strength was incredibly meaningful.” The setting of the event—a luxurious rooftop gallery under Miami’s vibrant night sky—provided the perfect canvas for Butacova’s works. The open-air setting of the event not only complemented her vibrant palette, but also inspired a sense of unity among the artworks and attendees. “As an artist who is not an American citizen, events like Creativo’s Adam and Eve are extremely vital to sustain and grow my global outreach,” Butacova added. “It truly meant the world to show my work with such a vibrant backdrop.”

The path to the electric event was as colorful as the paintings she displayed. Butacova prepared two pieces, “Summer in Eden” and “Tea Time Reverie,” but a last-minute addition stole the show. “A friend gave me a canvas at the last minute, and I found myself painting abstractly, creating large red floral motifs,” she explained. In a spontaneous burst of creativity, she added a third painting to her planned showcase, a dynamic floral piece that harmonized beautifully with her earlier works. “I realized all three pieces worked in harmony,” she shares. “It was as if they were always meant to be together.”

Creativo’s Adam and Eve theme provided a compelling lens through which to view Butacova’s art. Her work often delves into the intersection of humans and their environments, a theme that resonates deeply with the mythology of Eden. Her featured pieces, Summer in Eden and Tea Time Reverie, weave intricate narratives that juxtapose humanity’s relationship with nature and introspection.

“Summer in Eden,” created in her parents’ garden in Moldova, embodies this dialogue. Lush colors and organic forms evoke the tranquility of her Moldovan roots. “After hustling in the hectic and high pressure environment of New York City, returning to my family’s gardens felt like my personal Eden,” she says. The painting captures a woman immersed in this extroverted, lush paradise, embodying a rare moment of connection with the Earth. “We’re always chasing something bigger and better - new jobs, new cities, new people - but we rarely acknowledge the peace of living day to day, appreciating our surroundings and relationship to the Earth,” Butacova said. “Tranquility and joy are states I aim to capture often in my work.”

Tea Time Reverie, in contrast, offers an intimate pause. Inspired by the universal ritual of tea drinking, the painting invites viewers into a moment of reflection. “Tea time is a retreat from chaos,” Butacova explains. “This piece, with its serene tones, is deeply personal” she divulges. For the first time in her career, Butacova painted a figure resembling herself in this autobiographical work. The inclusion of women with closed eyes, a recurring motif in her art, underscores her intent to evoke introspection.

Another recurrence found throughout Butacova’s oeuvre is the depiction of animals, which add a layer of irony and depth to her storytelling. “Animals harbor human-like qualities,” she notes. “They allow me to explore vulnerability and playfulness in unexpected ways.” For example, mischievous monkeys and intellectual cats become stand-ins for human instincts and contradictions. “Animals rely on their instincts to survive, which creates an inherent tension. This appeals to me as an artist and helps me create dynamic, layered pieces,” she says.

While Butacova’s roots are firmly planted in classical techniques honed during her early studies in Moldova, her work is anything but traditional. By blending figurative and abstract styles with a vibrant, contemporary palette, she bridges the gap between timeless artistry and modern trends. “Paintings in portraiture and human anatomy are an ancient practice,” she says. “But I use precise contemporary lines and two dimensional color theory to create a dialogue which is less stuffy and resonates with today’s audience.”

Anastasia’s path to Art Basel was far from linear. Born in Moldova, she pursued art school until the age of 15 but was discouraged from continuing. “Society told me artists don’t eat,” she recalls. Redirecting her focus, she studied International Relations in London before finding herself drawn back to art after a transformative internship in Miami. “I worked with a development group that supported artists by showcasing their work in corporate spaces,” she explains. “It reignited my belief that I could pursue art seriously.” But fate tested her resolve when a bike accident in South Beach left her with a broken hand. “Was it a sign from the universe? Should I back away now?” she recalled. But instead of giving up, she took the accident as a challenge. Eight months later, she was back at the easel, committing to give her art career a one-year trial.

“With the assistance and support of friends, I began building my collection and curating community through word of mouth.” Butacova said. “It was a gamble, but one that paid off.” Her use of color—often bright yet harmonious—reflects her nomadic lifestyle and the influences of different landscapes. “England’s muted tones inspired me to burst with opposing bright hues, while Miami’s tropical vibrancy added rich blues and greens,” she shares. Today, Butacova’s creative process is deeply ritualistic. For the painter, her studio is a sanctuary where creativity flourishes. A modern Eden. Based in New York, she starts her days with physical activity—jogging, yoga, or meditation. “Movement prepares me mentally and sets a positive tone for the day,” she says. This energy flows into her studio time in her apartment, where she prioritizes a zen setting. “I can’t paint in a bad mood—the energy I bring transcends into the work.” When the rhythm is right, Butacova can paint for eight to ten hours a day. Precision is key to her style. Known for fine lines and a flat dimensional look, her work achieves a contemporary aesthetic that feels both meticulous and organic. “Every line, every shadow is intentional,” she says.

The Adam and Eve party has sparked fresh inspiration for Butacova. Currently, she is working on a new body series and another collection featuring animals with ironic human characteristics. Butacova gives me a sneak peak of a new work. “One of my favorites right now is this playful Poodle diptych,” she reveals.

As she continues to expand her portfolio, Butacova remains focused on the themes that have defined her work—nature, introspection, and the human-animal connection. “I want my art to inspire joy, reflection, and a sense of interconnectedness,” she says. With each piece she puts forward, she invites us to reconnect and reflect with ourselves and the world around us. For those eager to follow her journey, her Instagram (@butacova) and soon-to-be-updated website (Butacova.art) offer windows into her colorful world.