Bio

Dekatra Lapaeva, a British multidisciplinary artist based in London, has had an extensive career as a professional dancer, during which she reached the finals of European, World, and other prestigious international championships. For over three decades, her deep emotional connection to music and movement informed her dance, and her performances moved audiences with their expressive power and sensitivity.

While her dance career took centre stage for much of her life, art was a constant companion—a personal space for reflection, expression, and self-discovery. Largely self-taught as a painter, her practice was later enriched by formal studies in Abstraction and Abstract Sculpture at The Art Academy in London. Dekatra’s intellectual pursuits, including a Post Master’s degree in Psychology and a BA in Philosophy, have deepened her exploration of human emotion and narrative across both visual and performing arts.

After retiring from competitive dance in 2012, Dekatra fully embraced her passion for painting, developing a distinctive style that blends abstraction with figurative and referential elements. Her multilayered compositions, rich in texture and depth, reflect a unique perspective influenced by her vast experience and ability to convey emotional depth.

Today, Dekatra balances her flourishing art practice with mentoring and educating dancers worldwide, continuing to live a life deeply grounded in creativity, connection, and the exploration of storytelling through both art and movement.

Artist Statement

My art is born from a lifelong dialogue with movement, music, and human emotion. For over three decades, I lived through rhythm and storytelling as a professional dancer, where each step carried meaning and every gesture told a story.

This deep relationship with movement, rhythm, emotion, and balance has evolved into an intuitive vision that now guides my art practice. Blending abstraction with figurative elements, my work captures the fluidity of motion, the resonance of sound, and the layers of emotion. Each composition opens a path to introspection, allowing the viewer to engage with the work and uncover their own narratives.

My paintings explore layered harmonies and narratives, capturing what feels most present in the moment. I am drawn to fleeting impressions, translating them into fluid, shifting forms that evoke a sense of movement and emotion.

My goal is to create something that feels effortless and improvisational, yet is rooted in intention and mastery—whether through dance or art. Through my work, I aim to evoke emotions and tell stories that resonate with the viewer, reflecting the depth of human experience and the balance between movement and stillness, the seen and unseen. Ultimately, I seek for my art to speak directly to the soul, conveying emotions and stories that words cannot express.

Art Sales: Past and Present

In recent years, my focus has been on developing a cohesive body of work, enjoying the creative process, and refining my artistic identity. While some of my paintings have been released for purchase and showcased in ongoing exhibitions, this period was not driven by the goal of selling or showing art, but rather by the evolution of my practice and the joy of creation.

During this time, I chose the path of a self-representing artist, and many of my sold works have found their way to collectors around the world, including several in England.

As of 2025, I am offering for sale a selection of paintings that were previously part of my personal collection and were not available for purchase until now. These works represent a significant phase in my artistic journey, and I am excited to share them with collectors who resonate with my vision.

In addition to releasing these works, I welcome opportunities to collaborate with galleries that share my vision. I strive to bring my art to broader audience while preserving the authenticity and integrity of my creative practice.

Exhibitions

Here’s a look at some of my exhibitions and shows:

•Ongoing Solo Exhibition

“Corza” , West Wickham, Greater London (2017–2024)

Displayed and sold original artworks, with works regularly updated throughout the seven-year exhibition.

•Gallery Window Display Show

‘‘Artlines and Outlines’’ , West Wickham, Greater London (2021–2023)

Displayed selected artworks in a dedicated window display, offering public exposure alongside works by other artists in the gallery and shop.

•Vienna Showcase

“MOYA”, International Art Fair, Vienna, Austria (2013)

Showcased my artworks at a prestigious international art fair, presenting my work to a global audience for the first time.