“The Magic of the Female Face” — handmade jewelry and female portraits come alive in a unique Chisinau exhibition
The exhibition "The Magic of the Female Face" showcases the subtle beauty of semi-precious stones alongside the expressive power of the female face. It opened at the History Museum of the City of Chisinau and features handmade jewelry and painted portraits, all created by Olga Slastihin. Originally an architect, Slastihin discovered her artistic vocation after retiring.
The author, Olga Slastihin, explains that she chose to work with semi-precious stones because she wants to make beauty more accessible to everyone.
“Women love jewelry, but not everyone can afford pieces made from diamonds or emeralds. That’s why I work with more accessible materials like semi-precious stones. They are wonderful, natural, and possess a certain magic,” she says.
The idea for the exhibition was initiated by the museum director, Valeria Suruceanu, who highlights the profound connection between jewelry and female portraits.
"In Mrs. Slastihin's work, the female face reveals not only external beauty but also inner beauty. Jewelry is intertwined with drawings, and each painting is specifically designed to complement a particular piece of jewelry," states Valeria Suruceanu.
A notable example is the portrait of Olga Slastihin from her youth, where the jewelry is integrated into the character's identity.
"These pieces are made of mother-of-pearl and gilded black pearls. Mother-of-pearl is my favorite stone. According to my horoscope, I am a Pisces, and I have chosen my stones based on my zodiac sign. Currently, I am wearing a piece of agate jewelry, which is associated with Venus, representing love and beauty, and it is complemented with titanium threads," the artist explains.
For Olga Slastihin, jewelry is more than just an accessory; it is a form of inner expression.
“A woman should always be beautiful, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be with diamonds. Simple jewelry can enhance not only a woman’s appearance but also her soul. There is a lot of craftsmanship involved here—including crocheting and meticulous details—which is a skill that not everyone possesses,” the creator explains.
The exhibition titled “The Magic of the Female Face” is on display at the Chisinau City History Museum until January 10, 2026. It offers the public an artistic experience where portraits and jewelry complement each other in a unified, delicate, and deeply personal composition.
