Artwork Gallery – Magazine Issue 3. Color vibe

“ 

Art is a universal visual language that 

unites, inspires, and fills the world with 

its own meanings! 

We aim to connect artists from all 

over the world and also show talented 

Ukrainian artists here. 

ANNA PONOMARENKO 

Founder & Curator

Intro 

In summer, everyone wants more colors and warmth. 

We invite you to think about what color means to you. 

Each artist feels color in his own way. It’s about emotions, 

feelings, about something minimal or maximal. 

Summer is a time of bright colors, emotions, and impressions. 

But each person is an individual and has a personal perception! 

We offer you to look at the participant artists and see for yourself. In this 

issue, you have collected unusual areas of work where there is both lightness 

and sadness, a mixture of traditional materials, digital work... but 

not only a white surface serves as “canvases” for our artists - these are 

the walls of houses, everyday clothes, a sculpture that fits on the palm. 

Read and find sources of inspiration or your like-minded people on the 

pages of this magazine. Soak up the mood of different cultures and 

views, put down this magazine, and create something of your own - in 

your own colors and medium! 

artworkgallery.net 

@artworkgallery_net | FB artworkgallery.net 

All right reserved 

Copyright 2023 

Front cover artist Mahsa Se

Content 

INTERVIEWS 

04 

22 

38 

58 

74 

Katya Taylor 

Art curator and the founder of Port of Culture 

Ana Jošović 

Objective beauty is an undeniable Truth 

Ruta Jansone 

Created richly textured floral canvases like psychedelic dreamscapes 

Marianna Nerozna 

Her work is the language of lines and color, conveying emotions 

Olesia Tkachenko 

Textile painting created from natural fibers on a wool canvas 

REPRESENTED ARTISTS 

10 

Margarita Stepanova 

52 

Fernanda Morales Tovar 

12 

Parastoo Haddadi 

54 

Olena Yemelianova 

14 

Valentina Diena 

56 

Juyi Mao 

16 

Olha Trikolich 

58 

Wendy Guagenti 

18 

Kateryna Bortsova 

64 


20 

Mahsa Se 

66 

Karina Danylchuk 

28 

Yuliia Lyshanets 

68 

Liza Illichmann 

30 

Oleksandra Kulikovska 

70 

Mina Mehdizadeh Fard 

32 

Molood Jannesari 

72 

Olena Stremouchova 

34 

Olena Ponomarova 

80 

Tina Striuk 

36 

Parnian Pourmovahed 

82 

Eva Alvor 

44 

Saharrococo 

84 

Yulia Kapustynska 

46 

Joseph Dulin-Didonato 

86 

Yeonhye Park 

48 

Maryna Mural 

88 

Shabnam Sharghi Ahvazi 

50 

Baharak Jourabchi 

Artwork Gallery Magazine | 

03

Interviews 

Katya Taylor 

Art curator and the founder of Port of Culture, a civil society organization 

that promotes Ukrainian cultural initiatives among domestic and 

international audiences. 

Ukraine 

@kataylormade 

port.agency | @port_agency 

04 | Artwork Gallery Magazine

Katya, tell us how the Port Agency project started and what functions it currently 

performs? Can we say that the main goal now is the formation of identity? 

The main goal of the Port or the Ukrainian 

nation?)) 

Port started in 2015, when we opened a hub, 

but then the idea grew beyond the location 

and I created an agency that can realize 

projects not in one place, but anywhere. We 

in the team call it a cultural development 

agency. That is, this is its main goal – the 

development of culture. 

We work both as an agency and as a public 

organization, depending on tasks and 

goals. The agency is a commercial company 

that, before the war, mainly worked with 

Ukrainian businesses to cover their corporate 

and social activities. And that was 

almost 70% of our work. And the NGO was 

engaged in non-commercial projects. 

Now everything has changed and it is the 

public organization that has become our 

main engine. 

“ 

We also create cultural projects: exhibitions, 

conferences, public art, but outside of 

Ukraine and not with commercial clients, but 

at the request of international organizations 

or thanks to grants. 


05

The support of like-minded people helps to move mountains, in your case it is the 

work and support of a powerful team! Do you divide the areas of work within the 

Port Agency or is it always a team working on a joint project? 

It’s teamwork and we share :) Each person 

is an expert in some area – design, communications, 

management. That is, everyone 

fulfills their role. But at the same time as 

the project is being prepared and many 

unexpected tasks arise along the way, 

the team solves them in a consolidated 

manner. 

Here it is necessary to understand that a 

cultural project is a unique story every time, 

from which it is impossible to extract and 

apply linear experience. No two projects are 

the same. And it’s also not a festival where 

every year, at least within the framework of 

the structure, you do the same thing. 

Therefore, let’s say that a cultural project is 

a formula with many unknowns. Because 

today is an exhibition, tomorrow are murals, 

the day after tomorrow is a conference, 

and then the creation of awards for some 

important competition. Therefore, you can 

calculate the base rate, but every time we 

end up on a deserted island. 

2022 was a busy year for your agency. The projects include Train to Victory, The 

Captured House and The Wall/Murals Across Europe and Africa. Looking back, 

which project was the most influential and important for the Port Agency and for 

Ukrainians? Did each project fulfill its own role? 

The project I am working on now is always 

important. This is the only way to dedicate 

yourself to what you are doing, immerse 

yourself, explore the topic deeply, fall in love 

with this project like never before. All these 

projects are important for the Port and, I 

hope, for the country. We work abroad all 

year round. 

Liverpool, from which we just returned, was 

the eighth city where we were lucky enough 

to work this year and last year. In each of 

them, we left a mention of Ukraine. 

It is difficult to say what is more or less 

important, because you never know how 

the project will behave in the long run, what 

or whom it will affect, what it will encourage 

the viewer to do. The Wall project in this 

sense will have an impact after its completion, 

because the murals will remain in most 

cities for a long time, perhaps for decades. 

That is, we cannot even imagine its influence 

not only on Ukraine, but actually, for 

example, on Berlin, Brussels or Nairobi, 

where these murals currently live their 

lives. 

If we talk about the people of Urkain, then, 

of course, Train to Victory appeared on 

time, which became hope and inspiration 

for the people who saw it. It was created to 

remember the heroism of people throughout 

the country, and not to remember the 

occupied territories. He acquired a special 

meaning when he first came to Kherson 

after de-occupation. It should also be noted 

that it was the train to victory that suffered 

during the last shelling of Kherson. 

Projects taking place in Ukraine and abroad 

are also important. I don’t think it’s worth 

rating what is more or less important here. 

Each of them does their job. 


The creation of the “Grains of Culture” mural was quite extensive. As part of the 

work, you conducted a master class and painted city buses. How much time was 

invested in the work on the project? 

In general, it takes about 4 months from 

the idea to go to Nairobi to the day of the 

presentation. But in fact, the process began 

to move in early February, and already at the 

end of the month, we were in Kenya. The 

project was larger than in European cities 

because it was in Africa. Little is known 

about Ukraine and the war there. People 

are not very interested in politics, and what 

they know about Ukraine is not always to 

our advantage. Plus, there is strong Russian 

propaganda in Africa. 

Ukraine lags behind in terms of African 

diplomatic presence. Therefore, creating a 

cultural project in Africa and in Europe are 

completely different things. Understanding 

that simply painting a mural will not be 

enough, we developed a series of events 

and media events that drew attention to the 

Ukrainian issue through culture. This is how 

the master class for artists, the painting of 

city transport, the performance of TVORCHI 

and the presentation of the project for a 

local establishment appeared. 

That is, the whole month we did various 

events that attracted the attention of to 

Ukraine to different audiences. And the 

final event was the opening of the mural. 

This raised many important questions. In 

a certain sense, we brought the Ukrainian 

agenda into the Kenyan media space. 


07

Continuing the theme of murals. Please tell us about the organization of work 

on the “Sound of Freedom” mural. Was it your own initiative or was the project 

offered to you in preparation for Eurovision? 

We worked on The Wall project together 

with the Ukrainian Institute for almost a 

year, and they recommended us to Culture 

Liverpool, which is actually the municipality 

responsible for culture in the city. As part of 

Eurovision, Liverpool developed the cultural 

program Eurofest, the task of which was to 

show Ukrainian-British projects created in 

collaboration. 

The point is that Liverpool won the Eurovision 

Song Contest by no accident. Another 

20 cities applied for this competition. But 

only Liverpool offered to add a cultural 

program developed together with Ukrainians 

to the standard Eurovision program. 

Because in fact, they have the opportunity 

to host Eurovision only because Ukraine 

does not have this opportunity due to the 

war. And they, together with the Ukrainian 

Institute, developed and implemented this 

program. Thus, in Liverpool, 24 collaborative 

projects are taking place in the city at 

the same time, and all Eurovision guests 

can get acquainted with modern Ukrainian 

culture. 

What goals do you, as a curator and organizer of the Port Agency, set for yourself 

now? 

Return to sustainable processes. We’ve 

done a lot, but it’s really hard to be on the 

road all the time. Not understanding in 

which country I woke up and what I owe 

to whom. I want to mainly work in Ukraine 

and bring at least a little bit of stability and 

normality into this chaos that is happening 

around me – to live in my own home, go to 

work. Communicate with the team, not just 

set tasks and check them. To be a part of 

important processes and changes taking 

place in the country. 

But, of course, there are also professional 

plans, and I hope we will be able to build a 

space for the development of the cultural 

industry in Kyiv. I can talk about it later. 

What advice would you give to artists and art projects working to promote 

Ukrainian art in the world? Maybe there are some difficulties that Ukrainian 

artists are currently facing, because the world is “tired” of the war? 

To learn languages, to remember that there 

is fierce competition in the world and we 

should participate as equals, not because 

we have a discounted ticket because of the 

war. Do deep research and generally study 

deeply about the topic you are dealing with. 

To understand that everything was created 

for us and it is very difficult to surprise 

someone with something, especially in the 

field of visual art. Lean on your identity, but 

don’t use it as your only trump card. Study 

your general history, culture and art. 

Be ready for thousands of “No”. And have 

the drive to continue despite everything. 


Artwork Gallery Magazine | 09

Margarita Stepanova 

Hands are a powerful symbol of strength and possibility. 

They can create beauty, heal, protect, destroy, cause pain, 

and be a sign of faith, blessings, peace, and hope. Their 

fullness and spirituality make their special creative tools. 

@margarita_stepanova_artist 

Cisnadie, Romania 

To me, each hand I draw has its unique destiny with 

its meaning. It captures the power they represent and 

hopefully brings profound insight with it. 

My series of paintings explores the idea of color through human hands. By contrasting a 

monochrome hand with a brightly colored background, I aim to create an immersive experience, 

where the colors, emotions, and feelings it evokes influence the viewer’s perception. 

My intention is not to present a specific emotion or a meaning per see, but rather to evoke 

an open-ended experience where viewers get to explore and interpret the piece as they 

wish. Through the art, I want to create a sense of connection between the viewers and the 

colors of summer and its warmth. 


Miss Moja the painter, 50x30 cm 


11

Parastoo Haddadi 

I love colors, therefore all of objects in my artwork painting 

with color texture. Despite to use colourful objects in 

painting, each them has own characters meaning, Horse is 

a symbol of Internal emotion of Women that is full of lovely 

birds to show her natural Feeling and abilities. Fishes are 

freedom and equality right wanted symbol. Butterfly Is 

meaning of spreading love and equality everywhere. cats 

are a symbol of sanctity and prejudice to women’s identities. 

fox is a symbol of preachers. 

@popi_imagination 

Tehran, Iran 

I am crazy about colors, therefore all of objects in my artwork painting is colourful. Despite 

to use colourful objects in painting, each them has own characters meaning, that showed 

by color means. 

This is a series project about women situations, i use happy colors that keep in touch with 

audience attention and then they can find their language sign to understand the meaning 

of the artwork. Around my artwork were written by 120 languages, the subject of each 

artwork. 


Women Series “Femininity“, 2021 


13

Valentina Diena 

Valentina Diena’s work is mainly characterized by the 

technique of hyperrealism colored pencils on paper. Her 

drawings generally focus on the photographic study and 

the thorough pictorial reproduction of all those consumer 

goods that fill and decorate our everyday life, full of their 

unique and specific meaning. The technique of hyperrealism 

helps her assimilate the chosen subject and analyze 

even its smallest detail, revealing curious visual and 

conceptual associations. 

@valentina__diena 

www.valentinadiena.com 

Milan, Italy 

Eat or Beaten is a diptych colored pencils on paper, and it portrays the most important two 

chess pieces, the king and the queen. Both are drawn on square size paper as a reference 

to the chessboard where they move. 

The source of Eat or Beaten is a consideration about the limits and bonds between lover 

and enemy, love and death, harmony and destruction, and about the innate fragility of 

every relation, which the artist recalls by choosing as a subject chess pieces made of colored 

glass. King and queen are chosen and represented through complementary colors, blue 

and orange, which seem evoking hostility and mutual destruction; nevertheless they come 

in pairs, side by side, and full of a mutual attraction which makes the dilemma unsolvable. 


Eat Or Beaten, 60x60 cm each 


15

Olha Trikolich 

In my artistic practice I explore the limits of the portrait 

genre. I actualise the human portrait in new contemporary 

systems of knowledge. The subject of my art is the influence 

on a human’s personality of the planets at the time 

of their birth. 

@trikolich_olha_artist 

Kiliya, Ukraine 

Often the subject I portray is a composite image. Sometimes, 

however, I have resorted to portraying strong personalities 

that interest me, revealing their inner world, their social 

position, their courage to assert their boundaries. 

In my expressive style of painting I use gradients, links, voids and vibrant fields of colour. 

These techniques date back to early modernism, a tradition in which painting exists on the 

border with graphic art, as if inadvertently passing into the realm of ephemeral matter, 

understatement. Through a scattering of vivid spots of colour I convey a person’s emotions, 

character, aspirations, experiences, hidden talents and I try to capture the “now” moment 

in which past and future collide. 


Saturn in Scorpio, Series “Natal chart”, 70x60 cm, canvas, oil, charcoal, 2023 


17

Kateryna Bortsova 

I think that art means confrontation between life and 

aesthetics. It is a hard struggle for both of them. Ant the 

understanding of art is one of the main artist’s working 

specialties. 

@katerynabortsova 

Kharkiv, Ukraine 

I as an artist believe that keeping up with ephemera fashion 

shall not serve as a factor of art work modernity. 

My creative process has not so many stages and technical peculiarities. Creation of a picture 

shall start, of course, from the image of potential work set inside my brains. Images occur 

in my imagination very often. It can be either imposed by impressions from the movie, 

theater play I saw or by simple communication with any person. Therefore I often face an 

opinion that my works are often based on any work of literature, but it is not right. 

I would not say that the range of my colours changed a lot throughout my life. Colour 

scheme of my works usually depends on composition. Sometimes there are restrained 

brownish colours, sometimes bright yellow or red ones. 


Pivot Point, 133x160cm 


19

Mahsa Se 

My art celebrates the beauty, strength, and emotions of 

being a woman. 

hrough digital creations, I express the feelings of strong and 

beautiful women, drawing inspiration from my thoughts 

and social events. 

@mahsase__art 

Twitter mahsa_se_nft 

Vancouver, Canada 

My world is in chaos and I am lost in the midst of it. The weight of countless eyes on me feels 

suffocating like the weight of the world is bearing down on my shoulders. I am desperate to 

make sense of it all, but the uncertainty and confusion are overwhelming. 

I feel hurt, my voice is no longer heard. 

I feel blinded, but I sense these eyes judging me. 

Drenched in blood, torn and bruised, I walk my path… 


I’m lost 


21

Interviews 

Ana Jošović 

Objective beauty is a tranquil state of mind in which we are connected 

to the highest form of existence. Objective beauty is an undeniable 

Truth. I’m still in search of it. 

Belgrade, Serbia 

@eruanne_art 


Your life has been devoted to art from an early age. Has your family traditionally 

been involved in art? 

My grandmother was a self-taught amateur 

painter so she passed her talents and love 

for art onto me, I fondly remember her 

teaching me art basics when I was little. 

For example: how to draw a shadow on a ball 

or a cube. Years passed, and my skills were 

becoming better and better. From the time 

I was in elementary school, I had exquisite 

and professional artwork. So the day came 

when I started teaching her some skills too. 

Together, we enjoyed art wholeheartedly. 

My grandma was not the only one enjoying 

creative endeavors. My mother loves her 

decoupage projects, so there is certainly a 

lot of creativity going on in my family. 

It’s impressive that you have been exhibiting for a long time and had a solo show 

in 2009! What role have exhibitions played in your life? 

Yes, I remember asking my school director if 

I could make my own solo exhibition as part 

of “The school without violence” project and 

they obliged. My grandmother was there 

too, of course, as was the rest of my family. It 

was a really magical experience and It had a 

strong impact on me. Overnight, I became 

the “popular” girl, even though I never fit in 

with actual popular kids in my school. 

some pictures of wolves howling at the 

moon, a tribal woman warming herself near 

a fire pit, waterfalls, etc. 

I was fascinated with Native American 

tribes and ambient music and I always wore 

feathers in my hair. Doubling the reason to 

have fingers pointed at, but I was just trying 

my best to be myself, from the inside out. 

The exhibition made me express myself 

freely and make people see all the wonders 

that I see, even though, naturally, I’m a very 

private person. 

I was showing off both my traditional 

paintings and digital drawings made in 

“Paint”, which, at the time, was really a hard 

program to use for drawing. There were 

“ 

These experiences later led me to explore 

Adobe Photoshop and other art programs 

that I still use to this day. 


23


After graduating in 2019, you actively explored other mediums. Tell us about your 

search? 

In my search for a personal style, within 

digital media, I noticed how much the 

digital logic of “quick and efficient” filling 

of the white background layer can harm 

the artist’s development and generally the 

whole art process. It erases the breath of 

life of the initial characteristic of the sketch. 

An endless struggle between what I have 

learned for years (from the traditional) and 

“how to make a digital illustration” videos. 

The approaches are often contradictory and 

I had to find a common solution. I needed 

to learn how to draw all over again. On the 

other hand, I have always had the same love 

for stylized drawing, namely, cartoon styles. 

I was torn between experience, interest, the 

flow of the future and the audience demand. 

Especially with the recent AI development – 

when a perfectly good picture can be made 

with one click. 

All this made me return to traditional painting. 

After 4 years of exploring the digital 

world, I came back to paint as I would before 

on my canvas, the way I was taught. Due 

to the whole AI situation, I started filming 

the process of creating my works, because 

I wanted to protect myself and prove their 

origin. 

Now, you are actively engaged in digital illustration. What inspired you to create 

a vintage series? What theme do you discover? 

I have always been enchanted by vintage 

aesthetics. To portray sexiness, grandeur, 

glamour, and elegance, I often use vintage 

themes. Their sexipile is almost like poetry. 

I have a sample of that era in the top layer 

of the picture, shown through poses, facial 

expressions, and fashion aesthetics. 

“ 

Fashion changes over time, but beauty will 

never go out of style, because beauty is a 

need of the human soul. 

In today’s social networks, beauty overshadowing 

is more prevalent than ever before. 

Apart from the increasingly frequent plastic 

aesthetic procedures, there are filters and 

excellent make-up artists who completely 

change the constitution of the face, so this 

often gives girls a plastic and “unattainable” 

type of beauty, although, in the background 

of all this, we have many problems on a 

global level. 

Burlesque has moved to everyone’s phone, 

and we can see it at any time of the day. 

One reel can show footage of an ecological 

disaster and how we should be aware of the 

way we treat our environment, and the next 

reel is a sensual dance of a girl with lots of 

skin on display. Guess which reel the majority 

will watch till the end? 


25

How do you combine your creativity with freelance work? 

I enjoy freelance work as much as I do 

when I work for myself. Freelance projects 

can be a big challenge, depending on the 

client’s requirements and it pushes me out 

of my comfort zone. In this way, I always 

learn something new and thus appropriate 

these new lessons in my personal creative 

projects in the future. Challenges can be a 

good refreshment. 

As someone who has studied art for 

most of your life, what advice would 

you give emerging artists? 

Even though everything seems to be 

stacked against you and there is no place 

for you in this world, you have to keep 

pushing. 

Even people who are not involved in the art 

can recognize work of great quality, even 

though it is apparently a boring theme (e.g. 

still life or nude). Practice, so that no one can 

deny the quality of your work, regardless of 

their taste and subjective interpretation of 

beauty. 

Read, explore yourself and the world around 

you and choose what you feed your mind 

with, because eventually, everything creeps 

into your works, consciously or subconsciously. 

Observe The Final Show 

“ 

Practice a lot and let it become your main job 

and your entertainment. Look up to the great 

masters and let the quality of the work speak 

for you. 


Artwork Gallery Magazine Ecocalypse | 27

Yuliia Lyshanets 

I have been interested in illustration for a long time. There 

were periods in my life when I stopped drawing illustrations. 

With the beginning of the full-scale invasion of 

Ukraine, I could not draw for a long time, but I took it into 

my hands and began to cover the events taking place 

through graphic art. Now in my works I want to talk about 

my beautiful country. We want to talk about the traditions, 

culture, and life of Ukrainians, to show through bright 

colors how rich and fertile our country. 

@julllial 

Kyiv, Ukraine 

My series of works aims to show Ukraine to the world through color, bright color, although 

even now we are experiencing moments that should be shown through cold, sad colors, 

but there are enough of them in life. In my series, the works are filled with rich, juicy colors 

and exuberance of life, which bring joy to people. And they also give faith and hope that the 

Ukrainian people will never be broken by anyone. And this is our glory and strength! It will 

continue to be so! Everything will be - Ukraine, a blooming, colorful Ukraine. 


Kherson is UA, 20x25cm, digital drawing, 2022 


29

Oleksandra Kulikovska 

I work in collage and mixed media techniques. I use bright 

colors and black-white. I actively explore the themes of 

identity, sex, utopia, mental health, death, and violence. 

Complex topics are often avoided, but I’m is sure it hinders 

the honest view of reality. If one looks at reality honestly, one 

can change something and make this world a better place. 

@littlecoolart 

Dresden, Germany 

My main goal is to ask the right questions through my 

works and help people see reality and believe that it can 

be changed. 

Summer - time for actions. Sometimes people lack something to act. This is where collages 

created based on predictions from fortune cookies come to the rescue. 

The serie “Fortune collages” was made on colorful and vibrant, bright color paper. 


Flowering In The Fire, 30x21 cm 


31

Molood Jannesari 

My artworks address the importance of women’s rights and 

feelings.I inspired by the colors of my country traditional 

architecture and historical monuments in persia. Through 

the use of innovative techniques , natural colors and digital 

art, I paint vivid portrayals of power inspiring a heightened 

sense of self-knowledge and recognition within the viewer 

and conveying a powerful message of hope and liberation. 

these paintings reveal the emotional truth of women’s 

diverse perspectives in world. 

@molood.jannesari 

Esfahan, Iran 

Colors are my words. I’m writing a story of women feelings. In a place that I have 

not freedom of speech I found another way to talk. I paint my words. Summer is 

great. A colorful summer is awesome. But what if between all these pretty things 

some people limit you just because you are a woman? 

Yes Hello. Welcome to the world of an Iranian artist. 


Miss Moja the painter, 50x30 cm 


33

Olena Ponomarova 

I have been a newborn photographer for 8 years, in total 

I have been doing photography for 13 years. Now I feel a 

strong impulse that pushes me to develop my activity as 

an artist photographer. I want to be a photographer who 

combines pictures and paint on canvas. Thanks to my 

works, I want to create works of art for people that will 

awaken their soul and sensuality. 

@elenponomaryova 

Kyiv, Ukraine 

A powerful and emotional series about motherhood, based on the real stories of the women 

I worked with. By using color as a medium, I am able to convey the complexity and depth 

of these emotions in a way that is both visceral and abstract. The colors you choose can 

represent different aspects of the motherhood experience - pain and discomfort, fear and 

uncertainty, love and tenderness. 


Color 3, 50x70 cm 


35

Parnian Pourmovahed 

Artists have an important duty to keep their country’s art 

history alive. Iran is a very old country that has a very rich 

art history that so we can find it in painting, sculpture, 

architecture, pottery, engraving, etc. 

In my illustrations I always try to reflect these symbols 

specially elements of architecture, cloth ,pottery patterns 

and even some special objects like carpet and samovar. 

These elements give to my art pieces genuineness. 

@parnianpourmovahed 

Lincoln, United Kingdom 

Motherhood is full of different colors. The warmness of red, the freshness of green, the lightness 

of yellow and the richness of beige. In my art work i try to show this special aspect of 

motherhood with brelient colors. 


Motherhood, 22x31cm 


37

Interviews 

Ruta Jansone 

Drawing from imagination, I paint euphoric, richly textured floral 

canvases and collage-like psychedelic dreamscapes that interpret the 

essence of the natural world and the human spirit. 

Born: Riga, Latvia 

Now: Norway 

www.squarejcstudio.com | @squarejc.studio | TikTok 


Ruta, how did your passion for art start? 

My passion for art started at a very young 

age, and I believe it was nurtured by the 

creative influence of my mom. Even as a 

child, I was naturally drawn to creating 

arts and crafts. I was inspired by her, she 

always engaged in creative activities at 

home, whether it was drawing or crafts. I 

remember she had a remarkable talent for 

realistic still life drawings, and I was in awe 

of her beautiful creations. I was so proud of 

her talent that I would bring her drawings 

to school to show everyone. Witnessing her 

creativity and artistic abilities firsthand had 

a profound impact on me and ignited my 

own passion for art. From that point on, 

I found joy in expressing myself through 

various art forms and continued to explore 

and develop my artistic skills over the 

years. 

Your love for bright colors and optimism in life only increased with the move to 

the northern country! Tell us, how was the adaptation and your art transformation? 

Oh, I can’t even begin to express the sheer 

delight I experienced upon moving to 

Norway! It was a transformative experience 

for me, both personally and artistically. It 

was as if a burst of vibrant energy had been 

awakened within me, drawing me towards 

bright colors like a magnet. The sudden shift 

in my artistic preferences came naturally, 

yet it took me by surprise. 

The open-minded culture and the incredible 

people I encountered played a significant 

role in this transformation. The acceptance, 

humbleness, support, and commitment to 

equality that I encountered in my surroundings 

was truly awe-inspiring. Although my 

life wasn’t without its challenges, the sheer 

joy that I felt from living here left a permanent 

mark on my art. Every brush of paint 

reflected the happiness and gratitude that 

filled my heart. 

“ 

It was as if a switch had been flipped, and 

I couldn’t help but gravitate towards the 

brightest hues imaginable. 


39

Tell us what inspires you to create new works? Do you have favorite contemporary 

artists or look for inspiration intuitively by listening to yourself? 

Nothing fuels my creativity quite like 

embracing new experiences. Each encounter, 

whether it’s exploring a new travel 

destination, reading an interesting information 

source, engaging in spontaneous 

conversations, or even rediscovering the 

familiar holds the potential to inspire my 

artistic vision. Rather than confining myself 

to a specific set of favorite contemporary 

artists, I prefer to look inward and listen to 

my own intuition. By cultivating a mindset 

of openness and curiosity, I am continually 

rewarded with fresh insights that 

breathe life into my creations. It is in these 

uncharted territories that my imagination 

thrives, and my artwork reflects the colorful 

tapestry of experiences that shape my 

creative journey. 


Do you feel the difference between cultures and society as an artist? Does being 

a member of Female Artists Oslo help you express yourself more and promote 

yourself in a new environment? 

Yes, I definitely feel the differences between 

cultures and society. Each culture brings 

its unique beliefs, customs, and artistic 

influences, all of which inspire my creative 

process. Culture influences society, while 

society provides the environment for 

cultural expressions to flourish. 

Being a member of Female Artists Oslo 

(FAO) has been an incredible support system 

for me. Not only are there opportunities for 

female artists to showcase their art, but it 

also fosters a nurturing, strong community 

where we uplift and empower one another 

on our artistic journeys. Through FAO, I have 

gained a new mindset that emphasizes 

the importance of community, which has 

ultimately enhanced my artistic expression, 

pushing me to explore new creative directions. 

“ 

I am immensely grateful for the support and 

encouragement I receive from this community, 

and I cannot wait for what the future 

holds! 


41

You actively started as an artist in group exhibitions this year and already have 

plans for the rest of the summer, impressive! What experience have you gained 

by participating in regional exhibitions? 

Thank you! Participating in regional group 

exhibitions has been an incredibly valuable 

experience for me as an emerging artist. 

Firstly, it has allowed me to immerse myself 

in the art scene and connect with other 

passionate artists. 

Being surrounded by like-minded individuals 

who share a common love for art has 

been both inspiring and motivating. 

These exhibitions have reinforced my love 

for being a part of the art world and have 

taught me the importance of setting 

ambitious goals and believing in my own 

abilities. As I move forward, I am very excited 

about the upcoming opportunities, including 

my first group exhibition in New York 

this autumn. With each step, I am reminded 

that the possibilities are limitless when you 

dare to dream big. 

What advice would you give to young artists? How to discover yourself, believe in 

yourself, and create what you like? 

When it comes to young artists, there’s so 

much to unpack, I could keep talking for 

hours! 

Discovering yourself as an artist starts with 

exploration and experimentation. Try out 

different art styles and techniques, and see 

what resonates with you. This process not 

only hones your artistic skills but also helps 

you uncover what truly inspires you and 

ignites your passion. Similarly, understanding 

what you don’t like is just as important. 

To create art you love, you must embrace 

your authentic self unapologetically, both 

in your art and in your everyday life. When 

you genuinely express who you are, it will 

reflect in the art that you create. 

“ 

Now, believing in yourself is a journey that 

takes time and can be a real challenge. 

Confidence grows with practice and experience. 

It’s natural to have doubts and fear 

when starting something new. The more 

you engage in your art and put yourself 

out there, the more your self-belief will 

strengthen. 

Remember, there’s no perfect moment to 

start, so begin before you feel fully ready. 

Consider the possibility that things might 

work out. Take the leap, take risks, and trust 

in your ability to grow as an artist. 



Saharrococo 

My art is deeply inspired by the world around me and I seek 

to convey my unique perspective through my artwork. 

@sahar_rococo 

Kyrenia, Cyprus 

I am particularly drawn to the interplay of colors and shapes, 

and use abstract geometric forms to create thought-provoking 

compositions that invite the viewer to reflect on 

their own experiences and perceptions. 

My painting of two friends drinking coffee on a summer day with blue, yellow and turquoise 

colors can evoke a warm and friendly atmosphere. 

The painting’s use of color can evoke a sense of mood and atmosphere, as the blue and cyan 

colors can suggest a refreshing and cooling sensation that is often associated with summer, 

while the yellow color can add warmth and vibrancy. Additionally, the use of abstraction in 

the painting can invite the viewer to focus on the interplay of colors and forms, rather than 

on representational elements. color can be used not only to depict objects and scenes, but 

also to create emotional and sensory experiences. 


Jacana Birds Part 2, 21x30cm 


45

Joseph Dulin-Didonato 

My current collection is an evolving idea based around 

concepts and technique put fourth by Henri Matisse. The 

main focus of my subjects seem to be women, but in fact, 

is more about saturation, contrast, hue, tone and color 

placement. No color I use is ever “straight out of the tube”. 

Using raw pigments and other supplements, I turn basic 

acrylic pain into something much more. Each painting is a 

balance between the of vulnerability in women juxtaposed 

to the inviting warmth of these colors. 

@the_outside_artist 

Grove City, USA 

Color is what ties our emotions to reality, We see a color and have a visceral reaction “I love 

it” or “I hate it”. Colors can make us feel sad or happy. And they can remind us of moments 

we’ve had. Without color, art means nothing. It is the most important choice in every painting, 

in our living rooms, and the clothes we wear. Color is important. My paintings use color 

in the forefront of every piece. Skin tones, light reflection and large color blocks for the 

background- give the viewer a chance to be ingulfed in the emotion of the figure and to be 

immersed in the feeling by the colors used. Only a few colors are chosen to be represented 

in each work so each one of the colors can be appreciated in its own space. 


Untitled, 31x48 in, Acrylic, 2023 


47

Maryna Mural 

I work in a naive style. 

In my works I combine flora and fauna into one whole. 

Bright, truthful, and a little childish. 

@maryana_mural 

FB maryana.mural 

Kamyanka-Buzka, 

Ukraine 

Color is the main component of my works. In the series “Take care of your inner beast” it 

is seen perfectly! Pictures catch the eye and invite you to view. So many details, the flower 

gardens are bursting with all the colors of the rainbow. 


Take care of your inner beast, series 


49

Baharak Jourabchi 

My artworks address the importance of women’s rights and 

feelings.I inspired by the colors of my country traditional 

architecture and historical monuments in persia. Through 

the use of innovative techniques , natural colors and digital 

art, I paint vivid portrayals of power inspiring a heightened 

sense of self-knowledge and recognition within the viewer 

and conveying a powerful message of hope and liberation. 

these paintings reveal the emotional truth of women’s 

diverse perspectives in world. 

@baharakjourabchi_art 

Mashhad, Iran 

Colors are my words. I’m writing a story of women feelings. In a place that I have 

not freedom of speech I found another way to talk. I paint my words. Summer is 

great. A colorful summer is awesome. But what if between all these pretty things 

some people limit you just because you are a woman? 

Yes Hello. Welcome to the world of an Iranian artist. 


Dare to live, 120×90cm 


51

Fernanda Morales Tovar 

My work explores the analogies and dialectics existing in 

the environment that promote the conjunction of nature 

and urban devices in everyday life. 

I construct a visual archeology based on the interpretation 

and proposal of signs of the intersection of spaces, 

the human being, the stories, the ruin, and the landscape, 

through the use of paint. Thus, my painting aims to be a 

conduit that allows generating new connections with 

reality through the recreation of places from painting. 

@fernandamoralestovar 

FB fernandamoralestovar. 

artist 

fernandamoralestovar.com 

Mexico City, Mexico 

Series: Archeologies of the environment 

Archeologies of the environment, is a series of oil paintings by Fernanda Morales Tovar. In 

this, Morales explores the analogies and dialectics existing in the environment that promote 

the conjunction of nature and urban devices in everyday life. Through a visual archeology 

that is based on the interpretation and proposal of signs of intersection in the spaces, the 

humans, the stories, the ruin and the landscape; through the use of painting values such as 

descriptive and schematic levels of representation, rhythm and color. In order to be alternative 

landscapes, mediated by the imagination, which imitate the future of the individual 

in the face of the daily illusion that everyone faces. 


ConfluenceI_ Decline and segments, 2021, Oil on canvas, 125 x 108 cm 

Bringing together, 2020, Oil on canvas, 100 x 90 cm 


53

Olena Yemelianova 

The central object of my artistic research is a person’s path 

to himself through emotions, impressions, reflections, 

meanings and their duality, contradiction and harmony. 

My natural ability to observe this path, to track its features 

in various manifestations, constantly inspires thoughts 

that are reflected in my paintings. For me, everything 

around me is filled with meaning and emotions. I see them 

in people, nature, architecture, objects, details, colors. 

@olena_yemelianova 

Kharkiv, Ukraine 

My life is not black and white. It is full of colors. There is also red in it, because it is love. And 

black is mourning for what is happening around and for people who are no longer there. 

There is yellow and blue, because these are the colors of my country, of my self-identification. 

And pink - tenderness, fragility, sensuality. Purple is the color of lavender fields, the 

color of my dreams. All shades of green leaves and grass. But all shades of blue sea, sky, 

river. Even the turquoise color of my car)) And also gold. Because I’m a woman, I want to 

shine)) And of course there is white to add more colors and shades. Because the more of 

them in life, the brighter it is. 


Colors of my life, 47x47 cm 


55

Juyi Mao 

My art is inspired by the Spirit within that unfolds my desire 

to become more aware of who I am. 

Through the dance between my inner knower and the 

manifest world my paintings are born. 

@juyi_mao 

Brooklyn, United States 

United States 

The use of pastel, colored pencil, and charcoal in my drawings allows for a nuanced interplay 

of textures and hues, resulting in a visually stunning experience that mirrors the summer’s 

warmth and vibrancy. My abstract style enables me to concentrate on the essence of color, 

stripping away recognizable forms to create a visual language that transcends the literal 

and invites the viewer to embark on their own emotional journey. 

Incorporating the theme of minimalism and maximalism, my artwork presents a delicate 

balance between the two extremes, exploring the power of color to evoke emotions and 

feelings in both subtle and striking ways. Through a careful layering of shades and tones, I 

create compositions that range from soft whispers of color to bold, dynamic expressions, 

capturing the full spectrum of summer’s chromatic essence. 


Unexpected Meeting, 40x30 cm 

An Interview with a Child, 30x23 cm 


57

Interviews 

Marianna Nerozna 

My work is the language of lines and color on canvas, conveying 

emotions, bringing light to the audience, and touching the soul. 

Art is my life. 

Kyiv, Ukraine 

nerozna.com 

FB | TikTok | YouTube 


Tell us about yourself. You can say yours started with the University of Technology 

and Design, Department of Drawing and Painting. And then you started teaching. 

How did your passion for teaching start 

I am a Ukrainian artist from Kyiv. From early 

childhood, she began to feel attracted to 

beauty and art. I liked mixing paints, and 

my favorite pastime was looking at book 

illustrations. As a child, I clearly remember 

that I also want to see the bright world and 

fantasize when I grow up. 

completing my studies, I was offered to 

stay and teach at the University, and that’s 

how my teaching activity began in the 

following disciplines: History of art, painting, 

and drawing. Then I immersed myself 

in cultural studies and defended my candidate’s 

thesis. 

Then there was an art school, where she 

studied the basics of drawing and, painting, 

sculpture, and only then a university with 

in-depth knowledge of art disciplines. After 

Art was always by my side at different times. 

No matter what, it saved me from everything 

and inspired me. I delved into myself 

and just created. 

“ 

The most essential thing in life is to know 

what you want and why you do everything. 

Set goals and go for them, but don’t get stuck 

because then it won’t work. 

You are a candidate of cultural studies, an art critic, an associate professor at the 

Department of Graphic Design of KNUTD, an artist, the founder of the ART&SHOCK 

art space, and a public figure. Which direction is the most important for you right 

now? 

Studying artistic cells in many ways, 

immersing myself in Ukrainian identification, 

and globalization of Ukrainian culture, 

now I focus on my own art as an artist. 

Following the creative path, I came to 

myself. 

Most of the canvases I have made are in 

mixed media, oil painting, and graphic 

techniques, and I am trying VR art. 

Education is a vital component for an artist. 

When you are learning, you don’t notice 

it. 

Many people get lost while walking. I 

definitely feel like a happy person because 

creating is magic. When painting a picture, 

you just get high from the process. It’s relaxation 

for the soul. Daily emotional labor. 

Only later you realize that you are using 

knowledge, and in combination with your 

feelings, you can competently express 

yourself, your ideas and your thoughts on 

canvas. 


59

New day, 100х150 cm 

Can I find out more about the tasks of the ART&SHOCK art space? How has the 

direction of work changed since the full-scale invasion? 

ART&SHOCK is my project, created before 

the start of the war, the task of which is the 

development of Ukrainian art (painting, VR) 

in Ukraine and beyond. 

The day when Russia’s large-scale aggression 

against Ukraine began partially disoriented 

me. I put all projects on hold for a 

while. Focusing on my own inner world, 

I began to paint canvases depicting only 

calmness and positivity, which was so 

lacking in everyday life. 

Because of the constant shelling and the 

alarming siren, it wasn’t easy to psychologically 

get back together. 

Thanks to my creative ideas, little by little, 

I began to focus on the beautiful with a 

much greater desire to consider various 

opportunities for development for myself at 

the moment and to look for positive aspects 

for the further development of Ukrainian 

art. 

The artwork called “New Day” is special, it 

was created at the beginning of 2023. 

The sunrise became my additional source 

of energy, a symbol of a new day before the 

expected victory in the war, new opportunities, 

and artistic perspectives. 


Let’s talk about your activities as an artist. Many of your works are inspired by 

nature. What do you put into your abstract landscapes? What are they about? 

I have always been inspired by nature 

and music. These two components of my 

balance are the most important for creating 

artistic canvases. A state of euphoria 

where you feel neither time nor hunger, a 

kind of Nirvana. 

Currently, I focus on oil painting with 

graphic elements, and I also create abstract 

landscapes. 

creating the desired composition. I use 

large-sized canvases, which gives the works 

an additional visual effect. 

I am working on a series of abstract works 

called “Lines”. Why the lines? Everything 

that surrounds us in life is energy that 

is connected by invisible lines, people’s 

thoughts, past generations, and future 

ones. 

The canvas has a texture, the color scheme 

can change from the darkest to the transparent, 

and the lines flow from the roughest 

to the thinnest, intertwining and 

These lines are the very energy of life on the 

subtle plane. The main theme for this series 

is the image of the Carpathian Mountains 

and human figures in my performance. 

Your work is very concise, mysterious, and interesting. The diptych “In amore” is 

especially impressive. Tell us what inspired you to create it and how you combined 

so many exciting textures? That’s very beautiful! 

My painting is full of sensuality and energy 

and conveys mood and state. I was inspired 

to create the diptych “In amore” by the 

feelings of people in love. What can be more 

beautiful than love? 

This is passion, a special look, body 

movements, harmony – all this can be traced 

on the canvases. 

The diptych symbolizes two halves of one 

whole – a man and a woman. 

Many textured elements on the canvases 

add compositional completeness to the 

work, and with the help of leaf gilding, I 

emphasize the figures. Interestingly, starting 

with this diptych, the series of works 

“Lines” began. 

After finishing the series, I plan to have a 

personal exhibition in the gallery. 

In amore, fragment 


61

In what direction do you plan to work in the coming years, and what goals do you 

set for yourself? 

There are many plans and goals. I know 

that Ukrainian art is strong in all aspects, 

both technically and spiritually, and will be 

competitive unequivocally. Both art critics 

and gallerists understand this. 

Currently, new promising exhibition 

platforms for artists are being created, 

Ukrainian projects are appearing abroad, 

and I am also participating in some of them. 

With the beginning of the war, the whole 

world is talking about Ukraine, and art does 

not stand aside. 

I plan to move forward as an artist, create 

new interesting projects in VR art, continue 

painting oil canvases, supplement Nerozna. 

com with creative canvases, and make 

new personal exhibitions in galleries in our 

country and abroad. I hope that Ukrainian 

art will reach a new level after the war. 

Based on your experience working under Covid and war conditions, what advice 

would you give aspiring artists and those thinking about starting their own art 

Creative people are the most interesting of 

all. They are full of ideas, projects, and interesting 

thoughts. It is pleasant to communicate 

with them. Dare to start their artistic 

project, novice artists need not only moral 

preparation but also additional communication 

or cooperation with gallerists, exhibition 

sites, etc. 

Most creative people are very sensual. 

They can focus not on their creativity but 

on the creativity of another artist and 

create under his influence or be fixated on 

the academicism that is imposed in education. 

“ 

The main thing is to hear, to be, to understand 

yourself, to have an idea of your 

purpose and goal. It is important not to 

despair when something does not work out, 

or not as you would like. 

It is necessary to study and improve, to be 

flexible to circumstances, not to stand still, 

to try to be in constant motion. 

The most important thing is to remember 

your artistic self-identification and 

create. 




My art is inspired by the Spirit within that unfolds my desire 

to become more aware of who I am. 

Through the dance between my inner knower and the 

manifest world my paintings are born. 

@guagentitheartist 

artoftheheartllc.com 

New Rochelle, New York 

United States 

The use of color and vibrancy in my artwork comes as a result of the art process. It is the 

result of painting from a place of spiritual intention. 


Meditation, 24x36 inch 

Lovers of the Art, 29x20 inch 


65

Karina Danylchuk 

Relationships between nature and people inspire me to 

create my artworks - watercolor birds. I chose this medium 

to show how fragile the bird (and nature) world is: bold, 

transparent, and expressive. All these conditions I can 

express in art when words lose power. I also show the 

unique personality of each bird. 

Also, my watercolor birds set out the difference between 

people and animals, especially in how we show emotions. 

@danylchuk.art 

AF karina-danylchuk 

Kyiv, Ukraine 

These artworks are about alertness, a common feeling I see in a bird’s world. Every second, 

they control the environment around them. It requires a lot of effort and brain activity. 

At the same time, I tried to depict birds with bright and colorful backgrounds to see how 

colors interact with each other. After many hours of work, brown and blue together look 

great, but combining them in watercolor is really hard. Blues and greens are also very 

similar, but their vibe is warmer and provides a calmer atmosphere. 


Jacana Birds Part 2, 21x30cm 


67

Liza Illichmann 

As a realist artist from Ukraine based in Germany, Liza 

Illichmann draws inspiration from her Ukrainian heritage 

and culture. Liza Illichmann’s work showcases the beauty of 

warm countryside life and sunsets, as in childhood dream, 

using oils and acrylics. Her use of vibrant colors and unique 

textures in each painting invites viewers to experience the 

warmth and comfort of the countryside. Liza’s art encourages 

us to appreciate the simple pleasures of life and slow 

down to enjoy nature’s beauty. 

@liza_illichmann_art 

lizaillichmann.com 

Bannberscheid, Germany 

Liza Illichmann’s current series of paintings showcases a stunning array of vibrant colors, 

with a focus on warm earthy tones and striking sunset hues. Each painting invites the 

viewer to experience the beauty and power of nature, with scenes that feature countryside 

homes nestled in natural settings. 

Through her skillful use of oils and acrylics, Liza captures the unique textures and vibrant 

colors that define these stunning natural phenomena. Her art invites viewers to take a 

moment to step away from the fast-paced world and appreciate the simple pleasures of 

life. 

With her expert use of impasto and glazing techniques, Liza brings these scenes to life in 

a way that is both captivating and serene. Her paintings offer a powerful reminder of the 

beauty that can be found in even the simplest moments, inviting us to slow down and 

appreciate the world around us. 


Unexpected Meeting, 40x30 cm 

An Interview with a Child, 30x23 cm 


69

Mina Mehdizadeh Fard 

At the age of forty, I tried to take a deep breath and think 

that if I don’t start working, my life will end, and I haven’t 

done anything. But all this will not lead to the gradual 

death of my dreams. It is in your nature that past events do 

not hinder future steps. You have gained experiences and 

a you are ready to move on with your life, but you have to 

wake up and decide to act. Make a decision right now. 

Forty years collection is the title of my collection. 

@abanartgallery.7 

Tehran, Iran 

At the age of forty, I tried to take a deep breath and think that if I don’t start working, my 

life will end, and I haven’t done anything. But all this will not lead to the gradual death of 

my dreams. It is in your nature that past events do not hinder future steps. You have gained 

experiences and you are ready to move on with your life, but you have to wake up and 

decide to act. Make a decision right now. 

Forty years is like a cool breeze that blows on the sweaty skin of a summer day, like the 

pleasant sound of rain on the leaves, like everything that makes you enter a passionate 

ecstasy. The forty-something-year-old woman is a perfect painting from the collection of 

everything that can be gathered in one frame. 

The Forty Year Collection is the title of my collection, which were created between the ages 

of 38 and 50. This collection includes 30 works, which are executed using drawing pencils, 

colored ink, colored pencils, and gold. 


Deliverance, 50x70 cm 


71

Olena Stremouchova 

I’m Olena Stremoukhova, an artist from Ukraine. The 

accent in my work is color. Red becomes my expressive 

visual language, representing anger, aggression, blood, 

fire, danger and character.It reflects the intensity of my 

experiences and conveys emotional depth in context of 

the war in Ukraine.The theme of flowers is an association 

with the spring of 2022, which it has become for Ukrainians. 

Flowers, like people, despite the fragility of life, continue to 

appear and bloom even during cruel events. 

@strem.lena 

FB StremouhovaElena 

strem-lena.blogspot.com 

Vilnius, Lithuania 

A single iris complements the previous works, providing contrast. The bouquets represent 

unity and the power of collective growth, the iris demonstrates the importance of individual 

resilience. Even a single flower can inspire hope for renewal during difficult times. 


Flowering In The Fire, 30x21cm 


73

Interviews 

Olesia Tkachenko 

My works are a textile painting created from natural fibers on a wool 

canvas. In fact, I am engaged in painting with the help of textiles 

because instead of paints, I work with living organic material, which I 

transform into another substance with my imagination. 

Kyiv, Ukraine 

@olesia_tkachenko_art | FB OlesiaTkachenkoArt | @yaskravo.studio 


You have a very interesting art background. From 2006 to 2015, you worked as 

a teacher at the University of Technology and Design, and at the same time, in 

2010, you started studying art textiles. Was it related to your career or was it a 

desire for personal development? 

In fact, I did not start my studies in 2010.)) 

By that time, I had graduated from the Lviv 

Academy of Arts (Department of Textiles, 

specialty “Batik”), but already when I was 

a teacher, I decided to enroll in a master’s 

degree and write a research paper on the 

topic “The Art of the Second Half Felt 20th 

century in Ukraine and the world” under 

the leadership of associate professor G. 

D. Kusko, I am very grateful to her for her 

help. 

It was in the process of deep immersion 

in the topic that I became interested in 

experiments in wool felting techniques. 

This became useful both for teaching activities 

and for the development of one’s own 

creativity. I learned about the best artists in 

the field of textiles and realized that artistic 

textiles are not limited to decorative and 

applied art, but can look like contemporary 

art – very powerful and modern. This is how 

my journey of finding my style in textile 

painting began. 

It is interesting that the first textile works began to appear only in 2015. Can we 

say that it was an experiment to combine painting with a more technical direction? 

After graduating from the academy, I 

experimented a lot with felting techniques, 

studied different areas, and worked with 

clothing designers. In 2015, I received an 

invitation to participate in the textile triennial. 

My first major work “Stolen Europe” is 

made in a graphic style, but with the use of 

textile fibers. It was the first experience of 

working with wool, which received positive 

feedback from colleagues, and it encouraged 

me to continue textile creativity. 

Therefore, we can say that it was not just an 

experiment, but a step in my activity that 

opened up new opportunities for me in 

working with textiles. 

My works can be considered a kind of textile 

painting, created on a wool canvas using 

natural fibers. Instead of paints, I use natural 

organic material, which gives me unlimited 

freedom. 

Thus, textiles became the first element of 

my creativity, which unexpectedly reveals 

itself in the work and helps to find non-standard 

solutions.) 

“ 

In textile materials I see the potential to 

create modern works of art and at the same 

time I use them to emphasize the naturalness 

of my creations. 


75

You currently have a very distinctive style. Olesia, how did you come to abstraction 

and what inspires you? 

My path to abstraction began with realistic 

art. However, I realized that painting still 

lifes and landscapes do not always allow me 

to fully express my feelings and emotions. 

I wanted to create something unique and 

special, so I began to break the patterns 

of realism to find my own style. Abstract 

art gave me the opportunity to freely 

express thoughts and feelings, improvise, 

and embody new images and meanings, 

and inspired me to create something 

unexpected. I use different materials and 

techniques to convey ideas and emotions 

through abstract compositions and colors. 

My works are a reflection of my life and 

artistic practices. I hope they will inspire 

viewers to explore their own identity and 

the world around them. I am inspired by 

the beauty of everyday life, simple things 

like a morning cup of coffee, a walk, and 

meetings with close friends. I like to capture 

these moments in my paintings. 

My sources of inspiration are also: 

Art and culture: museums, galleries, 

theaters. 

Music. I often listen to it when I work on 

paintings. 

Communication with other creative 

people. The exchange of ideas and 

experiences helps to develop and implement 

new ideas. Traveling and getting 

to know exciting people and cultures. 


One of your latest works in social networks is impressive in size! And if you showed 

the final footage of the installation to the buyer, it is very difficult to imagine how 

a work of this scale was created! Tell us about the process of creation, difficulties 

and secrets of patience. 

Yes, it was a very interesting but also difficult 

project. First, it was necessary to find 

a large space to spread the canvas on the 

floor since my workshop was too small. I 

had to contact the man to get access to his 

industrial and production premises. 

The next stage was worked in wet felting 

technology, which involves using a large 

amount of hot soapy water, and then 

thoroughly washing the panels under 

cold running water. However, the work 

was further complicated because I worked 

on it in the winter and had to rinse with 

cold running water outdoors in sub-zero 

temperatures. That was something!!! 

Despite all the difficulties, I enjoyed working 

with such a large size. It was a challenge, but 

at the same time, it allowed me to express 

my ideas on a larger format and create a 

work that is impressive in its size. 

“ 

Large formats give freedom in experimenting with 

textures and colors, which expands my possibilities, 

helps to show the full range of my creative 

individuality and allows me to transfer all energy 

and emotions to the canvas as much as possble. 


77

Returning to teaching, tell us about your art studio. You teach both adults and 

children, and what is more inspiring in your work? 

My studio is a place that inspires creativity 

and creates an atmosphere that helps you 

focus and forget about everyday worries. 

Here, everyone can find everything they 

need to draw and reveal their potential – 

from quality materials and professional 

brushes to well-thought-out compositions 

for painting. 

I, as an artist with many years of experience, 

and my colleagues are very happy to transfer 

our knowledge to the students of the 

studio, trying to find an individual approach 

to everyone, help them find their own 

creative style and develop drawing skills. 

Yes, we teach both children and adults, and 

we are always happy to help you find new 

ideas and answer any questions. It doesn’t 

matter what the age of the students is 

and their skill level, the “Yaskravo” studio is 

suitable for everyone who wants to create 

and develop their potential. 


“ 

Teaching painting to children and adults gives me 

the opportunity to interact with interesting and 

talented people. 

Each student is a unique individual with his own 

story that influences creativity. It expands my 

consciousness and allows for a deeper understanding 

of the human experience. 

At the same time, you are an active participant of international exhibitions, triennials, 

competitions and have been among the laureates more than once. Tell me 

which of these events you remember the most and why? 

Yes, I participated in more than 40 group 

exhibitions and the triennial. Participation 

in international exhibitions and competitions 

always helps me find new fans 

of my work, develop my style and get 

feedback from colleagues and experts. 

Generally, each event is remembered for 

its unique atmosphere and support from 

the audience and other participants. But I 

got the most significant impression from 

a recent personal exhibition. These are 

incredible feelings – to see the viewer’s 

emotions, communicate with visitors and 

read reviews. Most of the works found their 

new owners. It is very inspiring for new 

ideas. I am happy that my creativity brings 

joy to people. 

We ask the heroes of the interview to give some advice to young artists. It is 

interesting to hear your opinion as an artist and as a teacher. 

Important advice for young artists: master 

the basics of drawing. Knowledge of composition, 

anatomy, perspective, light will allow 

you to create professional works. 

Study the biographies and works of famous 

artists, visit museums, develop your eyes 

to find new information and learn new 

techniques. It is also important to train 

regularly and allocate enough time for 

drawing. 

Use your imagination and inspiration – 

there is no need to copy the real world 

exactly. Never stop improving your skills 

and finding new things in art. Try new 

techniques and styles, develop your unique 

style and improve your creative abilities. 

And most importantly, enjoy the creative 

process and don’t forget your own uniqueness! 


79

Tina Striuk 

Using hand-tufted soft textures, she addresses such themes 

in her art pieces as self-awareness, discovery of inner 

strength, admiration of nature and exploring questions of 

existentialism. 

@tinastriuk 

tinastriuk.com 

Lviv, Ukraine 

The yarn turned to be the perfect language to share stories 

about digging inside ourselves. 

The vibrant greens of a lush forest, the fiery red of a radiant sunset, or the serene blues of a 

tranquil lake—these natural colors evoke a range of emotions and memories within us. My 

art seeks to remind of the intrinsic connection between nature and color, urging to pause, 

reflect, and protect the environment we share. 

Each piece becomes a living, breathing ecosystem with its own transcended language and 

depicted color. It captures the essence of emotions and invite to a sensory journey that 

unveils the hidden connections between our inner world and the beauty that surrounds 

us. 


Greenery World, 20 cm 

Sandish, 20 cm 


81

Eva Alvor 

In my artistic practice, I primarily focus on psychological 

states and inner experience. Through my works I like to 

raise questions of existential meaning to the viewer, which 

ultimately excite me very much. My works are characterized 

by decadent melancholy and mysticism. I like clear 

graphic elements combined with color, which carries an 

emotional component of my artworks. 

@eva.alvor 

Zaporizhia, Ukraine 

In my artwork, the graphic component is the core and the colour is the emotion. Colour, for 

me, is a vivid splash that grabs the viewer’s attention and leads them along. 


Oculus 


83

Yulia Kapustynska 

My artistic concept is to show the viewer conceptual 

thoughts through ordinary and simple things. 

I also actively practice documentary, landscape, art 

photography. 

@yuliakapustynska 

FB kapyst 

Kyiv, Ukraine 

My Flowers & plastic series is about seemingly incompatible things. It is old used plastic 

that needs to be disposed of and limit its use and fresh flowers that show life - its beauty 

and continuation. Our planet can be helped today! 

We need to use less plastic so it all destroys the environment! Instead, give preference to 

landscaping! This series creates a special color atmosphere that will not leave you indifferent 

to this topic! 


Flowers plastic 2, 70х50cm 


85

Yeonhye Park 

My ceramic frames symbolize the connection between 

my inner self and the external world. Through metonymic 

expansion, I transform abstract concepts into tangible 

forms. These interdisciplinary works represent my journey 

of self-discovery, allowing my identity to emerge. 

@yeonhye_park 

www.yeonhyepark.com 

State College, USA 

The narratives conveyed through metaphorical paintings 

invite viewers to explore deeper meanings. 

In my artwork, I explore color’s subjective interpretation. Each painting uses a carefully 

selected color palette to convey stories and evoke emotions. Monochromatic schemes 

allow me to delve into the nuances and depth of a single color. Ceramic frames enhance 

harmony and create distinct worlds within each piece. 

Inspired by personal memories, especially from childhood, my art captures and modifies 

experiences, invoking nostalgia and inviting reflection. It embodies emotions, feelings, and 

the interplay between minimalism and maximalism. Different colors within a monochromatic 

framework explore the complexities of color perception. I aim to contribute to 

a diverse collection of artists representing various genders and backgrounds, united by 

exploring color’s power and meaning. 


Abyss, 20.5x19 inch, Acrylic on MDF panel, stoneware, underglaze, glazed cone, 2023 

No Red in His World, 31 x 26 x 4 inch, acrylic on MDF panel, stoneware, underglaze, mason stain, 

glazed cone, wood, 2023 


87

Shabnam Sharghi Ahvazi 

Fishes are always with me. Pisces float in me and in my 

mental waves. All beings and objects in this world are interacting, 

an interaction for life, interaction for the beauty of 

the whole world is interaction and opposition. 

@ranganeh6 

Istanbul, Türkiye 

You must have seen a giant in movies and animations, a 

mermaid, have you ever touched a butterfly, which one is 

beautiful and which one is ugly? 

Have you ever been so golden and 

yellow in the sun when the cold has taken over your whole body? 

Or holding a red apple at the same moment so that you know what a miracle colors are? 

Warm colors in my works are warm summer sun and movement in my works is summer 

movement 


Combination of air dry paste and fabric, 10x30 


89

Support Us 

Buy Me a Coffee 

For cooperation, marketing and AD 

artworkgallery.net@gmail.com

Artwork Gallery – Magazine Issue 3. Color vibe

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?