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Art is True North

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Iryna Maksymova

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"Heaven and Hell"

The Ukrainian artist contrasting the hyper-masculine imagery of the war with harmonious female figures

WORDS BY CARLOS IBANEZ 

ISSUE 12 | LVIV | STUDIO SESSIONS

Iryna Maksymova intended to invest her creative mind in music, but instead, her journey drifted towards expressing herself in paintings. She developed this passion during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the sudden disruption of routine presented the unanticipated opportunity to dive deep into her practice. Maksymova’s first exhibit was in her hometown Lviv in western Ukraine, where she continues to reside despite the increasingly westward threat of Russian forces.


In contrast to the images of strife and war that Ukraine has become synonymous with, Maksymova’s work expresses a Ukrainian cultural identity furnished with vibrant, intricate patterns and colours. Informed by symbolism and motifs borrowed from Ukrainian folklore and mythology, her range of subjects includes animals and invigoratingly vegetal landscapes that idealise a symbiotic relationship between nature and humans. However, it is the overtly feminist bent of her nude female figures that has garnered the most attention. These figures, figurative in their features and often gargantuan in proportions, communicate an unencumbered and deeply communal femininity.


The characters in a Maksymova painting exist in a world that is in a state of both harmonious order and cloistral organic disarray. Their feminist ethos seemingly emanates from an unmistakably androgynous quality in her female figures. More than evading the male gaze, she splashes a bit of paint in its eye, and opts to depict her femme figures as abstractions of real women. Our tendency is to read into her work — indeed into the work of any contemporary Ukrainian artist — some compelling commentary on the war. At first glance we seem to struggle with finding that in these paintings, but a second glance reveals Maksymova’s view on the matter, namely in what’s missing: the world of men with guns and their high-stakes performance of masculinity.




HARMONIOUS FEMME

CAN | What sort of therapeutic escape do you hope viewers find in your pieces? 

IM ─ I strive to create a therapeutic escape for viewers through my paintings, particularly in contrast to the often hyper-masculine imagery of the war in Ukraine. Through the scenes presented in my paintings, I hope viewers can find support, inspiration, and a sense of empowerment. Showing strong, harmonious female figures living in unity with nature represents a vision of an alternative world─a world where women are not merely objects, but active agents in shaping their own destiny. The vibrant colours, whimsical details, and harmonious compositions invite viewers to step away from the harshness of the outside world and immerse themselves in a realm of beauty, hope, and possibility.


SOLO

CAN | You developed a large part of your artistic practice during the isolation of COVID-19; in what ways did this mandated incubation period inform your figurative, elemental style?

IM ─ Indeed my passion for painting, which had always been present in my life to some extent, flourished during that period. The sudden disruption of daily routines and the abundance of free time allowed me to delve deeper into my artistic practice. The pandemic became a catalyst for continuous practice, experimentation, and the development of a unique style. Although my style continues to evolve over time, and is influenced by my emotions and surroundings, this period of solitude provided a valuable opportunity for growth and exploration.


FULL SPECTRUM

CAN | So much of the global conception of Ukraine is that of strife and resistance. How have the events of the last year renewed your commitment to the cultivation and representation of the full spectrum of Ukrainian identity?

IM ─ I love my country and strive to support it in every possible way. It saddens me that Ukraine has gained world attention primarily due to the war, so I began to be even more committed to highlighting its rich cultural heritage. In my artistic endeavours, I consistently seek to incorporate elements that celebrate Ukraine and its diverse culture. 


I often draw inspiration from the vibrant colours and intricate patterns found in Ukrainian embroidery and traditional garments. These designs encompass geometric motifs, depictions of animals and plants, as well as stylized human figures. I also incorporate symbols and motifs rooted in Ukrainian folklore and mythology, showcasing powerful deities, enchanting creatures, and courageous heroes. I draw inspiration from Ukraine’s awe-inspiring natural beauty, spanning from the majestic Carpathian Mountains to the enchanting Black Sea coast. Elements of these landscapes, such as rolling hills, fields of wildflowers, or the mesmerising azure sea, find their way into my creations. 


I am immensely grateful to my audience for providing me with the opportunity to introduce my beloved country and honour its remarkable cultural legacy. Together, we can shed light on the multifaceted aspects of Ukraine, and present it through the lens of its vibrant traditions.


STUDIO SPACE

CAN | What’s one item that’s absolutely essential to the creative atmosphere of your studio space?

IM ─ While I initially intended to attribute my creativity to music, I must admit that I don’t necessarily rely on a specific creative atmosphere. Through personal experience, I’ve come to understand that the act of working and experimenting is what truly immerses me in a state of flow, which serves as the essence of my creativity. As a result, I simply dedicate myself to the ongoing process of creating and pushing boundaries, allowing the natural flow of inspiration to guide me.



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