Iryna Kalyuzhna Ukranian
'I look at classical painting with modern eyes.'
Iryna Kalyuzhna graduated from Academy of Design and Arts in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Now, she lives and works in the Netherlands. Looking at classical painting with modern eyes, she is inspired by a kind of 'modern realism', in which the influence of impressionism is visible.
The works made in the oil painting technique combine a traditional and decorative approach. The main field of the artist's research are female images. It always preserves the portrait likeness of the model, but adds an element of individuality to the conceived image. Characteristic themes are clearly traced in the artist's work: the national identity of Ukrainian women and the theme of motherhood and the female body.
"It is important for everyone to decide and understand what you must do, and to what you dedicate yourself," she says, continuing: “I would like to bring more beauty and positive emotions into this world.”
She participated in many personal exhibitions in Ukraine and abroad. Received awards in academic painting and drawing competitions. Participant of group exhibitions and art fairs in China, the USA and various countries around the world. Her works are in private collections in Europe, USA, China and Ukraine.