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Anna Ponomarenko
From childhood, I was filled with a love of art. In 2005 I attended courses in the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture, Kyiv. From 2008 till 2020 I'm worked as Freelance Web And Graphic designer. This experience taught me to push back the usual borders and try something new. With time I’m becoming to own style.
Since 2021 I completely immersed myself in artistic direction. During the war 2022, I’m staying with my husband and 2,5 years old daughter in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. I’m staying and continued working from home. Now art is my visual power.
Artist: Anna Ponomarenko
Based in Kyiv, Ukraine
Instagram:
annkaproject
Culturally Arts Collective features:
"Broken Mirrors", June 10 - July 22 2022, Milostka Center for Exhibitions
What do you aim to say by the themes in your art?
At the moment I have several directions that go in parallel with each other. This is the theme of self-discovery and the search for oneself in this world, the meaning of life. I also work on the topic of inner balance and mental health. I think that every person should find a balance between their desires and needs, the creation of a rigid framework and work that is contrary to your current aspirations can burn. I burned out at my previous job, which I did for 15 years. There is a time to be active, there is a time to be calm - we need to find balance.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I love the sea very much and actively use this direction in most of my work. For balance, it is abstract seascapes. For a direction about a person's life in this world, it is an opportunity to talk about a specific issue in a softer visual form. In my paintings, the question of the transience of life, life outside of our usual form, is sometimes raised. I also like to use the image of seagulls - I associate a bird with freedom and soul. I want every person to be more free and conscious so that he feels his life.
Do you have experiences that impacted your art?
My life has always been stably changeable. My home, the places where I lived, people that I know, changed frequently. I had to adjust all the time and this led to the understanding that I myself should be the foundation and stability. I learned to draw conclusions from the mistakes of others, not repeat them. The birth of a daughter was also a new stage in life - this is the time when you begin to totally adapt to another person because the life of a child depends on you and you are responsible. Now there is a war in my country - it has changed the lives of everyone who has faced it. We began to appreciate life more, the opportunity to fall asleep and wake up in silence, and live in comfort.
Do you feel your art challenges existing barriers?
To some extent, yes. Now society is adjusting to the standard of consumption, which means constant work and running in circles. To work for more comfort, shopping, even more comfort, for the sake of a family that you do not see because you are constantly working ... I say that you need to be able to stop, realize who you are, what you live for and not be a total consumer. We are all stressed from consumption, Coronavirus, and war - we all need a little more mental peace and balance.
What are your long-term artistic goals?
I want to go more towards harmony in human life. I think my work will be more relaxed. I'm interested in using different materials, so I don't want to limit myself to just canvas...it's art outside of the box. I think that it is possible to reveal topics using familiar visual images, objects, sounds, light. I'm thinking of a very unorthodox project and I hope I can find an opportunity to implement it! Most likely, these will be international physical exhibitions with elements of modern technologies. For the next 5 years, I see such a path for myself.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
Believe in yourself. Don't be afraid to try new things. Do not be afraid to make mistakes, use unusual colors or materials. Do not be afraid to work with large formats - everything can be fixed. Sometimes a mistake is a discovery, sometimes it's a lesson. If you are afraid to work on a large canvas or in a new style, buy yourself a pack of paper and try, test, learn! You are unique!
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