Iryna Maksymova, born in the historical city of Kolomyia, Ukraine in 1991, is an artist whose canvas and textile works are renowned for their vivid storytelling and figurative style. Her artistry is significantly influenced by the Ukrainian avant-garde movement of the early 20th century, particularly Neo-Primitivism. It echoes the enchanting and imaginative flair of self-taught Ukrainian female artists like the celebrated Mariya Pryimachenko.
Her canvases are bold narratives that merge personal emotion and cultural narrative. Maksymova’s pieces are distinguished by their energetic strokes, the use of spray paint, and an eclectic mix of texts that range from exuberant scribbles to meticulously drawn Gothic letters.
In a distinctive and recognizable style, Maksymova crafts stories that spotlight powerful female figures, often depicted in the nude, capturing a duality of strength and vulnerability, resilience and delicacy. These women are more than just subjects; they symbolize the fortitude and spirit of a nation.
Animals, too, find a prominent place in her art, from beloved domestic pets to the mythic creatures of Ukrainian tales. These animals are rendered with a reverence usually reserved for human subjects, portrayed as noble guardians or even ethereal warriors. They are often symbolic of the values she espouses through her art.
Maksymova is outspoken about her art being a vehicle for advocacy on equality, human rights, feminism, and animal rights. Her work is an expression of creative vision and a platform for dialogue and change, challenging societal norms and championing empowerment and justice. With each brushstroke, Maksymova paints a picture and weaves a narrative of activism, inviting viewers to contemplate and engage with the deeper themes that resonate throughout her creations.