Born in 2002 in Chernihiv, Ukraine, artist Anna Veriki (Anna Vereshchaka) now resides in Kyiv. Intrigued by art early on, she studied at Shevchenko State Art School in Kyiv from age 12, fostering her independence and artistic growth. Anna specialized in painting at Kyiv’s National Academy of Visual Arts and Architecture from 2019 to 2022. Her distinctive style has earned her international acclaim, with her works in private collections worldwide. Anna’s approach to art is heartfelt and genuine. She believes in expressing her truth through her paintings, which reflect her inner thoughts and experiences. Her work often explores fundamental human emotions, childhood memories, and the complexities of love and fear. Anna frequently uses her own body as a reference in her work, believing that this personal connection brings her closer to her audience. One of her notable projects is the “Running series.” In her expressive paintings, Anna delves into themes of primal instinct, sincerity, and a deep connection with nature. The series is characterized by a mix of naive elements and a focus on basic colors, primarily black and white, to avoid distracting from the narrative. The use of red serves as an accent, symbolizing sincerity and primal honesty. These paintings explore the concept of freedom through the act of running, particularly the liberating experience of running naked. This theme is a metaphor for getting closer to oneself and reuniting with nature, embodying a raw, unfiltered state of being. Living in Kyiv during a tumultuous period due to the war in Ukraine, Anna chose to stay in her homeland despite the challenges. She feels a strong sense of duty as a Ukrainian artist to contribute to her country’s cultural landscape during this critical time. Her surroundings and the ongoing conflict have profoundly influenced her work and will continue to shape her artistic expression.