Yulianna Verba (b. 1992, Radyvyliv, Rivne region, Ukraine) is a Ukrainian artist who works across different mediums. Her art reflects deep thoughts about life and personal growth. Born and raised in a small town in western Ukraine, she earned a degree in Design at Lviv Polytechnic University. When the war started, Yulianna was five months pregnant with a daughter. Despite this, she decided to stay in Ukraine, where she continues to create her art today. Using mixed media and focusing on layers of expression, her work invites viewers to explore the human experience.
We’ve talked with Yulianna about her art, the transformation she has experienced as an artist, and the profound impact that her upbringing in the countryside and the ongoing war in Ukraine have had on her creative process.
Yulianna, how did your countryside roots influence your art?
"I grew up surrounded by nature, which had a big impact on how I see things. Living in a peaceful place, I could observe the small, simple parts of life. It was like seeing the bigger picture in small things. This helped me understand that life is complex and connected. I try to show these hidden layers in my art."
You studied design at Lviv Polytechnic before becoming an artist. How did your education shape your work?
"My education covered a lot — graphic design, painting, drawing, and landscape design. At first, it seemed scattered, but now I see it as a strong foundation. It helped me explore different styles and mediums. I learned to tell stories through visuals, but I wanted something deeper than just digital design. I wanted my art to speak to personal experiences and touch on emotions."
How has the war in Ukraine affected your art?
"When the war started, I was deeply affected. I was seven months pregnant, and the chaos made me rethink everything. I realized I couldn’t continue with digital design. I wanted to make art that connected with the times. I focused on themes of pain, change, and hope. Art became a way to share my perspective — to show that, despite everything, we must keep moving forward."
Your art features different materials, like acrylics, oil pastels, and ceramics. What attracts you to these mediums?
"I’ve always liked trying new things. I enjoy working with fast-drying materials like acrylics, but I also appreciate the softness of oil pastels. Ceramics is something I’ve recently started using, and it feels natural for expressing deeper thoughts. Each material is like a language for me, helping to communicate emotions and ideas. Mixing them creates a richer, more dynamic effect."
What makes your "Beyond Visibility" series special?
"‘Beyond Visibility’ is important because it reflects how I see life. The series blends serious and playful elements, showing that there’s always more than what we see on the surface. Life is not just about the visible — it’s about the unseen, the layers underneath. This series is both a philosophical reflection and an emotional expression of my own experiences."
How does motherhood influence your art?
"Motherhood has been a major part of my personal transformation. It challenges me every day, helping me grow and change. My children have taught me how to love more deeply and how to face difficult emotions. This growth is something I express in my art. Motherhood isn’t just about caring for my children — it’s also about learning from them and becoming a better person."
What message do you want your viewers to take from your work?
"I want my viewers to see life in a new way, to question their perspective. My art is about transformation — showing that even in tough times, we can change. I want people to feel they’re not alone in their struggles. My work is meant to inspire, support, and remind people that they have the strength to navigate life’s challenges."
How has the war in Ukraine influenced both your art and your view of the world?
"The war has made me more resilient. I’ve realized that no matter what happens around us, we can find strength within ourselves. This shows in my art, especially in how I use textures and images. The war has helped me see that every painful experience holds potential for growth. Through my work, I want to express that, despite the hardships, life can still evolve and transform."
What makes your art unique in the contemporary art world?
"My art stands out because it focuses on the emotional and philosophical aspects of life, which are often overlooked. I want my viewers to feel something deeper, to see themselves and the world in a new way. My work is not about making something pretty — it’s about creating something that resonates, something that reflects the changes we all go through."
Yulianna Verba’s work reflects transformation — both personal and collective. Her art asks us to look deeper, to see the layers beneath the surface, and to find strength in our own ability to change. Through her use of materials, philosophical thoughts, and personal experiences, Yulianna continues to inspire and lead viewers toward self-discovery and resilience.
You can meet Yulianna Verba’s works at the upcoming LA Art Show 2025 in the 303, hosted by Snisarenko Gallery.
Interviewed by Lolita Laizan for Snisarenko Gallery.
