Anastasiia Knyazha

My paintings are a reflection of the way I see the world: through individual details rather than as a complete, overwhelming picture. A tree, a boat, the moon, a particular light or a quiet moment can catch my attention and become the starting point for a work. This naturally leads me towards a minimalist visual language, where I remove what feels unnecessary and leave only what I find meaningful.

My work is deeply personal and often begins with a feeling, an observation or a particular human experience. I am drawn to the contrast between tenderness and defiance, vulnerability and strength, beauty and irony. Sometimes the meaning of a work lies not only in the image itself, but also in its title and the story behind it. A seemingly simple painting can therefore hold a much more personal or unexpected narrative.

I do not try to tell the viewer exactly what to see. I prefer to leave space for their own interpretation. For me, painting is a way of expressing how I experience the world — quietly and selectively, through small details that carry emotion, memory and meaning. My work can be gentle, intimate and contemplative, but it can also be direct, eccentric and unapologetically honest.

I was born into a very poor family and I received the first two educations while working. Firstly, I studied at the academy and university at the same time, receiving completely two different educations. I received one thing for the repose of the soul, but one for making money. And secondly, by working part-time at work to feed yourself and pay for a second education, since in my country it is impossible to get two educations for free. My dream is to make money on the experience, knowledge and skills that I have acquired until today and be able to get an education without killing myself for a penny. This is what I strive for: to get an opportunity to get an education in the field in which I want to develop and succeed. My great hobby is psychology and philosophy. I have already begun to develop in this area and this is where I will achieve great success. My potential in these sciences is limitless.