AFRICAN MADONNA - black woman with child Print

Iryna Kalyuzhna is ukrainian artist .After the war she lives and works in the Netherlands. Looking at classical painting with modern eyes, she is inspired by a kind of 'modern realism', in which the influence of impressionism is visible. The works made in the oil painting technique combine a traditional and decorative approach. The main field of the artist's research are female images. It always preserves the portrait likeness of the model, but adds an element of individuality to the conceived image. Characteristic themes are clearly traced in the artist's work: the national identity of Ukrainian women, Ukrainian traditional clothing and culture, the theme of motherhood and the female body. The war forced her to leave Ukraine, but her work continues. “It is important for everyone to decide and understand what you must do and to what you dedicate yourself,” she says, continuing: “I would like to bring more beauty and positive emotions into this world.” She participated in many personal exhibitions in Ukraine and abroad. Received awards in academic painting and drawing competitions. Participant of group exhibitions and art fairs in China, the USA and various countries around the world. Works are in private collections in Europe, USA, China and Ukraine.