Artist's Statement

My artistic journey began with a deep exploration of Christian iconography and its symbolic significance. Immersed in the classical technique of egg tempera on gessoed wood, I dedicated myself to studying and replicating medieval Ukrainian icons rooted in the Byzantine tradition. Through my artistic practice, I aspire to contribute to the preservation, revitalization and popularizing of the sacred art tradition, while also offering a contemporary perspective that resonates with a modern audience. I believe that sacred art should evolve with the times, remain relevant, and engage the 21st-century audience while finding its place in the secular sphere. 

My work delves into the exploration of biblical mythology and the philosophical concepts of Christianity, seeking their relevance in the modern era. Through my artistic practice, I strive to express transcendental reality and metaphysical phenomena. By engaging with the timeless themes of faith, spirituality, and the divine, I seek to create works that inspire, uplift, and encourage a deeper exploration of the profound mysteries of life. 

Drawing inspiration from Byzantine iconography, particularly the "paleologian" style, Ukrainian medieval icons, and illuminated manuscripts, which provide the visual foundation for my creations, I also incorporate influences from diverse avant-garde art movements. My creative practices are also greatly influenced by renowned artists like Mykhailo Boychuk and Yuriy Novoselskyi. By merging elements from classical icon painting with bold stylization, diverse textures, and geometric shapes, I aim to forge a distinctive artistic language. Primarily using gesso and acrylic paints on wood, I frequently experiment with various means of expression and color combinations. This allows me to push the boundaries of my artistic approach and explore new artistic territories.

In essence, my art is an expression of my own spiritual journey and an invitation for others to embark on their own quest for meaning and transcendence. One fascinating aspect of my artistic journey is observing how my worldview and my art mutually influence and transform one another.   In the current stage of my creative career, my artistic concepts are continuously evolving. I am in constant search of fresh ideas and deeper meanings, contemplating the existential and spiritual aspects of humanity and society, as well as the role of religious faith in our lives. I find myself reflecting on the relevance of Holy Scripture’s ideas in our modern reality and how the philosophy of Christianity and its values intersect with my own worldview.

Biography

Khrystyna Kvyk is an emerging Ukrainian artist, born on November 17, 1994, in the Drohobych region. Currently, she resides and works in Lviv.

Her artistic education began at the Sambir Pedagogical College, where she specialized in Fine Art. Having obtained a diploma as a teacher of fine art she continued her education at the Ukrainian Academy of Printing, studying graphic design at the extramural form of education. Seeking to deepen her artistic knowledge and expand her creative horizons, Khrystyna embarked on an enriching educational path at the Lviv National Academy of Arts, specializing in Sacred Art. It was here that she obtained her master's degree. This education had a significant influence on the further development of the artist's career and determined the visual and conceptual aspects of her work.

While studying at the LNAA, Khrystyna began to participate in group exhibitions and various art events, primarily in Ukraine and Poland. Notably, she has been a regular participant in the annual international icon painting plein airs held in Novytsia (Poland) and Zamlynnia (Ukraine). These experiences allowed her to showcase her talent and connect with fellow artists on an international platform.

In 2018 and 2020, she participated in the design and execution of wall paintings for one of the churches of Lviv.

In 2018 and 2019, she received awards in the esteemed "Nowa Epifania Piękna" competition, organized by the Museum of Icons in Suprasl, Poland. These achievements led to her works being included in the museum's esteemed collection of modern icon paintings.

In 2019 she was a participant in such events as the International Symposium of Contemporary Icon Painting at the Orthodox Academy of Crete (Kolymbari, Crete, Greece). The International cultural and artistic exchange and mutual learning activity "Eye of the world. Discovery of Chongquing", Sichuan Fine Arts Institute (Chongquing, China).

Over the ensuing years, she established collaborations with galleries in Ukraine and Poland. Specifically, her debut solo exhibition "Gratia Plena" was featured in Poland in 2021.

In 2023 she received the esteemed "Gaude Polonia" stipend awarded by the Minister of Culture of Poland. During this stipend program, she started working on the project "Liturgia".

Khrystyna"s artworks have found their way into private collections across Ukraine, Poland, the USA, Greece, Germany, Italy, France, Great Britain and other countries.

Awards

2019 - The second prize in "Nowa Epifania Piękna" ("New Epiphany of Beauty") - II International Competition of Icon Painting, Museum of Icons, Branch of the Museum of Podlasie, Suprasl, Poland

2018 - The first prize in "Nowa Epifania Piękna" ("New Epiphany of Beauty") - I International Competition of Icon Painting, Museum of Icons, Branch of the Museum of Podlasie, Suprasl, Poland

Art Collections

The Korsaks' Museum of Contemporary Ukrainian Art, Lutsk, Ukraine

Museum of Icons, Branch of the Museum of Podlasie, Suprasl, Poland

Contact: https://linktr.ee/khrystyna.kvyk