«My task is to make the viewer want to examine and discover new layers of meaning», — Hanna Uvarova, a visual artist from Kyiv
Hanna Uvarova / Photo from personal archive
Hanna Uvarova is a visual artist. She was born and studied in Kyiv, Ukraine. Since 1990, she has participated in group and solo exhibitions in the United States, Switzerland, Ukraine, Italy, and Spain. Her works are in private collections around the world.
The artist is engaged in painting, graphics, batik, makes designer jewelry and clothing. But she remains true to her primary passion — painting. She is impressed by bright and contrasting, expressive color combinations. She likes to explore natural forms using modern methods. She is attracted to abstraction and uncertainty.
What is the first creative moment in your life that you remember?
My first artistic impression was after graduating from an academic art school at an institute where we studied abstraction. It was like discovering the whole world. Creative freedom and the opportunity to experiment allowed me to express myself. Abstraction had a significant impact on my artistic vision, allowing me to explore shapes and colors beyond the classical limitations. It gave me the opportunity to express my own ideas and feelings in my own way.
What is your creative ambition?
To reach a level where my work becomes a source of warmth, light, and joy. My desire is to evoke emotions and feelings in the viewers that will allow everyone to open their own world of experiences. My ambition is to create contemporary art where abstraction is expressed through harmony and beauty.
I strive to unite abstract elements by interacting with them to create a modern symphony of shapes and colors. My works are aimed at provoking reflections on the idea of harmony in the modern world.
What stands in the way of realizing your creative ambitions?
Like all people. Laziness, lousy mood, absent-mindedness, and sometimes despair at what’s around us get in the way. But when you overcome that laziness, put the paints out, and start working, the process is so exciting… it’s like a magical journey. You realize that the struggle over yourself is worth it. I don’t wait for inspiration, it comes while I’m working.
How do you start your day?
If this is a question about my creative state, then almost every morning, I try to imagine the future picture. And I often see it. But I don’t always realize what I see, which disappears forever. In general, when I do new work, it’s better for me not to think about it, to distract myself, to listen to music, then something seems to tell a fairy tale through me; the main thing is not to interfere with my thoughts: «How can I do it better?»
Which artists do you admire the most?
My favorite artists are the masters of abstractionism, such as Jackson Pollock, Joan Miró, Gerhard Richter, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Mondrian, and Mark Rothko. Also Maria Prymachenko and Hanna Sobachko-Shostak. Their works have become a source of inspiration for me, and they embody expressiveness and freedom in the world of abstraction.
Is there anyone in your life who constantly inspires you?
For some reason, I am not inspired by people. But a small bright flower, grass, ant, or a combination of bright colors can enlighten me.
Define a muse. And who is your muse?
For me, a muse, or a source of inspiration, is the magic of the perfection of the universe, nature, and harmony. My inspiration comes from the boundless beauty of nature and the emotions it evokes. I strive to convey the essence of flora in a modern style. To do this, I use a complex multi-layered technique to give the work depth and uniqueness.
How do you react when you come across a superior mind or talent?
I respect and try to learn.
How do you react when you face obstacles to success or the threat of failure?
There have been many obstacles in my long career, but now I have experience, and I have nothing to fear. Now, I’m at a stage of creativity where I can work only for pleasure without rushing to achieve something. The creative process is the highest joy for me.
How do you understand mastery?
Mastery of technique is the ability to create an emotional connection with the viewer. My task of balancing abstraction and recognizability is a fascinating challenge. I explore the essence of nature by allowing spontaneity in my process but keeping in touch with recognizable elements. It’s about capturing the soul, not the exact reproduction of form.
Layering is a crucial technique in my art. It adds volume and complexity, creating a visual journey for the viewer. Each layer contributes to the overall richness, making the paintings tactile and revealing new details upon closer inspection. The ambiguity of abstraction is an opportunity for the viewer to tell their own interpretations and find importance in every detail.
My task is to make the viewer want to look at and discover new layers of meaning.
What is your biggest dream?
My dream is to see my beloved Kyiv again, peaceful, calm, creative, and comfortable, with a lot of galleries. I want to come back and walk with my friends along Andriivskyi Descent and visit cafes and galleries. That old Descent, when there were artists in the workshops and the creative atmosphere was everywhere.
Over the last decade, things have changed in Ukraine…
In my opinion, people have become more polite and smiling, but unfortunately, the materialistic spirit prevails among people, and this is getting stronger over time.
Metaphor, literary hero, association for modern Ukraine…
For me, modern Ukraine is associated with the Beast by Maria Prymachenko. He is beautiful and evil but still very naive.
Is it possible to forgive the enemy?
Yes, the enemy should be forgiven or ignored. But sometimes it is impossible.
The best advice you’ve ever received in your life…
My uncle, an artist, advised me to go to art school…
Is there a phrase that you use to guide you through life?
I have to do it because I will regret it later
