10 Questions with Anastasiia Novytska

Anastasia Novitskaya is an artist who has been interested in drawing since childhood.

In 2015, she moved to Poland to devote herself entirely to art. Here, she began to study contemporary art, meet local artists, and learn new painting techniques.

In 2021, she moved to Genoa, Italy, where she became inspired by the sea and learned to convey the feeling of being close to it.  Her sunsets have become more sensual and brighter. Here, in the Palazzo Ducale,  was her first big exhibition took place. In 2023, she took part in the third annual PLA charity auction in Florida, USA. Her works "Drifting" and "Lost" were selected for the covers of Arboreal, Mvibe, and Artwork Gallery magazines. In 2023, she received a silver award from the J. Mane Gallery and was chosen as one of the artists in the Orange book of Artnepreneur.

Her work reflects my constant search for herself and her place in this world. She believes that art is a way to convey feelings, connect us together and take communication to a new level - an emotional level.

artnovitskaya.wixsite.com | @anastasiianovitskaya

ARTIST STATEMENT

Anastasiia Novytska is an artist whose work is a reflection of her journey, emotions, and search for beauty in the world. As an artist, she is constantly experimenting with new techniques and themes in an effort to convey the essence of the things that inspire her.

Anastasiia's passion for art began at a young age and has been a constant source of comfort and expression throughout her life. Through her paintings, she seeks to evoke emotions and create a sense of wonder. Her goal is to transport viewers to another world where they can experience familiar things in a new light and feel a sense of connection.

The artist's work is characterized by bold strokes, bright colors, and a sense of movement. She draws inspiration from the natural world, the sea, and industrial themes. Anastasiia believes that art is a means to connect people on an emotional level, and she strives to create works that evoke a sense of joy, wonder, and contemplation.

Each of her paintings is a reflection of her journey as an artist and as a person. Whether it's a colorful abstract or a sensual sunset, her art is a celebration of life and the beauty that surrounds us. She hopes that her work speaks to others and inspires them to see the world in new and beautiful ways.

Today, Anastasiia is addressing a pressing and timely theme in her art - the future of our planet. Through her latest series of paintings titled "Lost," she encounters a world that, at first glance, seems familiar and even cozy. But this world is deceptive. Each painting depicts an astronaut performing mundane activities: dining in a café, swimming in the sea, and reading a book. These scenes are filled with warmth and light, but only until we start examining them more closely. Each painting reveals a poignant narrative of environmental degradation and human impact.

Anastasiia's series is designed to elicit laughter and contemplation, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit while urging us to reflect on the choices we make for the future of our planet. 

INTERVIEW

What initially sparked your interest in drawing during your childhood?

My initial interest in drawing was sparked by the nature around me. I often spent time outside, observing flowers, trees, and animals, and I wanted to capture their beauty on paper. Drawing became a way to express my admiration for the world around me and convey my impressions. As a child, I was very active and curious, but drawing was always a specialactivity for me. It allowed me to express my thoughts and feelings, immerse myself in a world of fantasy, and create something unique. Through drawing, I could convey what I couldn't express in words.

What motivated your move to Poland in 2015 to pursue art full-time?

My move to Poland in 2015 was driven by several factors. First and foremost, I was seeking new inspiration and opportunities for artistic development. Poland, with its rich cultural heritage and vibrant art scene, seemed like the perfect place for this. Additionally, I wanted to surround myself with like-minded individuals and participate in international exhibitions and projects to broaden my horizons and fully dedicate myself to my art.

How did studying contemporary art in Poland and meeting local artists influence your artistic style?

Studying contemporary art in Poland and getting to know local artists have significantly influenced my artistic style. They helped me broaden my horizons, inspired me to experiment with new techniques and materials, and allowed me to see my work from a different perspective. Interacting with the Polish art scene enriched my creative process and brought new ideas and perspectives into my work. I also began studying the personality of Polish artist Jan Matejko. Matejko was one of Poland's greatest painters, known for his historical paintings that masterfully depict key moments in Polish history. His work 'Battle of Grunwald' amazed me with its scale and attention to detail, and his ability to blend realism with patriotism inspired me to create more meaningful and profound works. The Museum of Contemporary Art MOCAK provided me with a wealth of ideas and inspiration for my future projects. It was my first exposure to the community of artists and performers, where I could collaborate with them and exchange experiences. I gained insights into how art functions in Europe. At MOCAK, I attended numerous exhibitions that introduced me to new approaches and techniques in contemporary art. The museum's atmosphere fostered my creative growth, allowing me to interact with various forms of art and integrate them into my own work. In fact, this was a crucial moment in my career: during this period, I began selling my paintings and realized they resonated with people. The connections and networks established in Poland opened up new markets for me and provided opportunities to participate in prestigious exhibitions and auctions. This experience confirmed that I was on the right path and inspired me to further develop and refine my art.

On the contrary, how has living in Genoa, Italy, and being inspired by the sea impacted your artwork, particularly your sunsets?

Having moved to Genoa, I first experienced a unique density of clouds, explained by the mountainous effect along the coast surrounded by the Alps. This natural phenomenon creates an impression that clouds often hover at low altitudes, lending sunsets a distinct depth and texture. In Krakow, much of the year sees a gray sky due to clouds and smog, so when depicting my sunsets, I relied on imagination, inspired by memories and a desire to convey atmosphere rather than merely reproduce what is seen. When vacationing in Italy, the scenery is so magnificent that the mind constantly wanders to other details. It's only after living here for some time that one begins to grasp the enchantment of the light. Subsequently, I was able to realistically portray sunsets in my paintings. Sometimes, I myself am amazed at how natural and picturesque these paintings look, almost appearing more magical than reality itself.

Can you describe your experience exhibiting at the Palazzo Ducale in Genoa?

The experience of participating in the exhibition was incredibly valuable and interesting. However, the exhibition took place in 2021, shortly after I had moved to Italy. At that time, I didn't speak Italian at all, and the Italians didn't understand English well either. As a result, I wasn't able to effectively communicate about my artworks, their meanings, and techniques, which prevented me from being noticed and appreciated at the time. This language barrier was a significant challenge, as effective communication is crucial in the art world to convey the depth and inspiration behind each piece.Overcoming this obstacle required time and effort to learn Italian and improve my ability to engage with the local community and art scene. Despite the initial setback, this experience motivated me to immerse myself in the language and culture of Italy, ultimately enriching both my personal and artistic journey.

Speaking of your work, can you elaborate on how your work reflects your search for yourself and your place in the world and how art helps you convey feelings and connect with others on an emotional level, as you mention in your statement?

My artworks reflect my journey of self-discovery and exploration of my place in the world through art. Each painting is a personal response to my inner experiences, thoughts, and emotions. Through colors, forms, and compositions, I aim to express complex aspects of human nature and my relationship with the surrounding world. Art also plays a crucial role in solving problems and overcoming challenges I encounter. It serves not only as a means of self-expression and therapy but also helps me address emotional and psychological hurdles. Inspired by intense emotions and inner conflicts, I use art as a tool to manifest and analyze intricate feelings, deepening my understanding of myself and my experiences, often sparking new insights and solutions. Engaging in artistic projects also fosters my intellectual and emotional growth. Finding inspiration in the creative process enables me to view challenges from new perspectives and devise innovative approaches to resolving them. Experimenting with various techniques and materials stimulates my thinking and contributes to my development both as an artist and as an individual. Thus, art, for me, is not just a means of self-expression and spiritual enrichment but also a powerful tool for self-discovery, problem-solving, and personal growth.

Can you walk us through your process of creating a new painting?

Creating a new painting for me begins with internal inspiration and the search for a theme or idea that resonates with me emotionally or intellectually. Often, the idea comes spontaneously in response to some external or internal stimulus, whether it's natural landscapes, music, literature, or personal experiences. Once I have a specific concept in mind, I start by selecting the canvas or other surface and preparing materials and tools. I usually outline the composition and main elements of the work, sometimes creating sketches or mock-ups to better visualize the final result. The next stage involves applying base layers of paint or materials. I typically start with background elements and gradually move to more detailed parts of the painting. This is a time when I experiment with textures, shades, and the overall mood of the piece, aiming to convey the intended emotional depth. During the process, I often discover unexpected solutions and ideas that bring a new perspective to the project. It's important for me to listen to intuition and allow creativity to develop organically without overly restricting it to the initial plan. Finishing the painting usually involves finalizing details, making adjustments, and conducting a final evaluation of the work. I give myself enough time to step away and return to the piece with fresh eyes to ensure its harmony and completion. Ultimately, the process of creating a new painting for me is not just technical work but a unique journey into my inner world, where I can freely express my thoughts, feelings, and views on the surrounding world.

What do you hope the public takes away from your work?

I believe each viewer will take away something unique and personal from my paintings. Some may see reflections of their own emotions or experiences, memories of places or moments in their lives. For others, my works may serve as a source of inspiration or provoke contemplation about the nature of art itself. Some may simply enjoy the aesthetic experience of colors, forms, and compositions. As an artist, my goal is to create works that speak to each viewer on the level of their individual experience and perception. I believe that art has the power to unite people, provoke thought, and evoke emotions, and I hope that my paintings can be a part of this process for my audience.

What are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future in terms of new projects? 

I am currently working on a large environmental project that aims to raise awareness about the impact of human activity on our planet. In the "Lost" painting series, we encounter a world that, at first glance, seems familiar and even cozy. But this world is deceptive. Each painting depicts an astronaut performing mundane activities: dining in a café, swimming in the sea, and reading a book. These scenes are filled with warmth and light, but only until we start examining them more closely. In the "Birthday Lunch" painting, the astronaut sits at a café table with a can of preserved soup in his hands and a book titled "Stay Positive" in front of him. Outside the café window, a nuclear mushroom cloud rises, reminding us that the world beyond these walls is no longer the same. In another painting, the astronaut floats in an inflatable ring, holding a can of cola. But this is not just relaxation - reflected in his helmet, we see heaps of trash floating in the water. The can of cola turns out to be just part of the trash that he has fished out of the water. These paintings are not just images. They are a mirror of our future, a warning of what could happen if we do not take care of our planet. The astronaut in these paintings is the last witness of a bygone world, a symbol of loneliness and hope in one. He is not an astronaut in the traditional sense - he is simply a survivor for whom the spacesuit has become the only way to exist on Earth. This series of paintings is designed to make the viewer laugh and then think. It shows that even in the most tragic conditions, a person can maintain a sense of humor and optimism, but it also reminds us that each of us bears responsibility for the future of our planet.

Finally, do you have any upcoming shows or collaborations you are looking forward to?

I am eagerly looking forward to the 15th Florence Biennale, where I will be participating. I am also planning a major solo exhibition where people will have the opportunity to get acquainted with my project "Lost."

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.