'Nature is my muse' - Julia Ilkiv

Julia Ilkiv (1987) was born and raised in the village of Skhidnytsia, Lviv region, Ukraine. She has been drawing since childhood, but started her professional career relatively recently, after moving to Vynnyky in 2020. As an artist, she is always looking for her own style and constantly trying to improve herself in different techniques. However, her work is dominated by graphic works, especially floral themes. During her debut solo exhibition, she was going to present works made with the use of non-standard artistic tools, such as ballpoint pens and markers. Julia's work was framed and ready for her first solo exhibition when the war broke out and she had to flee with her family. Their journey ended in the Netherlands, in Helmond. Where she now lives and works as an artist.

After seeing her work and hearing her story, I quickly came up with the idea to offer Julia a platform in Helmond so that she can share her work with a larger audience. In collaboration with Linda Haverkamp from Stichting VOLOP Helmond and the Elzaspassage in Helmond, Julia and I were given the opportunity to open a Pop Up Art Gallery in the Elzaspassage in the center of Helmond. The official opening took place on September 23, 2022 by alderman Marita van Lierop.

Visitors respond enthusiastically and in addition to selling her artwork, Julia has had many wonderful conversations and met new people.