My name is Yulia Tsvetkova. I was born in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. I have been painting since early childhood. I did not have much choice) My mother is an artist, felt pens, brushes and paints were in my hands since childhood. My first solo exhibitions were held when I was 12 years old. My works were acquired in many private collections, all over the world. I am self-taught in drawing. After many experiments with style, I came to the conclusion that primitivism is the closest thing to me. Primitivism allows not to be distracted by ‘extraneous’ but to convey the very essence of the object or situation. I draw a lot of inspiration from ethnic art.
Until recently, I have always been missing something in my art. Only when I discovered activistic art – the puzzle came together. I was fascinated by the idea that it is possible to convey a political or social message through art. And for a couple of years now I have been painting social paintings or illustrations. Most often in my works you can see women. Recently, the topic of repression and persecution has become more and more relevant.
I am now under criminal prosecution, because of my work, which for me proves the power of art. While under house arrest, I managed to participate in two exhibitions of solidarity in absentia, draw a series of paintings on repression and an illustration for a project against torture. Life goes on)