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© Olena Zubach

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Olena Zubach

Kyiv, Ukraine

Artist Statement

“In my work, I explore the relation of photographic imagery and painting. I use basic, almost ascetic forms. By combining them into a well thought-out geometric composition, I strive to achieve ideal simplicity. I believe that geometry is the language of nature, and art is the language of humanity. Therefore, I try to combine them in my artwork to create my own dimension of visual expression. Working on still lifes, I seek for a beauty in simplicity, in traditional forms that humanity has used for millennia. In today’s world of saturation, this minimalist project “Forms” provides an opportunity to distract from the superficial and focus on what’s fundamental.

In my project, "Plain Plane Cuts", I am using paper and scissors, along with the interplay of light and shadows. I am fascinated by the process of combining colors and shapes and attracted by the illusion of volume in these flat paper artworks. My intention is to present them to the viewer in a unique and unconventional interpretation. The seemingly meaningless plane in my work transforms into a tangible form, resembling an actual object. Through the use of the illusion of volume, I aim to surprise viewers and cause them to perceive an object that appears remarkably real, even though it doesn't actually exist.
In my research, paper is not a base, but a sculptural material that can take on different shapes and be assembled into various compositions.
I work with colour and use it to create contrast, gradient, harmony or dissonance.
With the help of light and shadow drawing, I get textured volume that I want to touch.
I am inspired by cubist and abstract artists: Georges Braque, Ben Nicholson, William Scott, Pablo Picasso and others.
Created using the simplest tools, my collage works are reduced to the basic elements of photography: light and shadow, form and color. Simplicity in everything, but an inspiring result at the end.

© Olena Zubach

Olena Zubach's Portfolio

© Olena Zubach

Artist Biography

Olena Zubach is an visual artist, working in photography and collage from Kyiv, Ukraine, based in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Olena has a master's degree in economics and finance. She studied photography at the Kyiv School of Photography in 2021-2023. And ever since she is exploring the still life genre of photography.

Awards:
● 23nd Julia Margaret Cameron Award 2024, Category Winner, 2024
● Winner (Gold; Bronze), Prix de la Photographie, Paris, 2023
● Winner (Silver, Jury Top 5 Selection), Tokyo International Foto Awards,Tokyo, 2023
● Winner (Silver), Budapest International Foto Awards, Budapest, 2023
● Runner-up, Contemporary collage magazine, London, UK, 2023
● Honourable mention in Fine Art category, International Photography Awards, Los Angeles, 2023
● Winner (Bronze) Prix de la Photographie, Paris, 2022
● Winner (Gold) Tokyo International Foto Awards,Tokyo, 2022
● Winner (Gold) ND Awards,United Kingdom, 2022
● Winner (Bronze), Prix de la Photographie, Paris (PX3), 2022
● Honourable mention in Fine Art category, International Photography Awards, Los Angeles, 2022
● Nomination in Fine Art category, Fine Art Photography Awards, London, 2022

Exhibitions:
● "Contemporary Ukrainian Photography", group show, Kyiv, Ukraine, May 2024
● "TIFA 2022-2023 Winners exhibition", group show, Tokyo, Japan, March 2024
● “Creative Photography”,Artdoc Photography Magazine, group show, online, February 2024
● "Australiana", group show, Sydney, Australia, November 2022
● "Spring gives us hope", group show, Sydney, Australia, October 2022
● "Through the lens of the gaze", group show, Kyiv, Ukraine, August 2022
● "We are from Ukraine", group show, Kyiv, Ukraine, July 2022

Published in:
● The 23nd Julia Margaret Cameron Award 2024, special issue, may 2024
● Artdoc Photography Magazine, issue 1/2024, page 50-51

@olena.zubach

© Olena Zubach

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