Poliakova Yulia
Location
Chicago/Kyiv
Birthplace & Background Julia Poliakova was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, on July 14, 1987. With a formal education in graphic design, she began her artistic journey in 2009, seamlessly blending design and fine art into a unique creative voice. Artistic Milestones 2009: Debuted in the art scene, earning first place at the Week of Ukrainian Art and collaborating with Bentley Ukraine. Solo Exhibition: Presented her first solo exhibition the same year. Graphic Design Career: Spent six years as a professional graphic designer before returning to fine art with a distinctive, surrealist-inspired style. Style & Approach
Julia’s work explores a fusion of mediums, incorporating photography, digital art, and classical painting techniques. Her current focus lies in creating vibrant, surrealist-inspired compositions, often exploring themes in the erotica genre. This bold approach has positioned her among the 20 most impressive living surrealists, as recognized by Saatchi&Saatchi. Exhibitions & Recognition Julia has captivated audiences with her innovative creations, earning her a prominent place in contemporary art. Her works continue to push the boundaries of creativity and provoke thought. Projet “Kyiv Contemporary Art,” Mystetskyi Arsenal, Kyiv, 2015
Project “Zero without a stick,” Yermilov Centre, Kharkiv, 2015
Personal exhibition “Life in Pink,” Spivakovska Art Center, 2016
Kyiv Art Week, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Kiev, 2017
Summer exhibition, Contemporary Art Center M17, Kyiv, 2017
Personal exhibition "Flights in Dreams and Reality," Zavalnyi Art Center, 2017
Personal exhibition "Religion is Opium," Museum History of Kyiv, 2018
Project “Cash is King” from Saatchi&Saatchi, London, 2019,
Charity auction “Support Ukraine” Geneva, Switzerland, 2022, Project “Gods of War” Ukrainian National Museum Chicago, Chicago, 2023.
WORKS
Alien
Poliakova Yulia
The work from the series “Dangerous Black Sea” reflects the author’s vision of human civilization as not the only one in our universe. And, for example, the depths of the ocean are 100% unexplored, so why shouldn’t there be some other form of life there. Moreover, almost all ancient manuscripts of different religions contain descriptions of sunken civilizations, or a flood, or unknown sea monsters., so why shouldn’t something unknown, that is, unknown to people, exist at the depths.
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Star gate
Poliakova Yulia
This work discusses parallel worlds and the multiverse, where many different scenarios exist simultaneously. For example, one version of Earth might have flying whales, while another might have only simple organisms. A third version could be entirely covered by oceans, and a fourth one is like our own human world. I believe there are portals that let people travel between these dimensions. Experiences such as delusions, comas, dreams, drug use, mental disorders, and meditation can help people see beyond their immediate surroundings. Maybe these experiences act as portals to other dimensions.
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Pet
Poliakova Yulia
If I had to choose between cloning and moving consciousness into a robotic body, I would definitely pick a robotic body. Cloning can only copy physical traits right now, not personality. Plus, you have to wait for the cloned creature to grow up and develop into who you want it to be. A mechanical body lasts longer than a biological one and doesn't need to be replaced often. You can fully recreate a person’s character, keeping their personality intact. If we’re talking about pets, you could even have conversations, which would be really cool. You can also request virtual reality experiences tailored to your preferences. Lastly, a robotic body can handle everyday tasks, like bringing you a glass of water.
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Fairy Tale
Poliakova Yulia
As they say - religion is the opium of the people. I have always been interested in the topic of human beliefs and in whatever country I was, I always visited temples to learn more about what people believe. Before the war, I traveled more than half the world and understood one thing - people want to believe in fairy tales. And this fairy tale is given to them. It doesn't matter what religion you profess; the basis is always the same, it is 1) a supreme being/god/gods, 2) a promise (eternal life/paradise/40 chaste women or whatever you like 3) a book of rules (Quran/Bible/etc.)
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9 life
Poliakova Yulia
I believe in life after death and that we are reincarnated. I think our actions have consequences and are judged by a higher power. Therefore, I try to act fairly and be honest. I do not know what my past lives were like, but maybe the challenges I face now are deserved. I am thankful that I am safe, my relatives are alive, and my loved ones, including the cat that joined us in Kyiv shortly before the war, are close to me. When the war started, I worried most about her because I was not in Ukraine and felt responsible for her safety. I believe cats have nine lives, and maybe this is her last one. I want her to be happy. As soon as I could, I went back to Kyiv to be with her. Now she lives in America, where she has her own house, garden, lake, and a loving family. I believe she is happy here.
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Embrodiers
Poliakova Yulia
Just as some people believe in Fate and its irreversibility, others believe that we ourselves are the creators of our lives, and our conscious choice determines our Fate. I believe in both of these versions, because when a white stripe appears in life, it is more pleasant to think that it was your actions that led to this, and when dark times are coming, then perhaps it is easier to accept them if we think that our fate is predetermined by higher powers. The human brain is unique and its function is to give the organism a chance to survive in any environment, not to go crazy and to give offspring. Perhaps this is also programmed by someone… but this is not certain;)
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Destiny
Poliakova Yulia
An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet regardless of place, time and circumstances. The thread may get tangled, but it will never break. Everyone has their own destiny and their own earthly purpose; we are where we are supposed to be.
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Dreamers
Poliakova Yulia
Modernity is fleeting and virtual reality is already replacing live communication. And I understand why - there you can be anyone - yourself, or someone else, or a better version of yourself. And it's tempting. A true saying - the Internet connects those who are far away and separates those who are nearby. This picture of the future that awaits us, when the real world will become more dull, uninteresting against the background of the virtual, because there, in a parallel virtual reality, they will be able to offer us brighter emotions, and for a person, it seems to me, emotions are the greatest drug. Whether it's good or bad - time will show.
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Squid game
Poliakova Yulia
The squid game became famous after the release of the series of the same name where the fight took place not for life but to the death. But first of all, it is a children's game where there is a distribution of roles between the attacker and the defender. Children grow up, but the games remain the same - either you attack or defend. Either you are a predator or a victim. But be careful - remember that roles can change at any moment. Life is unpredictable.
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Sleeping beauty
Poliakova Yulia
Our fears come from childhood. Probably, everyone has had such a thing that you cover yourself with a blanket and are afraid that a monster is hiding under your bed. You are afraid to stick out your arm or leg from under the blanket, you are afraid that he will grab you. And then you grow up and understand that the monster is you yourself… that there are no old women and monsters, and all the evil things on earth are done by people. So this work is about the fact that we should not be afraid of the dead, but of the living, somehow…
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Black oil
Poliakova Yulia
While many people are familiar with the term "blood diamonds," I argue that oil is an even more lethal resource. Although the connection may not be as immediately apparent as it is with diamonds and gold, countless wars have erupted over the control and access to this vital commodity. Today, we witness the devastating impact of oil production as it funds an ongoing and destructive conflict. If it weren’t for the vast wealth generated by Russia's oil, this war might have never ignited. The relentless pursuit of cheap energy continues to prolong the suffering and chaos. Currently, funds from oil sales are being funneled into missiles that claim innocent lives, shatter families, and obliterate entire neighborhoods. Oil not only fuels warfare but also inflicts lasting harm on our planet.
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Black Sea
Poliakova Yulia
War turned water, which is the source of life, into a deadly danger. And the Black Sea itself became a threat, turning into a battlefield full of mines and warships. But even in such a time, dark times, as they say, people will leave a place in their hearts for hope, beauty, love. Life goes on. Life will defeat death.
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