Yelyzaveta Obukhovska

One of the central themes for my work is femininity, which is depicted in visually exaggerated images of women who are not naturally beautiful with hyperbolised parts of their faces. They seem to become similar to each other and begin to lose the personal qualities that distinguish them from others. They play roles dictated by society. In this way, I explore the influence of society on the framework of beauty and how this framework then affects women more than men. Or how society influences ideas about women's roles, stereotypes, and the limits and definitions of female beauty.

Our whole culture is starting to "rejuvenate hysterically", the beauty industry is aimed at making 60-year-olds look 20-30 years younger. But we will not cancel old age, physiological changes, and eventually death, because it is a part of life, but in the public space, it's all silenced.

However, some of my paintings have different meanings and ideas. This happened after Russia's attack on Ukraine. The war that Russia brought to my country changed my vision of the world and people. I have paintings about the unbreakable will and and courage of the Ukrainian people.

Having also undergone transformation, development and research, my work now reflects a vision of female power and subjectivity, revealing the woman as a central figure in my paintings. The works offer a unique perspective on the female experience, allowing viewers to see and feel the strength, ingenuity and genius that can be embodied in a woman.