NoVan

I am Ukrainka

2022

Mixed Media on Canvas

80 x 60 cm

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NOVAN (* 1983 Ukraine)

Novan is the pseudonym of the architect based in Kiev, who is also a street and OP ART artist. For more than 8 years he has been transferring the quintessence of his street art onto canvases that tend to outlive the facades of houses. NoVan combines new artistic methods of cutting stencils with other materials and interacting with space. His technique is based on a linear grid; with the help of painted lines of different thicknesses and shades, the images are transferred to canvases that create special optical effects and play with visual perception.

In the artwork “I am Ukrainka!” Novan immortalized the famous Ukrainian poet and dramaturge Lesya Ukrainka. Her work initially included folkloric, traditional poetry, later impressionistic nature poetry, and historical poetry. Today Lesya Ukrainka has become a symbol of Ukrainian patriotism. The work “I am Ukrainka!” presents the current struggle for national identity as well as the defense of the existence of Ukraine's culture and values.