Bio

Iryna Merkulova is a Ukrainian-born Canadian artist currently living and working in Montreal. She completed her BFA majoring in Painting and Drawing at Concordia University. Her art practices are mainly focused on oil painting and ink drawing however she is occasionally creating mix-media artworks and videos. Merkulova collects the stories of the people she meets that resonate with her personal stories and visualizes them with a metaphoric twist through the prism of a woman's mind. She participated in numerous group exhibitions in Canada and working towards expanding her artistic career and audience.

Statement

I am a curious and active person who craves knowledge and looking out for truth; therefore, my art is greatly influenced by the social, political, and natural processes that are developing in the contemporary world. I intend to open a dialog with the viewer to discuss issues in the society we are part of. I collect the stories of others that resonate with my personal stories and visualizes them with a metaphoric twist through the prism of a woman’s mind. My paintings refer to complex issues with simple imagery that could be understood by everybody. I am often using personal memories as the entries point into my narratives. While looking deep inside for personal thoughts and feelings, I am also reaching out to share with my audience and trying to find common ground with my viewer for mutual understanding and connection. My art becomes an open space for mind-shifting reflections while providing emotional comfort through distant togetherness.