UKRAINIAN artist Valerii Ushkaov has made her Irish debut with their exhibition entitled ‘Classics on Cobblestones’, currently on display in the Edna O’Brien Library in Scariff.
Valerii Ushakov is an emerging artist specialising in oil paintings on canvas, where they explore the dynamic relationship between automobiles and the beauty of nature. The work captures the harmony between mechanical design and natural landscapes, blending nostalgia with vibrant scenery.
Originally from Ukraine, Valerii moved to Ireland last year and has since settled in Kilkee. Valerii attended art school, receiving training in a variety of mediums such as pencil, watercolor and pastels. Through their training, Valerii gravitated towards oil painting and felt that this was their strongest medium.
“I experimented a lot, and I found the best format for me is using a large format; this way, I have more space to add in details,” she said.
After graduating from art school at the age of 15, Valerii took a break from painting as they were tired of feeling pressured to create hyperrealistic work and felt deterred by the technical criticism which came with studying art.
Since returning to painting with a newfound inspiration and passion, Valerii sees painting as a hobby rather than a source of income and continues to work full-time while creating artwork.
“I don’t care about making money from my art, I don’t make any money from this. If I get money from it eventually, then that will come along on its own. I believe if art is something you like to do, then just do it.”
The exhibition currently on display in the Edna O’Brien Library consists of 8 large-scale paintings all following the theme of classic cars paired with juxtaposing landscapes. The exhibition will run until March 29.
