Iryna Lupashchenko

I am Ukrainian, and my belonging to this nation fills me with pride and inspiration. Ukraine is a land where the threads of ancient history, rich traditions and original culture intertwine, creating a unique pattern that cannot be confused with anything else. My compatriots are people of amazing depth, in whose souls the subtlest perception of the beauty of nature, tender love for all living things and the indomitable strength of spirit inherent in noble warriors harmoniously coexist. They are the keepers of their hearth, ready with courage and dignity to defend themselves, their loved ones and their native land from any adversity. These emotions, these deep experiences, like invisible colors, formed the basis of my art series "Unconquered". Creating it, I sought to embody not just images, but the living souls of Ukrainians - people of different ages, destinies and generations, united by an unquenchable love for their country. Each portrait in this series is not only a face, but also a story carved into the features, eyes, and subtle folds of skin. This is a gallery of characters, where tenderness coexists with determination, and dreaminess with an unyielding will.
"The Unconquered" is more than a series of paintings. It is an artistic interpretation of the national spirit, captured in colors and forms. In every brushstroke, I tried to convey the spark of freedom that burns in the heart of every Ukrainian, the passion for life that makes them cherish the traditions of their ancestors and boldly look to the future. There is no place for submission or despair here - only fortitude, pride, and faith in their land. These portraits are like mirrors reflecting not only the external appearance, but also the inner strength that has nourished my nation for centuries, allowing it to withstand trials.
From the point of view of art history, the "Unconquered" series can be perceived as a visual manifesto, where figurative painting becomes a tool for exploring identity. These are not just portraits, but archetypes that embody the collective experience of the people. Through color, light, and composition, I sought to show not only the individuality of each hero, but also their connection to something greater — to the land, history, and culture. Thus, “The Unconquered” becomes not only my personal statement, but also part of a dialogue about what it means to be Ukrainian in the modern world, where art serves as both a shield and a voice.

"Harlequin's Soul" is a series of my paintings dedicated to theater, creativity and scenography. I am a theater artist, set designer. I have dedicated more than twenty years of my creative activity to the theater, creating the figurative environment of the performance, scenery and costumes of the characters. I have created more than a hundred theatrical productions on the stages of various theaters in Ukraine. I am fascinated by the figurative power of theatrical art, its metaphorical nature and laconicism. Theatrical creativity has enriched my experience of painting. This is how the "Harlequin's Soul" series came into being. This series explores the emotional depth and symbolism of human characters, images and destinies, through the prism of theatrical images, metaphors, characters, focusing on the iconic image of Harlequin.