Meet Iryna Kyianchenko | Artist & Art historian

We had the good fortune of connecting with Iryna Kyianchenko and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Iryna, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
My journey began from my earliest days in independent Ukraine. This country, which gave me life, has always been my greatest inspiration. Raised in a land of independence and love, where the values ​​of freedom and creativity were held dear, I was fortunate to have parents who supported my dreams and gave me the opportunity to choose my own path. And when I chose art, I realized that it was the best way to express myself and help others unleash their potential. In art, there are no limits, no boundaries for ideas and creativity. The world of art is a realm of endless possibilities, where I can be myself and inspire others to achieve their best.

My mission is to assist my country through creativity; it’s my weapon on the front lines. This is how I can give my gratitude to my homeland and make a difference. Today, I feel that my destiny is to be someone who inspires and makes the world a better place for all of us.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It is difficult to define myself as a professional, since I have just started my way in the world of art. It seems that at the very beginning of their career, many artists are faced with the fact that they need their own unique style. I feel that mission too, but it’s a challenge because I like so many different things and I can’t stay in one place for too long. My inspiration stems from everything from the Pre-Raphaelites to TikTok.

Combining such different sources of inspiration is by no means an easy task. So I think it’s important for me to define what message I want to convey to people in my works. I see it as part of my journey, where each piece is a step in this process of self-expression.

Challenges come my way that force me to push the boundaries of my creativity, improve my technique, and develop a strong work ethic. In some sense, I am a nugget, because I studied painting independently, I am an art critic by specialty, but it is more about theory than about practice. Therefore, I mastered the practice on my own, although I lack the academic painting that artists are taught, but this ignorance opens up new opportunities for me and leads to the creation of my own unique style.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In fact, I have a penchant for immersing myself in extreme situations where I can truly test my limits. Exotic countries are the perfect playground for such adventures, offering a chance to experience the local culture in all its rich dimensions. The allure of the exotic has always been a driving force in my life, which is why I’ve chosen to share my life with a Indian husband and live in Kenya. When it comes to seeking the most exotic experiences, one might wonder if there’s anywhere even more extraordinary to explore…

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have deep respect for my mother and she is the one who gave me the full value and skills that helped me to become who I am today. Her tireless support and faith in me have always been my greatest support.

I also feel deep gratitude to my Ukraine. Having the opportunity to be born on this land, where I grew up happy and was surrounded by the warmth of my native culture and traditions, is an extraordinary gift. My childhood and youth were filled with unforgettable moments in this native land, and it gave me strength and inspiration to achieve.

Website: www.kiyanushka.com

Instagram: @kiyanushka, @art.kiyanushka