Hi, I am Uliana Novak, a self-taught artist of Russian origin based in Finland. I was born and raised in Ulyanovsk, Russia (formerly the Soviet Union), the city named after Vladimir Lenin. Growing up, I often felt a lack of freedom within an emotionally restrictive environment, even before I fully understood what freedom meant to me.
After having been diagnosed a few years ago with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I now can better understand my peculiarities which I had previously not found an explanation for. My paintings serve as a window into my inner world, representing both my means of observing and understanding the external world and my way of sharing myself with others, allowing me to connect in a way that feels genuine and true.
Artists who influenced me include Matisse with his vibrant expressionism; Andrey Bilzho, who introduced me to new dimensions of creative freedom; and Mikhail Larionov, whose avant-garde works inspire hope for a meaningful life.
My sociological perspective informs my art, as I narrate stories about people and society through whimsical sketches that blend humour and depth. Influenced by social satire, caricature traditions, and naïve art, my work serves as a playful yet thought-provoking lens on human nature.
Artists who influenced me include Matisse with his vibrant expressionism; Andrey Bilzho, who introduced me to new dimensions of creative freedom; and Mikhail Larionov, whose avant-garde works inspire hope for a meaningful life.
My sociological perspective informs my art, as I narrate stories about people and society through whimsical sketches that blend humour and depth. Influenced by social satire, caricature traditions, and naïve art, my work serves as a playful yet thought-provoking lens on human nature.
I pursued a career in sociology, earning a PhD from the University of Warsaw.
For much of my life, I worked in academia — researching youth cultures and issues related to drug abuse, presenting at international conferences, and engaging in scholarly work.
While this path was intellectually stimulating, I felt something was missing: freedom and creativity.
I longed to escape these boundaries which were restricting my expressiveness.
In 2010, I began exploring photography, taking courses at the School of Contemporary Photography in Moscow and attending a masterclass with the renowned Russian photographer Sergei Maximishin. This creative exploration led me further, and in 2020, I joined an Art studio in Helsinki, where I developed my artistic skills under the guidance of a professional mentor.
Through painting, I learnt a new language which allowed me to express my view of the world and, in doing so, unlocked a sense of freedom within me which for so long had been suppressed.
For much of my life, I worked in academia — researching youth cultures and issues related to drug abuse, presenting at international conferences, and engaging in scholarly work.
While this path was intellectually stimulating, I felt something was missing: freedom and creativity.
I longed to escape these boundaries which were restricting my expressiveness.
In 2010, I began exploring photography, taking courses at the School of Contemporary Photography in Moscow and attending a masterclass with the renowned Russian photographer Sergei Maximishin. This creative exploration led me further, and in 2020, I joined an Art studio in Helsinki, where I developed my artistic skills under the guidance of a professional mentor.
Through painting, I learnt a new language which allowed me to express my view of the world and, in doing so, unlocked a sense of freedom within me which for so long had been suppressed.
The process of finding myself through art coincided with profound global changes, which included COVID-19 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This was a significant driving factor for me to reconsider the nature of social issues, and from then on I wanted to express these reflections through the nonverbal language of art.
Since 2022, painting has become my primary focus, resulting in the creation of several series of artworks. A recurring theme in my artwork is the image of a window, this symbol is important to me.
Since 2022, painting has become my primary focus, resulting in the creation of several series of artworks. A recurring theme in my artwork is the image of a window, this symbol is important to me.