Julia Shutkevych
Julia Shutkevych is a Ukraine-based multimedia artist working in generative graphics, AR/VR, and audiovisual art, including interactive installations and performances.
Despite the war that found Julia in Kyiv, the artist decided to continue working in the field of art. However, today’s events in Ukraine and their experiences have influenced Julia’s sense of herself as an artist and her artistic practice: “Since the war started, I felt the need to absorb more than to create. I still feel I need time and space to properly reflect on everything that happened to me, my nation, and the world.
War in Ukraine has taught me an important lesson: each creation is a particular statement, often a political one. Art is a litmus paper for any imbalance in the world. Nowadays, it is a universal language that can translate messages to any part of the world despite our ethical, cultural or other differences. Art unites and stimulates one to decide on one’s fundamental life beliefs.”
During the two months of the war, Julia managed to create several art projects: “Undoubtedly, I keep creating as a digital artist. But the topics of my creations have significantly shifted. During this time, I have made an AR filter, time-based art, and a collection of digital artworks that became a part of the Make Art Not War NFT collection to raise funds for humanitarian help for Ukraine. I was proudly selected to represent Ukrainian in the annual audiovisual new media art festival Little Islands in Greece. We’ve released a single and a music video together with the Uzhgorod-based Electronic music band called Heartbeat (серцебиття) to support the heartbeat of every Ukrainian and raise funds. I’ve released a collection of digitalised generative art series called meta_elements while being in the bomb shelter in Kyiv as well.
But on the other hand, at times of war, I put all my art projects planned for this spring aside. I want to make them, but I understand that there are more important things now. During this period, I felt some ups and downs. As we all do, probably. Days when you want nothing, not even sleep. Days when you feel you can change the world. And in-between – time. Time to work with dedication and a deep understanding of purpose. Especially now, when you never know what happens next, every moment is precious.”
Speaking about the transformations that will occur or are already taking place in Ukrainian art, Julia voiced several encouraging thoughts: “Creating at a time of disruptive social changes always means a certain degree of transformation. Personally, war made me mature as an artist and helped me truly understand what matters most. Probably every Ukrainian artist is undergoing a similar transformation, growing, transforming, maturing, and becoming more noticeable and notable around the globe. Suddenly, we, Ukrainian artists, received a voice, and now we can speak. Sing our songs of truth and dignity, loss and sadness, kindness and bravery. Our hearts may be tearing apart, our souls stronger than ever before. We are spread around the globe, homeless but hopeful.
And what about Russia? Well, I believe the world operates with simple rules of justice and balance. And this drastic imbalance will be fixed. It’s just a matter of time. And we, Ukrainians, have mastered the art of waiting. We are waiting and doing all we can to preserve what matters to us the most.”
Interviewed by Yevgeniya Tsatsenko