Julia Chemerys

For Julia Chemeris, colour is more than pigment on canvas, it is language, therapy, and emotion intertwined. Based in Kyiv, her studio overlooks the vast Dnipro River, a view that on some days is serene and breathtaking, with bridges stretching across the water. On others, it is disrupted by missile strikes, a stark reminder of the fragile reality surrounding her. This contrast between beauty and destruction, peace and turbulence, inevitably seeps into her art, shaping an ever-evolving artistic language. Her brushstroke, once steady, now reflects the shifting world around her. Chemeris is a master of diverse techniques, capable of replicating everything from the dramatic chiaroscuro of Caravaggio to the surreal dreamscapes of Dalí. However, it is her profound relationship with colour that truly defines her work. As a colour therapist, she believes that hues carry deeper meaning than what is consciously perceived. Her preferred medium is square canvases - stable, balanced, offering a sense of grounding amidst uncertainty. Among her notable works, February stands out with its crisp precision and quiet intensity. The layered icy whites and soft blues create an atmosphere of stillness, evoking the sharp clarity of winter. A sliver of a young moon appears within the composition, suspended between night and dawn, embodying both fragility and quiet resilience. Another striking piece, Diffusion of Happiness, plays with the shifting perception of colour. Depending on the light, it reveals different moods and meanings, a reflection of the complexity of human emotion. The work radiates warmth yet holds an enigmatic quality, offering an experience that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.