Artist Profile Hanna Koval

Artist Statement

I work within the romantic direction of the Art Nouveau style. My art predominantly features a warm color palette to evoke coziness and tenderness. This effect is achieved by first applying a layer of coffee to the paper, followed by careful color selection on a separate piece. I am captivated by the interplay between the unique textures of large watercolor spots and the precise lines of ink, striving to balance these opposing elements. My work emphasizes composition and the integration of complex elements. Decorative patterns and plant motifs are distinctive features of my artistic style.

My art is created for the sake of the process itself, allowing me to delve into self-exploration and express my emotions with precision. Creativity serves as a form of escapism for me. My work conveys themes such as the significance of aesthetics and ethics in human life, the effects of creation and destruction, and love in its broadest sense. I address the concept of hedonism and the balance between personal pleasure and an individual’s positive impact on the world. The central narrative of my work questions whether destruction is necessary to create beauty and if humanity can break free from the cycle of violence and war. I explore the potential of watercolor and strive to blend academic knowledge with innovative ideas.

Before beginning my watercolor series, I specialized in oil painting. During challenging periods of my life, I focused on visualizing fear, pain, and despair, creating dark and profound works using oil, charcoal, and other graphic materials. Significant life changes have transformed me both personally and artistically. Through experimenting with various materials and themes, I discovered my passion for color and freedom. Currently, I am exploring new genres and techniques in watercolor, shifting my focus to the lighter side of life and joy.

I am currently developing a series of works set in a universe of my own creation. In this world, humans have destroyed the planet and themselves through continuous war. Centuries later, the planet has recovered and now thrives according to new laws that eliminate enmity and hatred among all living beings. This new human species is free from vanity, envy, and the desire for violence, coexisting harmoniously with other species. I use watercolor for this series to capture the atmosphere of tenderness, fragility, and love, leveraging the medium’s inherent lightness and transparency.

In the painting Moment of Reflection, the scene is set in a botanical garden. Two serene figures, a young cartographer and a botanist, sit at the center, sipping juice and enjoying the morning sun. At the feet of the elderly man lies his beloved cat. Time seems to have stopped as they both admire the beauty of butterflies, each lost in their own thoughts. Moments earlier, they were discussing expeditions to new islands. Surrounded by blooming plants, they are enveloped in a cozy and homely atmosphere. This world knows no fear or despair, only tranquility and a profound appreciation for life.

In this world, the butterfly is a sacred animal, embodying their main goddess, who is the patron of art, love, and fertility. The butterfly symbolizes the cycle of life, as well as the beauty and simplicity of existence. I used large watercolor blurs to create an atmosphere of dreamlike lightness, with floating gentle clouds and airy shadows on the floor. Ink brush strokes emphasize the elegance and beauty of the plants. This painting represents the pinnacle of my artistic skills, ideas, and philosophical perspective.

Artist Biography

Hanna Koval, born in Simferopol, Ukraine, in 2000, is a multidisciplinary artist based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her practice spans painting, drawing, collage, and sculpture, with a focus on watercolor painting and fountain pen ink on paper. Notably, her triptych Modesty marked a breakthrough in exploring new materials and techniques. Each piece in the triptych exceeds one meter in dimensions, featuring vibrant colors that create a captivating visual experience.

Central to Koval’s art is a profound exploration of humanity’s potential to improve the world through art, juxtaposed with the destructive impact of human actions. Her works celebrate the world’s beauty and diversity with a bright, vibrant palette. Amidst existing evils, Koval advocates nurturing the brightest aspects of human existence. A significant project involves a series of ink drawings from 2021 to 2023, inspired by Art Nouveau and artists like Aubrey Beardsley, Léon Bakst, Alphonse Mucha, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. These works feature people, animals, and vegetal elements, reflecting Koval’s artistic vision.

Koval has showcased her talent in notable exhibitions, including the Union of Crimean Artists Gallery and the Prow Gallery in Halifax. In 2018, her works were displayed at the Samokish Art School, gaining national and international recognition. Her participation in the Nocturne NOISEmakers residency in Halifax in 2023 further solidified her reputation. Hanna Koval continues to leave an indelible mark on the contemporary art scene.