BIO
Hanna Koval was born in Simferopol, Ukraine, in 2000, is a multidisciplinary artist currently based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her artistic practice encompasses a diverse range of disciplines, including painting, drawing, collage, and sculpture. Koval is best known for her profound exploration of themes through the mediums of oil painting on linen and fountain pen ink on paper. Among her notable accomplishments is the triptych "Modesty", a breakthrough moment in which the artist discovered new possibilities of materials and techniques. The triptych showcases her identity as an artist and presents an unusual format and size, with each self-sufficient work surpassing one meter in dimensions. This collection of three pieces exudes an explosion of vibrant colors, breaking the confines of two-dimensional space and engulfing the observer in a captivating visual experience.
At the core of Hanna Koval's artistic expression lies a profound exploration of humanity's potential to improve the world through art and revelation, juxtaposed with the realization of the destructive impact that human actions can have on the planet. Her works seek to convey the beauty and diversity of the world, drawing upon a bright, vibrant palette to celebrate its richness. Amidst the existing evils and cruelties, Koval advocates nurturing and cherishing the brightest aspects of human existence. A significant project of the artist involves a series of graphic works executed in ink between 2021 and 2023. Inspired by the Art Nouveau era and prominent artists such as Aubrey Beardsley, Léon Bakst, Alphonse Mucha, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, these pieces explore the plasticity of line and form. The artworks predominantly feature people, graceful animals, and vegetal elements, reflecting Koval's captivating artistic vision and thematic exploration.
Hanna Koval's artistic journey has been marked by several notable exhibitions, showcasing her talent and unique artistic perspective. Some of her prominent displays include the Union of Crimean Artists Gallery and the Conservatory Art Space in Simferopol, Ukraine. Moreover, in 2018, her works were presented at the Samokish Art School, further solidifying her position as a noteworthy artist. Koval's creations have garnered appreciation and acclaim, leading to their inclusion in various private national and international collections. Additionally, her artistic endeavors have extended beyond the borders of her homeland, as evidenced by her participation in the prestigious Nocturne NOISEmakers residency in Halifax, Canada, in 2023. As an artist with an innate ability to provoke introspection and evoke emotions, Hanna Koval continues to leave an indelible mark on the contemporary art scene.
CV
Born in 2000 in Simferopol, Ukraine
Resides and works in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Education
2016-2020: BA in Fine Art, Samokish Art School, Simferopol, Ukraine
Exhibition History
2020, ‘The Breath of Spring’, Union of Crimean Artists Gallery, Simferopol, Ukraine
2020, Festival ‘Symbiosis 2.0’, Conservatory Art Space, Simferopol, Ukraine
2019, Festival ‘Symbiosis’, Conservatory Art Space, Simferopol, Ukraine
2018, ‘New Generation’, Samokish Art School, Simferopol, Ukraine
Collections
Vladimir Samarsky, Simferopol, Ukraine
Mikhail Zharov, Sevastopol, Ukraine
Viktoria Lavrova, Koktebel, Ukraine
Genevieve Cooreman, Antwerp, Belgium
Residencies
2023, Nocturne NOISEmakers, Wonder’neath, Halifax, Canada
Press & Publications
‘It’s her own fault. A comics about the pressures faced by girls who have been victims of sexual abuse’ in Kloop, 2022
Iryna Stasiuk ‘A comic book about a student raped by a teacher was released in Ukraine’ in Hmarochos (online resource), 2022
‘It's her own fault’ in Reporters (online resource), 2022
Victoria Kudryashova: ‘Ukraine created a comic book about the stigmatization of victims of sexual violence’ in The Village, 2022
Olga Frolyak (interview): ‘artist in SYMBIOSIS 2.0’ in Kesadilka (online resource), 2019
Relevant Professional Experience & Art-Related Contributions
2020-2022: Senior artist, INKER, Kyiv, Ukraine
2020-2021: Educator, supplementary education teacher, Private kindergarten "School on the Lawn", Kyiv, Ukraine
2020: Art teacher, Art School, Simferopol, Ukraine
2019-2020: Festival Director, Symbiosis, Simferopol, Ukraine
2019: Designer, Hotel BEGA, Moscow, Russia (remote)
2018-2022: Designer, ShineBoost, Moscow, Russia (remote)
2017-2018: Monumentalist, Self-employed, Simferopol, Ukraine