Biography
I am Kateryna Kostyk (b. 2002, Ukraine), an artist specializing in graphite and charcoal drawing. While art has always been a part of my life, my true creative journey began in the wake of the full-scale war in Ukraine, when drawing became both a means of emotional expression and a source of inner resilience.
My practice is rooted in traditional drawing, working primarily with graphite and charcoal. I am drawn to the simplicity of black and white, which allows me to focus entirely on emotion, atmosphere, and concept without the distraction of color.
Much of my inspiration comes from everyday life — small, sincere, and often overlooked moments. I see art as a way of preserving these fleeting impressions and reminding people of what is truly valuable: a connection with nature, the beauty of imperfection, and the quiet joy that lies in ordinary experiences. Through these works, I explore themes of stillness, memory, and belonging, often drawing from rural landscapes and simple, familiar scenes that carry a deep emotional resonance.
Alongside this, my practice extends into a more philosophical and introspective direction, where I engage with elements of surrealism and psychoanalysis. In these works, I explore the complexity of human nature — its light and shadow, vulnerability and contradiction. I use symbolic imagery to question, reveal, and dissect internal conflicts, addressing both personal and collective issues. Rather than offering answers, my work aims to expose hidden tensions and invite the viewer into a deeper process of reflection and self-examination.
My works are included in private collections across Ukraine, Slovakia, Italy, Germany, and the United States.
I am Kateryna Kostyk (b. 2002, Ukraine), an artist specializing in graphite and charcoal drawing. While art has always been a part of my life, my true creative journey began in the wake of the full-scale war in Ukraine, when drawing became both a means of emotional expression and a source of inner resilience.
My practice is rooted in traditional drawing, working primarily with graphite and charcoal. I am drawn to the simplicity of black and white, which allows me to focus entirely on emotion, atmosphere, and concept without the distraction of color.
Much of my inspiration comes from everyday life — small, sincere, and often overlooked moments. I see art as a way of preserving these fleeting impressions and reminding people of what is truly valuable: a connection with nature, the beauty of imperfection, and the quiet joy that lies in ordinary experiences. Through these works, I explore themes of stillness, memory, and belonging, often drawing from rural landscapes and simple, familiar scenes that carry a deep emotional resonance.
Alongside this, my practice extends into a more philosophical and introspective direction, where I engage with elements of surrealism and psychoanalysis. In these works, I explore the complexity of human nature — its light and shadow, vulnerability and contradiction. I use symbolic imagery to question, reveal, and dissect internal conflicts, addressing both personal and collective issues. Rather than offering answers, my work aims to expose hidden tensions and invite the viewer into a deeper process of reflection and self-examination.
My works are included in private collections across Ukraine, Slovakia, Italy, Germany, and the United States.