Burda Irina, Shapovalova Valeria
Burda Irina - was born on January 6, 1988 in Kyiv, is a talented artist and illustrator who combines deep symbolism and psychological research in her work. She received a fundamental art education while studying at the Taras Shevchenko State Art Secondary School, and later entered the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture in Kyiv, where she specialized in book illustration.
Iryna works in various graphic techniques, experimenting with form and content. Her work is permeated with the symbolism of fish, which acts as an important element in her works, carrying multi-valued associations. In her artistic practice, Iryna also turns to the psychology and archetypes of Carl Gustav Jung, exploring the deep aspects of human consciousness and subconsciousness.
Her works are distinguished by philosophical depth, multi-layered content and visual sophistication, which makes her one of the brightest representatives of contemporary art.
Art education:
· State Art Secondary School named after T.G. Shevchenko, 2006
· National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture (Faculty of Book Illustration), 2012
Exhibitions:
2021 Individual exhibition "Fish" in the art space "Gorkiy Pub".
2007 Exhibition of book graphics at the National Union of Artists of Ukraine. Illustrations for the fairy tale by Wilhelm Gauff "The Dwarf Nose".
2006 Exhibition of book graphics at the National Union of Artists of Ukraine. Illustrations for the book by Lyubko Deresh "Arche".
Additional information:
Artist (and book illustrator), 7 years engaged in art therapy and graphomotor skills with autistic children, neurotypical. Mother of 12-year-old Mykola with autism.
Shapovalova Valeria - was born on December 6, 1987 in Kyiv, is an artist and public figure who uses art as a means of expressing her unique worldview. She received her art education at the Children's School of Arts No. 6 named after G. L. Zhukovsky, which she graduated in 2002 in the field of fine arts (drawing, painting, composition, sculpture, ceramics).
In 2024, Valeria took part in the VIII International Art Festival MALYUY.UA, presenting her individual work "Human on Earth".
In addition to her work, Valeria is an active public speaker on autism issues, an autistic self-advocate, and the founder of important educational initiatives. She created the first online community in Ukraine "Ask an Autist", which unites autistic adults and parents of autistic children, as well as a community for communication of autistic adults "Autism in an Adult Way".
Having autism, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and dyslexia, Valeria uses her experience to educate, fight stereotypes and support others. Her work combines art, education and social activism aimed at creating an inclusive society.
Art education:
Children's School of Arts No. 6 named after G.L. Zhukovsky, 2002
Art department (drawing, painting, composition, sculpture, ceramics)
Exhibitions:
Participation in the VIII International Art Festival MALYUY.UA. The exhibition featured the work: "Man on Earth".
Additional information:
Artist who uses artistic means to express her vision of the world, autistic (has concomitant ADHD - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and dyslexia).
Public speaker on autism issues, autistic self-advocate, founder of the first educational online community in Ukraine that unites autistic adults and parents of autistic children "Ask an Autist" and the community for communication of autistic adults "Adult Autism".
