Originally from Ukraine, Julia Rybalko is a painter and photographer who is currently based in Lisbon, Portugal. Inspired by the sun-drenched landscape of the Atlantic coastline and fabled city streets, Julia creates robust pieces drenched in color and form. The asymmetrical faces, lively animals, and distinctive shapes leap off the canvas bringing her world to life.
Her creative journey began behind a camera. Capturing the old-world charm of Portuguese architecture and the wild landscapes of surrounding nature. Over time however, Julia began to feel that capturing reality was not enough. She longed to create a new, self-defined reality rather than merely observing an existing one. With that motivation, she began painting.
She credits her background in photography for shaping the way in which she views and translates the world into her paintings. Her defined, clean, and colorful hand-painted acrylic works are a unique blend of cubism and pop art. Every stroke has direction. Every color has a purpose. Modern, bold, and beautiful each piece is a true original. As for the meaning behind each piece — the artist leaves that up to the viewer.
“If you see meaning in my work, great.
If you don’t, even better.
Art is meant to start conversations, not end them.”
Julia does not sell prints of her work, only original canvases. While unusual and intriguing, it speaks to the courage and audacity of her as an artist and is something that I admire. Yes, of course I do wish I could buy a print, but I’m happy to save up my money for an original if I can. You can too on either Etsy or Julia’s website. She ships internationally.
Website → artbyrybalko.com
Etsy → etsy.com/shop/ArtByRybalko
Instagram → instagram.com/artbyrybalko
