Viktoria Kondratieva - Visual Artist

My print "Triptych: The Land of Spirits" was on display at the Cork Printmakers Members Exhibition at Lavit Gallery. This print is a visual meditation on the journey of the soul — a tribute to those who have been lost but will never be forgotten. It's deeply rooted in my personal history and the collective memory of Ukraine, capturing the moment when innocent souls ascend to the afterlife, merging with the land, the sky, and the eternal.

  Clay House Workshop Day 1 of the Clay House Workshop was a wonderful blend of creativity and connection. We had a great time building our own little houses from clay, letting our hands do the talking while our minds relaxed. It was a fun and calming experience where we shared ideas, laughed together, and let our imagination flow freely. A perfect start to the workshop! Day 2 of the Clay House Workshop We continued our Clay House Workshop with a creative and colourful second session. Participants brought their miniature homes to life with paint, adding personality and flair to their handcrafted clay houses. It was a relaxed, joyful day filled with imagination, conversation, and community spirit.

  One month ago, I had the incredible opportunity to facilitate the workshop “The Art of Ukrainian Motanka” at Triskel Arts Centre. It was a truly special experience—bringing people together to explore the rich tradition of Motanka dolls, which carry centuries of Ukrainian heritage, symbolism, and warmth.  This workshop took place as part of the Studios of Sanctuary initiative, funded by Rethink Ireland, creating a space for cultural exchange, creativity, and connection. Seeing participants engage with this ancient craft, weaving their own stories into each doll, was both heartwarming and inspiring.   A huge thank you to everyone who joined, shared their energy, and embraced the beauty of Ukrainian folk art. Moments like these remind me of the power of art to bridge cultures and build community.

 On February 24, 2025, the UCC Library hosted a deeply moving event to mark the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The gathering brought together five Ukrainian women who shared their personal journeys of resettlement and integration in Ireland. Each story was a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the search for belonging in a new country. As one of the speakers, I had the opportunity to share my own experience—specifically, my journey as an artist in Ireland. I spoke about how I continue to develop my skills with the incredible support of Cork Printmakers and Sample-Studios. These organizations have played a crucial role in my artistic growth, providing access to professional spaces, mentorship, and opportunities to collaborate within the Irish art community. Cork Printmakers has offered me the tools and environment to explore and refine my printmaking techniques. Their diverse range of programs has allowed me to experiment and push my creative boun...

 I am thrilled to be a resident at Triskel Arts Centre. It has been an incredibly exciting experience for me, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to work in such a welcoming and inspiring space. The atmosphere here is perfect for creativity, allowing me to focus and develop my work in a supportive environment. Triskel’s dedication to the arts is evident in every aspect of the space, making it a wonderful place for artists to grow. As a participant in Sample-Studios’ Studios of Sanctuary programme, I feel especially grateful for the mentorship, training, and support that has helped shape my artistic journey. Studios of Sanctuary is a multi-award-winning initiative supporting artists from asylum seeker, refugee, and migrant backgrounds, offering professional development, expert mentorship, and funding for community events. This programme has been instrumental in my growth as an artist, and I am thankful for its continued support through Rethink Ireland. During my residency at Tri...

  I’m thrilled to announce that I have started for an artist residency at Triskel Arts Centre! This incredible opportunity will allow me to further develop my practice, explore new ideas, and immerse myself in the vibrant creative environment that Triskel fosters. Throughout my residency, I’ll be working on  a new body of portraiture exploring the symbolism of traditional ragdolls.  Each piece will be a different portrait of a woman from Ukraine in traditional clothes from different regions of Ukraine. During the Soviet era, traditional Ukrainian clothing, like many other expressions of national identity,  was systematically suppressed. The Soviet government sought to create a unified Soviet identity, which meant erasing distinct national cultures within the USSR. Traditional Ukrainian attire, which was vibrant and symbolic, was viewed as a threat to this homogenization .  A huge thank you to Sample Studios for their support and encouragement throughout my journ...