Viktoria Kondratieva - Visual Artist

 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...

  On 20th November 2023 , I had the privilege of hosting a Petrykivka Painting Workshop at the Volunteer Centre , with the generous support of Sample Studios and Rethink Ireland . This event was an opportunity for participants to explore the vibrant Ukrainian folk art of Petrykivka painting , known for its intricate floral patterns and rich symbolism. Throughout the workshop, attendees learned traditional techniques and created their own unique pieces, reflecting both the beauty and meaning behind this centuries-old craft. It was truly inspiring to witness the creativity and energy brought to the workshop by everyone involved. A heartfelt thank you to Sample Studios , Rethink Ireland , and all the participants who made this workshop such a success. I’m excited to continue sharing my heritage through these artistic sessions and look forward to more workshops in the future. Stay tuned!

On 6th November 2023 , I had the wonderful opportunity to lead a Petrykivka Painting Workshop at Tramore Road College . This traditional Ukrainian folk art, known for its intricate floral patterns and vivid colors, has deep cultural significance and is a beautiful way to express creativity. During the workshop, participants explored the unique brush techniques and symbolic motifs of Petrykivka painting. It was inspiring to see everyone immerse themselves in the process, creating their own vibrant compositions while learning about this rich artistic tradition. As an artist, sharing this part of my heritage was incredibly meaningful, especially in a time when cultural expression feels more important than ever. Thank you to everyone who joined—I loved seeing your enthusiasm and creativity! Looking forward to hosting more workshops in the future. Stay tuned for updates!

On 31st October 2023 , I had the pleasure of leading a Petrykivka Painting Workshop at Mahon Community Centre . This workshop introduced participants to the vibrant and intricate world of Petrykivka painting , a traditional Ukrainian folk art known for its bold floral patterns and symbolic brushstrokes. Throughout the session, attendees explored the unique techniques used in this historic art form, learning how to create their own expressive and colorful compositions. It was wonderful to see everyone immerse themselves in the process, bringing their own creativity to this beautiful tradition. Sharing my culture through art is always a special experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with others in such a meaningful way. A huge thank you to everyone who participated—I loved seeing your enthusiasm and talent! Looking forward to more workshops in the future—stay tuned for updates!