“Despite the dark, sad times, light will always come after darkness.”
A Journey from Ukraine to Artistic Eminence
Oksana Tanasiv, affectionately known as Oksi, is an American artist of Ukrainian descent who has carved a niche for herself in the art world. Her early life in a small town in Western Ukraine played a crucial role in shaping her artistic vision. From a young age, Oksi was captivated by the world of art, a passion nurtured by her father, who himself possessed remarkable artistic skills. This familial influence, rooted in a lineage of craftsmen and art educators, provided a strong foundation for her burgeoning talent.
Growing up amidst the rich cultural tapestry of Ukraine, Oksi was surrounded by traditional embroidery art. This intricate and colorful textile art, practiced by the women in her family, left an indelible mark on her. These vibrant patterns and sacred geometric designs have found their way into her contemporary works, particularly in her Code U and LED series. By integrating these traditional elements into modern compositions, Oksi creates a bridge between her heritage and her innovative artistic pursuits.
Despite her parents’ encouragement to pursue a more conventional career as a psychology teacher, Oksi’s passion for art remained undiminished. Her move to the United States in 2004 marked the beginning of her professional journey as an artist. After years of participating in smaller shows and exhibitions in Connecticut, her career gained significant momentum in New York City, the epicenter of the art world. Her Fashion series debuted at prestigious venues such as the NYC Art Fairs Art Expo and Fashion Week NYC, garnering public and critical acclaim.
Oksana Tanasiv: From Fashion to Socio-Political Commentary
Oksana Tanasiv’s artistic journey has been marked by a dynamic evolution in style and subject matter. Initially, her work focused on realistic portrayals within her Fashion series, capturing the elegance and vibrancy of the fashion world through figurative art. These early works showcased her ability to blend realism with artistic flair, creating pieces that resonated with audiences at major art events.
As her career progressed, Oksi’s interests broadened to encompass more profound themes. Her exploration of socio-political issues, particularly the pervasive influence of money and finance, led to the creation of her Dollar Art series. By using the image of a dollar bill, she conveys potent messages about the power and impact of wealth on society. This series, recognized for its social commentary, includes iterations from 2016, 2020, and 2023, each reflecting the evolving economic landscape.
In 2020, during the global pandemic, Oksi embarked on a new creative venture with her LED installation paintings, “Light at the End of the Tunnel.” These innovative works feature night illumination controlled by a mobile app, symbolizing hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The technical and conceptual development of this series highlights Oksi’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression, blending traditional art forms with cutting-edge technology.
Inspirations and Artistic Influences
The development of Oksana Tanasiv’s artistic voice has been significantly influenced by her exposure to various art forms and historical masterpieces. Among the most impactful experiences was her visit to the Aivazovsky National Gallery in Crimea, Ukraine, in 2002. The technical prowess and breathtaking beauty of Aivazovsky’s seascapes left a lasting impression on her, inspiring her to strive for a similar level of excellence in her own work.
Additionally, Oksi draws inspiration from the intellectual depth of René Magritte’s paintings. One of her favorite works, “The Son of Man,” resonates with her due to its profound philosophical undertones and the enigmatic questions it poses about human existence. The influence of Magritte’s thought-provoking art is evident in Oksi’s Dollar Art series, where she seeks to provoke contemplation and dialogue through her creations.
Oksi’s workspaces are meticulously designed to foster creativity and concentration. Equipped with all the necessary tools and surrounded by the music of rock ballads by Gary Moore, her studio serves as a sanctuary for artistic exploration. Despite occasional distractions from clients and loved ones, Oksi remains dedicated to her craft, finding solace and inspiration within her creative haven.
Oksana Tanasiv: A Visionary in Mixed Media
Oksana Tanasiv’s artistic repertoire is characterized by her innovative use of mixed media. Throughout her career, she has experimented with various materials and techniques to bring her artistic visions to life. In her Dollar Art series, she incorporates actual dollar bills into her oil paintings, creating a powerful visual commentary on the socio-economic themes that intrigue her.
Her LED installation paintings represent a significant leap in her artistic journey, blending plexiglass, wood frames, LED lights, epoxy, natural stones, beads, crystals, and mica powder to create mesmerizing, interactive artworks. These pieces not only captivate visually but also engage viewers through their dynamic and changeable nature, controlled via technology.
Looking ahead, Oksi envisions expanding her LED series into 3D sculptures, further exploring the intersection of art and technology. Her goal is to create an innovative series titled “Art of New Generation,” pushing the boundaries of contemporary art and establishing new paradigms in artistic expression. While she prefers to keep some of her future projects under wraps, this ambitious plan underscores her commitment to evolving as an artist and continually challenging herself creatively.
In sum, Oksana Tanasiv’s journey from a small town in Ukraine to the forefront of the modern art scene is a testament to her relentless pursuit of artistic excellence and innovation. Through her diverse body of work, she not only honors her cultural heritage but also addresses contemporary issues, creating art that is both meaningful and transformative.
