10 Questions with Oksana Tanasiv

Oksana Tanasiv is an American artist of Ukrainian origin who lives and works in Connecticut, USA. Her life is a successful story of an artist-immigrant who left her life behind for a chance to realise her American dream life from scratch. Oksana's works are widely presented at national and international art fairs, including Art on Paper NYC, Art Palm Beach, Aqua Miami, Art Los Angeles, Art Hampton, Volta NYC, Art Palm Beach, etc. She works in several styles and directions using more than a dozen different materials and authors' techniques. Oksana Tanasiv's paintings belong to museum collections in the USA, Canada, Europe and private collections around the world.

oksanatanasiv.com | @oksanatanasiv_official

ARTIST STATEMENT

“Art is a powerful language that records history, transforms thinking, conveys important information that improves the course of events, society, and makes this world a better place.”

— Oksana Tanasiv

INTERVIEW

Can you tell us a little about your background and how you first became interested in art?

I was born in Ternopil, a city in western Ukraine known for its historical and cultural significance. From early childhood, I felt a strong pull toward drawing. Every time I created my childhood drawings, I felt a sense of satisfaction and joy. And when I heard enthusiastic comments from my parents, friends, and other children, I realized that I was doing something special that others couldn’t. My father had a significant influence on my desire to create; he possessed artistic talent inherited from his own father, which encouraged my first artistic explorations. I loved watching my father draw; it was like magic when a blank sheet of paper turned into a drawing, and that’s what inspired me to “do something similar”, to copy him, to see if I could draw just as well. His praise and encouragement gave me a powerful motivation that sparked my desire to create and has guided me in my profession my entire life.

How has your journey from Ukraine to the United States influenced your artistic path?

In 2004, I immigrated to the United States after winning the Green Card lottery, which marked a turning point in my life: I left Ukraine to pursue my dreams in America. The reason for the move was my desire to establish myself as a professional artist in New York, which I considered the “art capital of the world” thanks to its developed art market and great potential for self-realization, despite the fierce competition. Upon arrival, I faced significant challenges, including adapting to a new country without any prior knowledge of the language, balancing school and work, motherhood, and caring for my daughter… These challenges did not stop me; on the contrary, I continued to pursue my goal and develop my professional artistic skills. Very often, I juggled several jobs and university studies; in my limited free time, I continued to create paintings, participate in exhibitions, and build my art portfolio. And, ultimately, I earned an additional degree while navigating the competitive art scene. I decided to dedicate myself to a professional career in art, motivated by the opportunities of New York’s competitive yet vibrant market, a city that offered potential for self-realization despite the challenges of starting a new life as an immigrant. This marked a turning point in my previous life in Ukraine, where art was simply a hobby, but not yet a full-fledged calling or profession

You work with many different materials and styles. How do you decide which medium to use for a new work?

Over the course of more than two decades in my career, I have created many different series, all united by a common subject or theme. I have used more than a dozen different materials and developed my own techniques that have helped me bring my vision to life on canvas. But now, starting in 2020, I am focused on a high-tech series, an LED art installation titled “Light at the End of the Tunnel,” which carries deep philosophical meaning, offering hope, happiness, and the irreversible moment of a happy future, expressed through light as a symbol of hope. The installations combine traditional motifs of ancient Ukrainian geometry, transformed into modern abstract art, laid out in a mosaic pattern on Plexiglas and illuminated from within by LEDs. Materials such as Plexiglas, crystals, beads, and LEDs have helped me create unique compositions, but most importantly, to convey my message of hope against conflict and crisis, love against hatred, and light against darkness. By highlighting Ukraine’s culture and history through ancient embroidery patterns transformed into modern abstract designs, I am upholding Ukrainian heritage against disinformation and cultural destruction in these times of war. The mosaic of beads and crystals I used for the patterns on Plexiglas is made from the same materials that Ukrainians have used for embroidery for centuries. This anti-colonial art series is my way of supporting cultural identity, uniqueness, history, peace, and truth. And all materials used in these series are supporting my messages: LED - hope , peace and life; beads, crystals mosaic, historical values of antique embroidery; plexiglass, transparency and truth.

What usually inspires you at the beginning of a new project?

My creative career can be divided into two periods: the early pre-2014 period, when I created art series that reflected feminine beauty, drawing inspiration from fashion, celebrities’ appearances, the perfect curves of the female form, and the beauty of famous fashion brands. This reflected my inner feminine essence, my love of beauty, luxury, famous fashion brands and glam. My second period, post-2014, is a period of social awakening and rebellion against war and injustice, triggered by socio-political processes in Ukraine. This period gave rise to the creation of paintings and socio-political series such as *Dollar Art*. It was less a matter of inspiration and more of an awakening of my rebellious voice against the system, injustice, and information manipulation. I began to use my “voice” as an artist to draw attention specifically to the issues that were emerging on the global social stage and, in particular, in Ukraine. Since 2020, as I mentioned in my previous answers, this “voice” has transformed into the creation of “Light at the End of the Tunnel,” an optimistic version of my reflections, in which, while defending cultural and historical values, I tell the viewer that, despite all injustice and evil, good always prevails and light will triumph over darkness.

Can you describe your creative process from the first idea to the finished artwork?

First, I develop a concept, the main message that unites the series of 20-30 or more artworks, all of which share a similar message and philosophy. The artworks are similar not only by concept, but also by the artistic style, visual appearance, and materials I use to create them. For example, my socio-political series, Dollar Art, is united by my strong message about financial issues in the world, politics, routine life, society, and the personal perception of money. This series is created using oil on canvas and a collage of dollar bills, where the currency pattern showcases different messages, such as wealth, greed, lack of freedom, control, manipulation, abuse, and corruption. My ideas come from everyday situations, such as observing people's behavior and political news. First, I create sketches, which are then transformed into oil paintings on canvas. My LED series, "Light at the End of the Tunnel," is united by an optimistic vision of a brighter future for anyone living in difficult times. Specifically, it stands for cultural identity through geometric patterns. All of the installations in these series are made with the same materials: plexiglass installed on a wooden frame with crystal and bead patterns over the plexiglass and light. My team prepares the frames and cuts the plexiglass, then installs it on the frame. Normally, they prepare 10–15 raw frames with plexiglass.The preparation process takes a few stages before I start my work. The last step of my team before I start my step is the installation of plexiglass mirror frames on the sides of the wood frame that gives the art finished, modern look. Then, I complete the artistic process by creating a mosaic and using epoxy resin to add abstract elements. Finally, I installed the LED lights and set up a phone app to control the light of the art.

Are there recurring themes or messages that naturally appear in your work?

Yes, as I mentioned in the previous answer, my creations are divided into series, and each series is united by a theme, similar messages, or concepts. For the last few years, I have focused on the LED series only and have improved the creation process, materials, and technical components of LED art. This gives collectors and art lovers more interesting technical options regardless of the light or color management.
As an artist, I believe that I have to be recognized for a certain style, concept, and visual appearance. "Light at the End of the Tunnel" perfectly reflects my inner voice as an artist, uniting my strong beliefs in artistic quality, technical progress, and philosophical depth.

Your artworks are shown internationally and included in museum collections. How has audience reception shaped your practice?

I believe that every artist, as a creator, is the architect of an idea transformed into a work of art. The success of this product, the artwork, has a certain weight and value depending on its quality, the materials used in its creation, the amount of time spent on it, and the level of craftsmanship evident in the painting. But there is another very important factor, the client who is willing to pay and demonstrate the market value of this product. Having been in the market for over 20 years, I pay particular attention to client feedback on a particular series or painting. I have a series of paintings that are completely sold out, and others that are less popular. And it is precisely on this scale that I can gauge and understand the public’s reaction: what message interests them, what concept captivates them, and what quality or technical characteristics impress them and prompt a purchase. It is on these factors that I build my database and strategy for further sales, development, and marketing.
I’ll also add that art with deep emotional undertones, art that moves and touches, does not go unnoticed by collectors seeking something unique that reflects not only current events but also touches the soul and leaves a deep emotional imprint. That is why art exists, to inspire thought, provide immense pleasure, and offer emotional comfort.

What do you hope viewers feel or think when they encounter your art?

As an artist, I hope to convey through my art not only physical beauty and a decorative element for any interior, not just a striking object created with flawless technique and exquisite colour that fits a certain style of design. I hope that when a viewer stops in front of my painting, they can gain something more, gain some insight, for example. I want my paintings to inspire dialogue and reflection, and to create emotional and intellectual content for contemplation. If even one person who comes to my exhibition finds a message in my painting and gains interesting insights that influence their perspective, emotions, and thoughts, I am happy that my mission as an artist is fulfilled. There is another important aspect, the energy that an artist conveys through a painting. I believe that the energy I pour into each of my creations elicits a response and gratitude from collectors.

How do exhibitions and art fairs influence the way you present your work?

Every exhibition is a unique opportunity to engage with clients, showcase my refined technique and enhanced quality, and attract the attention of the press, art critics, and collectors. During each such exhibition or art fair, as an artist, I receive feedback from clients, priceless information that inspires me to continue creating and working on specific series, the success of which is determined by the clients. It is during public exhibitions, private shows, or art fairs that the most crucial moment of presenting the completed work takes place, and client feedback and sales figures shape future plans and outcomes.

Lastly, what are you currently working on, and what goals or projects are you looking forward to next?

I am currently working on a new series of art - the 2D wall installations and 3D sculptures, my new 2026 collection of LED installations. “Light at the End of the Tunnel” is a timeless message relevant to everyone, embodying the philosophy of light triumphing over darkness, good over evil, and an optimistic outlook on every moment of life. These paintings allow the viewer to experience a moment of interaction; they are not only art objects but also positively influence emotions, enhancing a positive mood through color and light. These are paintings that can serve as objects for meditation, as the music sync option allows you to combine light with your favorite music. The new series includes over 20 paintings controlled via smartphone, allowing you to adjust the light tones and colors. The light boxes, featuring a unique mosaic on plexiglass, have a daytime appearance without light and an evening or nighttime appearance with light. The new series includes several different sizes, and you can purchase a piece on my website www.oksanatanasiv.com or via Instagram @oksanatanasiv_official.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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