BIO
Hanna Koval, a multidisciplinary artist from Simferopol, Ukraine (b. 2000), is currently based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Her practice spans painting, drawing, collage, and sculpture, with a focus on watercolor and fountain pen ink on paper. Koval is best known for her profound exploration of themes through these mediums, blending fluid washes of color with intricate line work to evoke delicate yet powerful narratives. Among her notable accomplishments is the painting "Moment of Reflection," a breakthrough moment where Koval deepened her exploration of narrative and symbolism. Set in a tranquil botanical garden, the scene features a cartographer and a botanist quietly sipping juice while moths flutter around them. The peaceful atmosphere, enhanced by blooming plants and soft sunlight, evokes a sense of serenity and contemplation. Through large watercolor blurs and delicate ink details, Koval creates a dreamlike ambiance, symbolizing the cycle of life and the simple beauty of existence. This work embodies her evolving artistic vision and philosophical depth.
Central to Hanna Koval's artistic journey is the creation and development of her fictional universe, Laeana. This immersive world serves as the foundation for much of her recent work, reflecting intricate storytelling and rich visual narratives. Laeana is inhabited by ethereal characters, including Ivy Makani, a rider bonded to a majestic moth named Zephyr. Zephyr, inspired by the Greek god of the west wind, embodies swiftness and gentle power, mirroring the lightness and grace often depicted in Koval's paintings. Through vivid landscapes, intricate architecture, and mythological symbolism, Koval invites viewers into Laeana, exploring themes of resilience, harmony with nature, and the intersection of myth and reality. Her ongoing exploration of this universe highlights her evolving artistic voice, merging fantasy with deeply personal reflections on identity, belonging, and the natural world.
Hanna Koval's artistic journey has been marked by several notable exhibitions, showcasing her talent and unique artistic perspective. Recent highlights include her solo exhibition "Moment of Reflection" at Alderney Landing in Dartmouth, Canada, in 2024, as well as participation in the online exhibition "Interchange" at Florence Contemporary Gallery in Italy the same year. In 2023, Koval's work was featured at NOCTURNE S04 at The Prow Gallery in Halifax, Canada. Earlier milestones include "The Breath of Spring" at the Union of Crimean Artists Gallery in 2020 and her debut at the "New Generation" exhibition at the Samokish Art School in 2018. Koval's growing recognition has led to international representation, including her role as a featured artist at Homiens Gallery in New York for 2024-2025. Her artistic achievements were further acknowledged with the Certificate of Artistic Achievement from the Luxembourg Art Prize in 2024, solidifying her reputation as an emerging force in the contemporary art scene.
CV
Born in 2000 in Simferopol, Ukraine
Resides and works in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Education
2016-2020: BA in Fine Art, Samokish Art School, Simferopol, Ukraine
Exhibition History
2024, ‘Interchange’ (online exhibition), Florence Contemporary Gallery, Florence, Italy
2024, ‘Moment of Reflection’ (solo exhibition), Alderney Landing, Dartmouth, Canada
2023, ‘NOCTURNE S04’, The Prow Gallery, Halifax, Canada
2020, ‘The Breath of Spring’, Union of Crimean Artists Gallery, Simferopol, Ukraine
2020, Festival ‘Symbiosis 2.0’, Conservatory Art Space, Simferopol, Ukraine
2019, Festival ‘Symbiosis’, Conservatory Art Space, Simferopol, Ukraine
2018, ‘New Generation’, Samokish Art School, Simferopol, Ukraine
Representation
2024-2025, Featured Artist – Homiens Gallery, New York, USA
Awards
2024, Certificate of Artistic Achievement, Luxembourg Art Prize, Pinacothèque Museum, Luxembourg
Collections
Vladimir Samarsky, Simferopol, Ukraine
Mikhail Zharov, Sevastopol, Ukraine
Viktoria Lavrova, Koktebel, Ukraine
Genevieve Cooreman, Antwerp, Belgium
Residencies
2023, Nocturne NOISEmakers, Wonder’neath, Halifax, Canada
Press & Publications
‘It’s her own fault. A comics about the pressures faced by girls who have been victims of sexual abuse’ in Kloop, 2022
Iryna Stasiuk ‘A comic book about a student raped by a teacher was released in Ukraine’ in Hmarochos (online resource), 2022
‘It's her own fault’ in Reporters (online resource), 2022
Victoria Kudryashova: ‘Ukraine created a comic book about the stigmatization of victims of sexual violence’ in The Village, 2022
Olga Frolyak (interview): ‘artist in SYMBIOSIS 2.0’ in Kesadilka (online resource), 2019
Relevant Professional Experience & Art-Related Contributions
2023-present: Private art teacher, Dartmouth, Canada
2020-2022: Senior artist, INKER, Kyiv, Ukraine
2020-2021: Educator, supplementary education teacher, Private kindergarten "School on the Lawn", Kyiv, Ukraine
2020: Art teacher, Art School, Simferopol, Ukraine
2019-2020: Festival Director, Symbiosis, Simferopol, Ukraine
2019: Designer, Hotel BEGA, Moscow, Russia (remote)
2018-2022: Designer, ShineBoost, Moscow, Russia (remote)
2017-2018: Monumentalist, Self-employed, Simferopol, Ukraine