Josephine Florens

Lives and works in Ukraine

Artist statement

My practice is rooted in figurative oil painting, where personal narratives intertwine with symbolic and sometimes surreal imagery. I draw on my own experiences — from childhood memories in Ukraine to the disorienting realities of migration and global events — to explore themes of resilience, connection, and the quiet moments that shape human life. In my work, everyday scenes often carry layered meanings: a girl holding cherries becomes a metaphor for innocence and fleeting joy; a female warrior resting under the gaze of ancient symbols embodies strength in vulnerability; a figure with tentacles by a swimming pool sends a signal toward a futuristic aircraft, blurring the lines between fantasy, technology, and friendship. I aim to create paintings that invite the viewer into a dialogue — not only about the image itself, but about the inner landscapes we all navigate. Through color, light, and composition, I seek to merge intimacy with universality, capturing the pulse of human emotion within both real and imagined worlds.

Artwork