🇪🇺 TEEN European Digital Community: Chair Tree from Kyiv, Ukraine

Chair Tree

«Art is the soul’s way of speaking when words are silent». My name is Evelina Martynenko. I am a Ukrainian artist, a student of the Art Academy in Kyiv. I grew up in art — my mother is an artist, so since childhood, canvas and paint have been the language of life for me. I currently live in Ukraine and study in Kyiv. In 2023, I studied at the painting department of the Paris Lycée Marie Curie, where I strengthened my professional foundation and understood large-scale art as a force for influence.
I survived the war and realized what pain, loss and genocide are. That is why my work is not just images, but a position. I create works to speak honestly with people, to fight loneliness, to remind: you need to live according to your conscience, without hatred and conflicts.
I work in painting, mosaic and stained glass, study Italian and French, take prizes in international competitions. I love my country and want to represent Ukraine in the world through art.

The soil / the need

When I first approached theater, I was looking for peace of mind and inspiration at that moment.

The first seed

A parent / Family

Tell us about that first spark

I have been passionate about art since childhood. My mother is an artist. Art became important to me when I faced problems that I wanted to express through materiality. I was also looking for peace and inspiration.

Roots (people & experiences that shaped your path)

I was inspired by my mother. I was inspired by the beauty I began to see through art.

The trunk (what keeps you in theatre)

What made me continue to be interested in theater and art was that I felt that this was the meaning of my life.

Branches (future / desire)

In my future, this will play a big role in my life. I want to connect my future with art. I want to bring joy to people and share their thoughts and emotions through art. To show that they are not alone, but that we all have common troubles and common happiness.

Are you currently involved in cultural activities?

Yes, regularly

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? Why?

I think if I were a tree, I would have a thin but strong trunk with powerful roots. The roots looked out of the ground and formed a chair so that each person could sit under it and create. Also, I would have many branches and leaves that would protect everyone from the rain or the sun. If I were a tree, I would have many juicy fruits in the summer, and beautiful flowers in the spring.

Contact

Instagram: @_eva_stefano