BIOGRAPHY

In her figurative work and still lifes Yulia seeks to blend her multicultural heritage, weaving together colors and shapes into pieces that would encourage viewers to pause and reflect on the endless diversity of our world. Yulia aims to balance control with free and spontaneous brushstrokes, both celebrating and challenging conventions of representational painting. A native of Kazakhstan, Central Asia, Yulia moved to Oklahoma nine years ago. Currently, she is most excited about expressing herself through oil paint. Yulia balances her studio work with teaching at Art and More Studio where she guides her students in creating art that resonates with them personally. Yulia’s work has been included in group exhibitions including Mainsite Contemporary Art, the Norman Development Center, the Depot Gallery, and international show in Seika Town, Japan. From 2023 to 2025 she taught art at Oklahoma City University’s StarTalk Program.

ARTIST INSIGHTS

Who are some of your biggest artistic influences?

They've changed over time. Now it's Valentin Serov, Antonio Mancini, and Nikolai Fechin. Among contemporary artists I would point out Scott Burdick and Susan Lyon.

How have you developed your artist career?

Rather than entering a traditional art program, I'm taking workshops as my form of training. My journey began back in 2014 when I started taking drawing and oil painting class at an art studio in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Since then I don't stop learning.

What does your artistic work intend to communicate to its audience?

I hope that as viewers engage with my work , they will discover their own stories.

Does your work comment on any current social or political issues?

Generally no.

Do you have a particular story that stands out from your career as an artist?

When last year one of my paintings was selected for a show in Seika Town, Japan, it was interesting to realize that my work is traveling to a place where I myself have never been to.

What is one thing you would like your audience to know about you?

Aside from being in the studio, I enjoy traveling and exploring new places and cultures together with my husband and our two little kids.

Which current art world trends are you following?

Generally I don't follow the trends, but I'm happy to see that the art world circled around to figurative art.

Why have you chosen to sell your work in the 1515 Lincoln Gallery?

I appreciate the diverse mix of local and international artists with contrasting styles.

What do you believe makes 1515 Lincoln Gallery distinct from other galleries?

The gallery is deeply committed to community engagement and it's a very inviting space with a very helpful and friendly team.

ARTIST STATEMENT

As a third-generation Korean who grew up in the heart of Central Asia, I blend my multicultural experiences, weaving together colors and shapes into my work that would encourage viewers to pause and reflect not only on their own cultural narratives but on the endless diversity of our world. Through my art, I seek to celebrate the beauty of our differences while uncovering the common ground of our shared human experience.

Yulia Kim’S AVAILABLE ART