Statement

Yula's artistic journey is a vibrant exploration of life's emotional and ecological traces, brought to life through her captivating use of colour, a blend of figurative and abstract forms, and intricate spatial compositions. Rooted firmly in the tradition of painting, her work thoughtfully investigates the delicate balance between vitality and collapse, often drawing inspiration from themes of memory, migration, and the poignant realities of ecological loss.

Her paintings are alive with expressive brushwork and rich, saturated colours that invite the viewer to engage deeply. The layered compositions she creates blur the lines between landscape and interior space and between structure and fluidity. Drawing from both the organic beauty of nature and the complexities of urban environments, her visual language shifts seamlessly between finely detailed textures and sweeping, gestural forms. This interplay suggests cycles of growth, decay, and emotional rupture, reflecting her fascination with capturing the moments when life both blooms and breaks.

At the core of Yula's art is a heartfelt engagement with Vitalism, the belief in the profound interconnectedness of all living beings. Birds frequently emerge as powerful symbols within her art, representing resilience, transience, and the fragile dance between freedom and extinction. By referencing endangered avian species such as the 'ō‘ō and huia, she weaves a narrative that is both a quiet act of mourning and a compelling call to reimagine coexistence in a rapidly urbanising world.

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Ultimately, Yula brings a post-humanistic perspective to her practice, intertwining her intercultural experiences with personal, historical, and ecological narratives. This approach allows her paintings to challenge dominant modes of thought. She envisions a more compassionate and hybrid relationship with our environment, resonating with a feminist ethic of care that emphasizes interconnection and mutual support over hierarchy. Through her dynamic and immersive compositions, Yula reclaims nature as an active participant in human experience rather than a mere backdrop. In doing so, she invites viewers to reflect on their own place within life's intricate web and to envision new pathways toward healing, balance, and collective renewal.

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