Since settling in Ventnor with her mother and daughter, Ukrainian artist Yana Barabash has gained a reputation for her collection of work.
She has more than 25 years experience as a painter so her recognition is well deserved.
Born in Odessa, part of Ukraine, she relocated to England when Russia invaded her homeland.
With the help and encouragement of Professor Robin McInnes OBE, she has mounted what is Dimbola’s largest exhibition-64 works of art in all, mostly bright and vivid.
Painting has been a part of her life since childhood. In fact, Ukrainian schools encourage young pupils to participate in art projects.
At the opening launch of the exhibition, Dr. Brian Hinton, MBE, Curator of Dimbola Museum and Galleries said that he was pleased to welcome Yana’s work.
Yana said that when she first saw Julia Margaret Cameron’s work, she immediately felt a connection. Like Julia, she sees herself as a creative artist. She was very grateful to Robin, who she described as her Guardian Angel. She sees her paintings as a window which open up portals to another world.
Robin commented that he initially met Yana 2 years ago and she has excelled as a portrait painter. Due to the large body of work they thought it appropriate to have a large exhibition, with Dimbola’s blessing. There are various themes in the show, such as minerals, flowers and trees, in addition to her portraits and scenes of various Island locations.
Attendees can see Isle of Wight views of Bembridge Shore, Bembridge Lifeboat Station, Steephill Cove, Quarr Abbey, Yarmouth Mill, Vernon Cottage, Shanklin and a winter scene in Shanklin, amongst others.Yana works with oils in the main, a medium that provides flexibility and subtle detail.
With sponsorship from Professor Robin McInnes the “Dreams” exhibition continues until Sunday the 7th of June.
Some of the paintings are reproduced in a souvenir catalogue produced by her daughter Kate.
