Interview
Nadiia Kushnir
Nadiia Kushnir, also known as Nadjozna, is a contemporary artist and illustrator renowned for her sense of humor and naive style. Born in Ukraine, she has gained recognition for her distinctive use of color and playful compositions. Nadiia’s work often explores themes of nature, fantasy, and the human experience, drawing inspiration from her surroundings and personal reflections. Her illustrations and artworks have been featured in various publications, collaborations with international brands and exhibitions, illustrations for more than 80 books, earning her a growing international following. Nadiia has received several awards for her outstanding contributions to art and illustration. Notable among them are the Best Illustrator Award in Ukraine (2018, by agency Barabooka) and inclusion in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Through her imaginative creations, Nadiia continues to captivate audiences and contribute to the dynamic world of contemporary art and illustration.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I began my artistic journey at a very young age, having been a full-time artist since I was 17. My passion for art grew naturally, and I held my first solo exhibition when I was just 18 years old. I’ve worked as a photographer, designer, and illustrator, and over the years, I’ve been fortunate to develop a distinctive style. Throughout my career, I’ve illustrated more than 80 books, and I was honoured to be recognized as one of the best illustrators in Ukraine and awarded Illustrator of the Year. My work earned me a place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, a recognition I hold dear. It took me some time to get papers for my son done, so in 2024, due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I relocated to Canada for the safety of my son, who is autistic. It was a hard decision and I still miss my home. This new chapter is an opportunity to begin again in a more peaceful environment and continue my artistic journey.”
What inspires you?
“My inspiration comes from a blend of personal experiences, philosophy, and the absurdity of life. I’m constantly fascinated by the intersection of humour and deeper meaning. The every day, the ordinary, and the bizarre all inspire me. I often draw from my own life - my experiences as a mother, as an artist, and as a human being living through a period of profound change. I believe that humour is a powerful tool to address serious topics, and I often use it to explore complex themes such as identity, war, and the human condition. My work is deeply influenced by both the beauty and the pain of life, and I strive to find a philosophical edge in everything I create.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I often explore themes of identity, search, transformation, and the absurdity of existence. My art is playful, yet it carries a deeper philosophical message - whether it’s about the challenges of being human, the complexity of relationships, or the power of humour in the face of adversity. The creatures I paint, are often naive and embody different aspects of these themes. There’s always a sense of duality in my work: something humorous on the surface but with a deep, thought-provoking message underneath. My goal is to provoke thought and invite viewers to look deeper, to find meaning in the layers.”
How would you describe your work?
“I would describe my work as contemporary, naive, and full of humour. It’s rooted in playfulness but often carries a deeper, more serious philosophical undertone. I use a variety of techniques to convey my ideas - from digital illustration, and photography to painting and mixed media. The characters I depict in my paintings are often not people's favourite creatures (for example, a goose and a worm, a navel or a tooth). They have small round eyes, but very bright colour, pink cheeks. I like to choose characters based on the principle that I can make them anything. My worm character, for example, can be a match or an astronaut, a tooth or a lollipop. I like to challenge viewers to question the world around them, and through this, find joy in the strange and unexpected. There’s always an element of surprise, and I hope my art encourages people to engage in both laughter and contemplation. There is always a story behind each of my paintings and it's always interesting to hear people's reactions to my paintings and tell them a story about it.”
Which artists influence you most?
“One of my favourite artists and illustrators is Oliver Jeffers. I love the way he makes a story, how deep and bright but at the same time plain it is. As a woman, I always find it hard to make my career and be able to play and do whatever I want without thinking about taking care of my kid, and my parents, thinking about money, and solving all the problems on my own, alone, being the only adult. So I am slightly jealous of him, that he has this great opportunity to keep his mind so clear and that he can afford to still think in a good way as a kid.”
“My art is playful, yet it carries a deeper philosophical message - whether it’s about the challenges of being human, the complexity of relationships, or the power of humour in the face of adversity.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process begins with a feeling or a thought, often something philosophical or a question I’m grappling with. I start with sketches, allowing the creatures and characters to emerge in a playful, organic way. I have a few sketchbooks for different characters, and I always bring them with me everywhere. There’s an element of improvisation in my work - things evolve as I go. I also often incorporate humour into my process, allowing myself to experiment and not take things too seriously. The process is an ongoing dialogue between my thoughts and the canvas, and it’s important for me to stay open to new ideas and unexpected directions as I create. Sometimes while working on one painting I already have a few new thoughts for other new paintings. For inspiration I am reading a lot of books, going to exhibits, and even sometimes checking on bad tv-shows!”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I believe an artist’s role in society is multifaceted. Artists are not only creators but also mirrors of society, reflecting its joys, pains, absurdities, and truths. In a world that’s rapidly changing, I think the role of the artist is even more vital - artists are the ones who can provoke dialogue, challenge perceptions, and offer new ways of seeing the world. I see the role of the artist evolving with technology, with more artists embracing digital media and virtual spaces to expand their reach. However, at its core, I think the artist’s job remains the same: to make people think, feel, and question the world around them. For my art especially, the main role is to make people happy. I am sure their day is much better living with my art on their walls. And as each day is better - their life is going to be better and full of joy.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“One of the exhibitions I’m most proud of was my solo show ‘The Worm Was Born’ at Saw Gallery in Ottawa in September 2024. This was a deeply personal exhibition, exploring themes of transformation and the beginning of new life, showing the full lifetime cycle of the worm. At the heart of the exhibition was a profound philosophy of life. The worm's humble existence, rooted in the soil, serves as a reminder that life’s greatest joys often come from appreciating the small things. ‘The Worm Was Born’ encouraged a slower, more mindful approach to life, teaching us to live in the present and savour each moment. It was my first solo exhibition in Canada, and it felt incredibly significant to showcase my work in such a different cultural context. Before that, I had numerous exhibitions across Ukraine, where I was able to connect with both local and international audiences. Right before leaving Ukraine, I made an exhibit in a huge grocery mall. All my paintings were near the other products. And it showed, how people now are busy and even don't see art and beauty right in front of them. The response to my work in Ukraine was deeply affirming, and I hope to continue fostering similar connections in Canada and worldwide.”
