Sonya Hukaylo
An artist, illustrator, and painter from Ukraine, based in Vitemölla, Sweden since 2022.
Educated at Kyiv’s leading art institutions, specializing in graphic illustration and painting. Work spans book illustration, monumental painting, and set design, with a recent focus on fine art. Art explores themes of perception, memory, and transformation, and has been exhibited in Ukraine, Sweden, and the USA.
Education
1997-2003: National Academy of Visual Arts and Architecture, Kyiv, Ukraine
Bachelor and Master in Graphic Book Illustration
Bachelor and Master in Graphic Book Illustration
1989-1996: Shevchenko State Art School, Kyiv, Ukraine
Department of Painting
Department of Painting
Skills & Experience
Book Illustration: 15+ years of experience with publishing houses in Ukraine, specializing in visual storytelling.
Fine Art & Murals: Focused on painting and monumental murals since 2018, creating mixed media works for various collections.
Printmaking: Expertise in linocut, etching, lithography, monotype, silkscreen.
Digital Art: Skilled in digital illustration and concept design.
Cinema & Advertising: Artist and food stylist for commercial projects, including set design and visual concepts.
Creative Direction: Experience in public art projects and art installations.
Creative Unions
ÖSKG – Östra Skånes Konstnärsgrupp, Sweden
National Union of Artists of Ukraine, Kyiv (Graphics Section)
Honors
2023: Grant from the Artists at Risk Connection Foundation (PEN Foundation)
2004: Laureate, National Competition of G. Yakutovich, Third Level, National Union of Artists of Ukraine
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2025 • Lost in Landscapes, Konstrundan, Exhibition Pavilion, Vitemölla, SE
2024 • Образки вдячності / Retablos, Triptych Art Gallery, Kyiv, UA
2024 • Two Years, Konstrundan, Exhibition Pavilion, Vitemölla, SE
2023 • In Progress, Exhibition Pavilion, Vitemölla, SE (ARC / PEN America grant)
2023 • One Year, Konstrundan, Exhibition Pavilion, Vitemölla, SE
2022 • Spring/Summer/War, Exhibition Pavilion, Vitemölla, SE
2022 • Easter, Exhibition Pavilion, Vitemölla, SE
2019 • cPOSTERеження, HUDGRAf Gallery, Kyiv, UA
GROUP EXHIBITIONS (selected)
2025 • Quantum of Light, Triptych Art Gallery, Kyiv, UA
2025 • Vårtid, Exhibition Pavilion, Vitemölla, SE
2023 • Vintersalong, Kiviks Konsthall, Kivik, SE
2023 • Through the Feminine Eye, Konstnärshuset, Stockholm, SE
2022 • I Have a Crisis for You, Lane Hall Gallery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, US
2021 • Animal Gods, Imagine Point Gallery, Kyiv, UA
2021 • Book Arsenal Festival, Mystetskyi Arsenal, Kyiv, UA
2021 • Popcorn, Imagine Point Gallery, Kyiv, UA
2021 • ARTBOOK, Museum of Books and Printing, Kyiv, UA
2019 • IV All-Ukrainian Triennial of Book Graphics, National Union of Artists of Ukraine, Kyiv, UA
2013 • Second All-Ukrainian Triennial of Book Graphics, National Union of Artists of Ukraine, Kyiv
2013 • Youth (Graphics), National Union of Artists of Ukraine, Kyiv, UA
2011 • Life is Beautiful (Paintings), 36 Gallery, Kyiv, UA
2011 • To Independence Day (Painting), National Union of Artists of Ukraine, Kyiv, UA
2009 • Gogol and the World (Paintings), National Union of Artists of Ukraine, Poltava, UA
2008 • The National Competition of G. Yakutovich, National Union of Artists of Ukraine, Kyiv, UA
2008 • Book Lunch (Artbook), Kyivo-Mohylanska Academy Gallery, Kyiv, UA
2004 • The National Competition of G. Yakutovich, National Union of Artists of Ukraine, Kyiv, UA
2003 • Alupka Plein Air Exhibition (Monumental Painting), Alupka, UA
2001 • Halloween (Graphics), Gallery Lavra, Kyiv, UA
2001 • Youth (Graphics), Ukrainian House, Kyiv, UA
2000 • Youth (Graphics), National Union of Artists of Ukraine, Kyiv, UA
1996 • Youth (Graphics), Gallery Nicholas House, Kyiv, UA
ART RESIDENCIES
2022–2026 • Vitemölla, SE
2013 • Art Journey, Istanbul, TR
2003 • Alupka Plein Air, Alupka, UA
Publications & Media
Artslooker: "Дякую, що нарешті в мене відкрились очі..."
Ystads Allehanda (2023): "Konsten en livlina för ukrainsk konstnar"
Österlenmagasinet (2022): "Konstnären Sonya flydde kriget..."
SVT Nyheter (2022): "Sonya från Kiev ställer ut på konstrundan"
Sveriges Radio (2022): "Sonya flydde från Ukraina..."
Additional Information
Participated in national and international exhibitions since 1998.
Works in private collections in Ukraine, USA, Poland, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and Turkey.
