In the Surface exhibition at Nxera Art Gallery, self-taught artist Uliana Novak presents a compelling body of work that reimagines the canvas as a vital intersection between internal perception and the external world. Currently based in Finland, Novak draws deeply from her background in sociology to explore the "window"—a recurring motif that serves as both a literal surface and a metaphorical lens.
Novak’s practice is a masterful blend of whimsical sketches and satirical depth. Her work utilizes elements of caricature and naïve art to offer a playful, yet profound, commentary on human nature. By weaving together the visual threads of her Russian heritage with her contemporary life in Finland, she expertly navigates the "layered forms" of a complex migrant identity.
In this collection, each painting functions as a transparent boundary where social observation meets personal truth. Her contribution to Surface invites viewers into a genuine dialogue, challenging the audience to look through the painted plane to discover the raw, authentic stories that connect us all. Novak’s work does more than occupy a space; it invites a shared gaze into the intricacies of how we see, and are seen by, the world.
Exhibition Details
Event Name: Surface Exhibition
Date(s) & Time(s): May 29th – June 3rd, 2026
Event Location: Nxera Art Gallery, 616 E 9th Street, East Village, Manhattan, New York
Type: Curated Group Exhibition (Physical & Digital)
Description: A showcase of global contemporary artists exploring themes of identity, memory, and transformation through the lens of surface and visual language.
In the Surface exhibition at Nxera Art Gallery, self-taught artist Uliana Novak presents a compelling body of work that reimagines the canvas as a vital intersection between internal perception and the external world. Currently based in Finland, Novak draws deeply from her background in sociology to explore the "window"—a recurring motif that serves as both a literal surface and a metaphorical lens.
Novak’s practice is a masterful blend of whimsical sketches and satirical depth. Her work utilizes elements of caricature and naïve art to offer a playful, yet profound, commentary on human nature. By weaving together the visual threads of her Russian heritage with her contemporary life in Finland, she expertly navigates the "layered forms" of a complex migrant identity.
In this collection, each painting functions as a transparent boundary where social observation meets personal truth. Her contribution to Surface invites viewers into a genuine dialogue, challenging the audience to look through the painted plane to discover the raw, authentic stories that connect us all. Novak’s work does more than occupy a space; it invites a shared gaze into the intricacies of how we see, and are seen by, the world.
Exhibition Details
Event Name: Surface Exhibition
Date(s) & Time(s): May 29th – June 3rd, 2026
Event Location: Nxera Art Gallery, 616 E 9th Street, East Village, Manhattan, New York
Type: Curated Group Exhibition (Physical & Digital)
Description: A showcase of global contemporary artists exploring themes of identity, memory, and transformation through the lens of surface and visual language.
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