Natalia Kurnosova – resident artist of the STRONG TOGETHER program

Natalia Kurnosova will be a resident in Białystok from April to May 2024 as part of the Сильні Разом/Strong Together artistic residencies. Kurnosova, an artist from Ukraine born in Dnipro and recently living in Kiev, employs oil painting, vytynanky (cutouts), and mixed media in her practice, focusing on ethnic and war themes. During her residency in Białystok, she plans to work extensively outdoors, exploring the relationship between people and nature. For her workshops, Kurnosova proposes that participants create their own vytynanka, blending experimental approaches with traditional techniques. Vytynanka is a type of folk decorative art (cutouts) in Ukraine, also known in Poland and other Slavic countries. It served not only as a home decoration but also as a talisman. In particular, vytynanky were used on windows instead of curtains.”

The project Сильні Разом/Strong Together is implemented by the Arsenal Gallery in Białystok and the Open Place Platform for Interdisciplinary Practices as part of the “Culture Helps / Культура допомагає” is a project co-funded by the European Union under a dedicated call for proposals to support Ukrainian displaced people and the Ukrainian Cultural and Creative Sectors. The project is a cooperation between Insha Osvita (UA) and zusa (DE).