Ivan Kupala

Artem Humilevskyi (b. 1986) is a Ukrainian photographic artist from Mykolaiv, known for his conceptual self-portraits. His work has achieved widespread international recognition, including winning the Kolga Tbilisi Photo Award (2025), Rovinj Photodays Award (2025), Global Peace Photo Award (2022). A nominee for the PinchukArtCentre Prize (2022), his work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions and is held in museum and private collections.

Artist Statement 

My name is Artem Humilevskyi, I'm a Ukrainian artist and photographer. In my work, I explore identity, history, and human resilience in the face of challenges.My projects "Giant" and "Roots" are closely connected. "Giant" was born during the pandemic as a way of accepting myself through self-irony and honesty. It’s about empathy, body perception, and the fight against stereotypes. In my self-portraits, I use my body as a tool for dialogue with the world. My large body is not just a form, but a way to ask questions about acceptance, stereotypes, and the perception of others.In modern society, there are many ideas about "normality." I want to expand these boundaries. "Giant" is not just about me; it’s about anyone who has ever felt different, not fitting in. It’s about the freedom to be yourself without the fear of judgment."Roots" is about collective identity, connection to the land, and our strength in the face of war. It tells the story of Ukrainians who, despite everything, continue to live, work, and fight.I believe that art can change perceptions, break down prejudices, and create new opportunities for understanding. Photography is my language, and I use it to talk about tolerance, empathy, and acceptance.The world becomes more open when we begin to see people not through their appearance, but through their essence. My goal is to draw attention to social challenges through visual imagery, rethink fears, and expand the boundaries of empathy.

AWARDS

• 2025 | Winner, Kolga Tbilisi Photo Award, GE

• 2025 | Winner, Rovinj Photodays Award, HR

• 2024 | Finalist, Circulation(s) Festival, Paris, FR

• 2023 | Finalist, ROTLICH Festival, Vienna, AT

• 2023 | Second Place, Rovinj Photo Days Award, HR

• 2023 | Short-List, Photometria Awards, GR

• 2023 | BarTur Photo Award, London, UK

• 2023 | Short-List, Vincent Van Gogh Award, NL

• 2023 | Second Place, Nida OFF, LT

• 2022 | Winner, Global Peace Photo Award, AT

• 2022 | Nominee, PinchukArtCentre Prize, UA

• 2022 | Short-List, GUP New Talent, NL

• 2021 | Short-List, Nida OFF, LT

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

• 2025 | ROOTS, Bibliothèque Claude Lévi-Strauss,

Paris, FR

• 2024 | NEW RELIGION, ArtPidval, Kharkiv, UA

• 2023 | GIANT/ROOTS, Odesa National Fine Arts

Museum, Odesa, UA

• 2023 | GIANT/ROOTS, SCLAD#5 Gallery, Cherkasy,

UA

MUSEUM & INSTITUTIONAL COLLECTIONS

• The Odesa National Fine Arts Museum, Odesa, UA

• Korsakiv Museum of Modern Ukrainian Art, Lutsk, UA

• Museum of Kharkiv School of Photography

Collection, Kharkiv, UA

• Grynyov Art Foundation Collection, Kyiv, UA

• Ukrainian House, Kyiv, UA

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS (from over 80

total)

• 2025 | Circulation(s) Festival, Centquatre-Paris,

Paris, FR

• 2024 | The World in My Hand, The Alexander Tutsek-

Stiftung, Munich, DE

• 2024 | Common Body, Ukrainian House in Denmark,

Copenhagen, DK

• 2024 | VOLTA Art Fair, New York, US

• 2023 | Krieg, Vitrine, Mainz, DE

• 2023 | The Ukrainian Issue, Vasli Souza, Oslo, NO

• 2023 | NORDIC LIGHTS Festival, Kristiansund, NO

• 2023 | MIMESIS, Millepiani, Rome, IT

• 2022 | United, PinchukArtCentre Prize Exhibition,

Kyiv, UA

• 2022 | Oil Blood Liberty, Kunsthalle Hannover,

Hannover, DE

• 2022 | Helsinki Photo Festival, Helsinki, FI

• 2022 | Miami Art Basel, Miami, US

• 2022 | umso Stärker Schlägt Mein Herz, Kunstraum

Kreuzlingen, Kreuzlingen, CH

• 2021 | Traces Of The Future, Momentum Gallery,

Krakow, PL

2021 | Kleipeda Photo Festival, Kleipeda, LT