Julia Shilo is a Ukrainian artist based in Bulgaria.
Through her artistic practice, Julia explores the inner world of a person, the process of self-identification, the influence of the past on identity, and the complex dialogue one has with oneself. Her works address themes of inner choice, personal boundaries, sacrifice, honesty with oneself, and the subtle compromises that shape us throughout life.
Through figurative painting, conceptual series, and works inspired by the aesthetics of cyanotype, the artist reflects on how experience, memory, social expectations, and relationships gradually become part of who we are. Her works are visual reflections on how easy it is to lose oneself, and how important it is to one day hear one’s own voice.
A special place in Julia’s practice is occupied by works exploring the beauty of fleeting and barely noticeable moments — light, shadows, silhouettes, traces of time, and presence. Using layered textures, a restrained palette, and delicate visual metaphors, the artist creates an atmosphere of quiet inner dialogue, leaving space for personal interpretation and emotional connection.
Julia’s works have found buyers across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Among the important milestones of her artistic career are participation in the London Biennale (2025), publication of her artwork on the cover of Visual Art Journal (May 2025), as well as participation in international exhibitions and art programs.
Exhibition List
- 2026 – Affordable Art Fair Austin, USA (digital participation)
- 2025 – Solo online exhibition "Fragments of Silence: Portraits of Memory and Identity", Artsy
- 2025 – Group exhibition "Cats vs. Dogs: A Portrait of Devotion", Artseeker Gallery, New York, USA
- 2025 – Group exhibition "Strength in Unity", BobCat Gallery, London, United Kingdom
- 2025 – London Art Biennale, Chelsea Old Town Hall, London, United Kingdom
- 2025 – Group exhibition "We, Together", Eight Squared Gallery, Folkestone, United Kingdom
- 2025 – International Juried Virtual Art Exhibition "Amazing Animals 2025", Camelback Gallery
- 2024 – Exhibition dedicated to the book presentation "Our Little Friends", Burgas, Bulgaria
- 2024 – Group exhibition "Symbols and Textures", Flora Art Space, Burgas, Bulgaria
- 2023 – Solo exhibition "Unconditional Love", Kisso Gallery, Burgas, Bulgaria
- 2022 – Group exhibition "Art and Soul", Menorah Center, Dnipro, Ukraine
- 2022 – Group exhibition "Faces of the World", Artarea, Kyiv, Ukraine
Awards & Accomplishments
- 2026 – Ranked №1 among Artfinder’s Top 40 Best Selling Artists in July 2026
- 2025 – Finalist, London Art Biennale
- 2025 – Silver Award, Camelback Gallery, The International Virtual Art Exhibition "Amazing Animals"
- 2025 – Honorable Mention, Teravarna Art Gallery, 11th Animal International Juried Art Competition
Press
- 2025 – Art without Borders: Ukraine on LAB 2025, SaveArt.online, July 17, 2025. Author: Yaroslav Bystrushkin.
- 2025 – Julia Shilo: Art as Silent Communication, BulgariaOnline.uk, August 18, 2025. Author: Anna Gvozdeva.
- 2025 – CucumberMag, post-release covering the Eight Squared Gallery exhibition "We, Together", July 12–14, 2025.
- 2025 – Visual Art Journal, Issue №27 (May 2025), pp. 30–31 and back cover, Netherlands.