Born and raised in Ukraine with a profound appreciation for art and architecture, Luna Prysiazhniuk has crafted a life that seamlessly intertwines creativity, community service, and academic excellence. As the co-founder and Artist of Grand Chicago Gallery, Luna has left an indelible mark on the art scene, particularly in the vibrant city of Chicago.

Since January 2017, Luna has been channeling their passion for urban landscapes and architectural marvels into stunning oil and watercolor paintings. Through their work at the Zhou B Art Center, Luna has captivated audiences with their ability to portray both the iconic and unique aspects of cityscapes, breathing life into each stroke of their brush.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

Growing up in Ukraine, I was lucky to be surrounded by beautiful nature. Nature has become a source and an emotional component in creating, building, and painting. Being in admiration of my everyday surroundings, I have always felt the fragility of the moment and its fast-passing nature. I realized that I wanted others to slow down and notice the moment. That is why I create my artwork with my admirers in mind: I want them to have their own interpretations and admirers to express their unique emotions and have their interpretations.
People have fleeting encounters with the city on their daily commute, but they unconsciously see and look forward to their favorite perspectives that surround them, whether it be the alley of their favorite coffee shop or the corner of the transportation hub. It is those unique moments when crossing a busy intersection; we hear the hum of the city, cars stuck in the morning traffic, pedestrians trying not to spill their coffee on each other, and they're juggling their phones in their hands. It is a moment where a person might feel like a spectator listening to the city's performance that I strive to convey in both my art and my architectural sense of perception.
The process of painting architecture outdoors is challenging, but it gives me a sense of freedom. While being attentive to the here and now, I must be mindful of timelines. I remember what happened an hour ago, a moment ago, and I anticipate the next moment, and these moments meet on my canvas. While Architecture is static and organized, art allows me to break physics laws and bring more movement by creating this moment on a canvas.
Art and Architecture have interrelated meanings in my life. Art is my way to have an honest conversation with my soul, and architecture is the outlet that channels my instincts and emotions and organizes the creative process.
Since I find verbal communication about my art challenging, art has been the way I can express myself in the purest and most meaningful way.