Zhanna KadyrovaЖанна Кадирова
Sculptor transforming urban materials and war debris into powerful commentary
Biography
Zhanna Kadyrova is one of Ukraine's most internationally recognized contemporary artists. Born in Brovary near Kyiv, she graduated from the Taras Shevchenko State Art High School and became a co-founder of the R.E.P. (Revolutionary Experimental Space) collective. Her work spans sculpture, installation, photography, and performance, often using urban and industrial materials — ceramic tiles, concrete, stone — to explore themes of displacement, consumer culture, and collective memory. Since the 2022 invasion, her practice has taken on profound new dimensions: her 'Palianytsia' series features river stones shaped like traditional Ukrainian bread, while other works incorporate metal sheets damaged by shrapnel, serving as material evidence of war.
Notable Works
Transcarpathian river stones shaped like traditional Ukrainian bread — a response to the invasion
Food-like sculptures sold by weight at art fairs, critiquing art market logic
A functioning organ with pipes made from exploded Russian shells
Awards & Recognition
- Kazimir Malevich Artist Award (2012)
- PinchukArtCentre Main Prize (2013)
- Taras Shevchenko National Prize (2025)