Yulia Ovchinnikova was born in the city of Kansk, Krasnoyarsk region (Russia) in 1992.

Yulia Ovchinnikova is a visual artist working in photography, sculpture, collage and embroidery. In her artistic practice she focuses on exploring themes of memory, mentality and motherhood. She lives and works in Kansk, Krasnoyarsk region.

Yulia is a member of the Union of Photographers of Russia, a scholarship holder of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, a finalist of many Russian and international competitions such as ‘Young Photographers of Russia’ (honourable mention of the jury), ‘ARGUS: Photography among the Arts’, ‘Sony World Photography Awards’ Professional competition, a participant of group exhibitions in Russia and abroad.

Artist Statement:

‘In my art practice I focus on exploring the themes of memory, mentality and motherhood. These aspects are fundamental to understanding human experience and personal identity. Memory does not just capture moments, it shapes our perception of the world and ourselves. Motherhood, in turn, is a complex and multi-layered phenomenon that combines love, fear, sacrifice and hope. In my work, I seek to explore how these elements interact to create the complex canvas of our psyche and shape our reality.

I address questions that are relevant to everyone: what memories do we retain and how do they affect our self? How do emotional connections shape our mental space? I aim to create a thinking and feeling space in which the viewer can immerse themselves in these important human themes.’

Selected exhibitions:

2025, February. Group exhibition of finalists of the competition ‘Argus-2024. Photography among the Arts’ at the Winter International Arts Festival, Sochi, Russia.

 2023, April. Group exhibition ‘There is no time’, Bashnya Cultural and Exhibition Centre, Yoshkar-Ola, Russia.

2023, January. Group exhibition of finalists of the All-Russian contest ‘Young Photographers of Russia 2022’, cultural and exhibition centre ‘Bashnya’, Russia, Yoshkar-Ola.

2022, October. Group exhibition of finalists of the XXI All-Russian photo contest ‘Young Photographers of Russia 2022’ within the framework of the ‘Week of Young Photography’, Russia, Krasnoyarsk.

2022, July. Group exhibition of finalists of the XXI All-Russian photo contest ‘Young Photographers of Russia-2022’ within the framework of the ‘Week of Young Photography’, Russia, Tula.

2022, July.  Group exhibition of finalists of the XXI All-Russian photo contest ‘Young Photographers of Russia-2022’, Russia, Kaluga.

2022, April. Sony World Photography Awards 2022 group exhibition, Somerset House, United Kingdom, London.

Awards:

2025, January, Shortlisted for the competition ‘Argus 2024. Photography among the Arts‘ as part of the Winter International Arts Festival’ in the category ‘Photo Series. Sign. Image. Space’. The project ‘Giving Life.

2023, August, scholarship of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation to a talented young author of artistic works for 2023.

2023, February, short-list of the competition ‘Argus-2022. Photography among the Arts’ (Russia). Project ‘Raisa’.

2022, July. Diploma ‘Honourable Mention of the Jury’ of the XXIth All-Russian Photo Contest ‘Young Photographers of Russia-2022’.

2022, July. Long-list of the XXI All-Russian photo contest ‘Young Photographers of Russia-2022’.

2022, February. Sony World Photography Awards 2022 shortlist in the Creative - Professional competition category.

Press:

2025, February. Skillbox Media, interview, project, ‘Giving Life.

2024, April. Russian Photography, interview, project, ‘Red Corner’.

2021, October. Republic, project, ‘Red Corner’.