Sonia Leliukh

Born and having spent a significant part of their life in the picturesque city of Kyiv, Ukraine, they were compelled by the large-scale war in 2022 to relocate to Cologne, Germany. They studied at the Academy of Media Arts Cologne (KHM) as a media artist and 2D animator. Exploring various traditional techniques and combining different media, such as stop-motion, pastels, watercolors, acrylics, and digital 2D animation, fueled their passion for art. Their primary goal, above all, was to support Ukraine through their creativity, narrate their culture, and present a unique perspective from within.

Art has always been a way for me to embody myself, and I strive to continuously grow and evolve within it. For me, the choice of medium depends on the technique - ranging from stop motion and charcoal drawings to layering animations over photography, creating a second dimension of storytelling in film and exhibitions. As a refugee, my primary goal is to continue talking about Ukraine by showcasing our culture and exploring it through collaborations with other cultures.
— Sonia Leliukh