Andrii Tuz

Originally from Ukraine and now based in Ireland, Andrii's work combines raw emotional energy with deeply personal reflections on war, society and the human condition.

His paintings do not seek to comfort or explain. Instead, they invite viewers to pause, reflect and engage with difficult questions about the world around us.

Finding Harmony Through Expression

For Andrii, painting is both an act of expression and a search for balance.

“My work is an expression, an attempt to find harmony in colours and express energy. The main thing for me is that the viewer does not remain indifferent.”

His artistic practice has evolved into a process guided by intuition and emotion rather than rigid planning. Each work becomes an opportunity to explore energy, feeling and personal understanding.

The goal is not necessarily to create answers, but to create a response.

A Creative Process Led by Energy

Unlike artists who begin with detailed sketches or predetermined outcomes, Andrii embraces uncertainty.

“I don't always think about what will turn out well. Sometimes I have an idea and start painting. The emerging expression leads the process.”

Painting becomes a journey of self-discovery.

“I enter a state of self-knowledge and self-contemplation and simply give my energy to the canvas. This is my path to knowledge.”

Ideas can emerge from many sources, including philosophical texts, current events, dreams and personal reflection.

“The concept comes first—sometimes from a philosophical text, sometimes from news, sometimes from a dream. I sit with it until it becomes visual.”

Working primarily in acrylics, he builds each painting through layers.

“I work in layers—dark foundations first, then detail, then the final linework that defines everything.”

Every painting exists as a unique original work, individually numbered and created through an intensely personal process.

Art as Protest

As a Ukrainian artist, Andrii's work has been profoundly shaped by the realities of war.

“I am Ukrainian, and it is hard for me to see how internal and external enemies are destroying my country.”

His paintings serve as both artistic expression and visual protest.

“My paintings are a protest against the war. They depict people after the war.”

The figures that emerge across his canvases often appear fragmented, haunted or transformed. Their exaggerated features and unsettling presence reflect the psychological impact of violence and conflict while questioning humanity's capacity for destruction.

When asked about the recurring themes within his work, his response is direct:

“Human stupidity and cruelty. The inability to see the beauty of the world.”

Inspiration and Experimentation

Andrii finds inspiration in a broad range of visual traditions, particularly primitive and folk art.

“I admire primitive art and folk art. There are many good artists in the world.”

He remains open to experimentation and discovery, allowing the work itself to guide decisions about materials and methods.

When asked how he determines the best medium for a particular idea, his answer is refreshingly simple:

“Experimentally.”

Social media and online artist communities also provide a source of inspiration, allowing him to encounter creative approaches and artworks from around the world.

Creating Space for Reflection

Rather than hoping viewers arrive at a particular interpretation, Andrii seeks something simpler—and perhaps more powerful.

“I do not hope for a specific interpretation. I hope for a pause. One moment of genuine attention in a world that demands you scroll past everything.”

For him, success lies in creating a moment of genuine engagement.

“If someone stops in front of one of my paintings and feels something they cannot immediately name—that is enough.”

His work encourages viewers to slow down, question assumptions and sit with emotions that may not have easy explanations.

A New Chapter in Ireland

Before relocating to Ireland, Andrii maintained an active exhibition history in Ukraine. This included several solo exhibitions of his collage work, a vernissage at the Museum of Modern Art in Odessa and participation in a number of group exhibitions.

Moving to Ireland marked a significant turning point in his artistic journey.

“Moving to Ireland marked a turning point in my practice—from collage to painting, and from personal expression to visual protest.”

Andrii continues to expand his ambitious THEY FIGHT FOR THE FUTURE series, which is expected to exceed sixty original paintings.

He has also submitted work to the Wex-Art Festival open call Art as Alchemy at Wexford Arts Centre and is currently in active dialogue with several galleries in Dublin.

Selected Works

A selection of original paintings demonstrating Andrii's distinctive visual language and expressive approach.