Irina Uva

Irina Uva is a Russian artist and fashion illustrator, recognized for her work in aesthetic lifestyle, sport, high fashion, and street-style illustrations. She is the founder and curator of the We Draw Fashion & Beauty Art Community, a non-profit international organization contributing to the advancement of contemporary art and fashion. Uva is a member of the Eurasian Art Union and the Union of Russian Artists.
Guided by the philosophy of "Arte di vivere," her work explores the highlights of contemporary living, addressing themes such as self-expression and gender diversity. Her portfolio covers high fashion, social events, lifestyle aesthetics, street-style characters, sports illustrations, and commercial illustrations for kids and teenagers. Uva's creations have been showcased at international fashion and lifestyle art exhibitions.
Uva has been recognized with several national and international art awards. Notably, she became a Commendation artist of the Century of the Selfie Fida Award at the FIDA International Fashion Illustration Drawing Awards in 2023. Additionally, she earned the Merch Award for the Red Square Cup Art Contest and the 2nd Prize in the Veranda Fiction Book Illustration Contest, accompanied by the privilege of illustrating a special book edition of fiction stories.
Her work is available on all major illustration platforms, such as Saatchiart, Artmajeur, ART Street by MediBang, Creativepool, Behance, Giphy, Pictofolio, and They Draw.
==Early life and education==
Uva was born and raised in a creatively inclined family, where her father's artistic skills and appreciation for handcrafted work influenced her from an early age. She developed a penchant for drawing, particularly creating outfits and accessories for paper dolls. Recognizing her talent, her parents enrolled her in a local art studio, but her enthusiasm waned due to the structured academic methodology. Despite this, she continued to produce drawings, leading to her first solo exhibition at the age of 7.
Alongside her artistic pursuits, Uva displayed an interest in classical ballet, Latin American dances, sports, and a health-conscious lifestyle. Pursuing her higher studies, she obtained a degree in intercultural communications and linguistics from Bauman Moscow State Technical University in 2001. She also holds a degree in Human Resources Management from the People's Friendship University of Russia, graduating in 2018.
==Career==
In 2019, Uva initiated her career as a professional illustrator specializing in urban and fashion aesthetics. Her artwork reflects a personal philosophy called "arte di vivere" ("art of living"). Utilizing digital and traditional graphic media, she illustrates high fashion, social events, street-style characters, and sports illustrations.
Uva primarily employs graphics to convey dynamic character and perspective through curved lines. Her style incorporates minimalist portraits and urban influences, often narrating societal histories and aesthetics.
Notably, Uva's distinctive series "Big City Characters" explores profiles from dating sites within the metropolis, exploring themes like individuality, mental well-being, and emotional intelligence. Her art has gained global recognition through exhibitions, collaborations, and projects, including appearances at the ARTS & FASHION exhibition held in Antalya, Turkey, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. She also collaborates with authors and publishers on illustrations and cover designs for books and magazines.
In 2020, Uva founded the We Draw Fashion & Beauty Art Community, a non-profit organization that fosters connections between emerging and established artists in contemporary art and fashion. The organization curates collaborations, exhibitions, publications, and art events, as exemplified by the "Femme Fatale" exhibition.
Uva is enrolled in the "Encyclopedia of Contemporary Art: 100 Masters of the XXI Century" by the Arts & Fashion, a famous international media and production group working in the field of contemporary art, scheduled for release in autumn 2023. She is also a member of the Eurasian Art Union and the Union of Russian Artists, and has been recognized as master of styling by Sketchers Club.
Before establishing herself as an art illustrator, Uva held a decade-long career in HR management, consulting, and event coordination. Starting in 2011, she assumed roles, including head of HR projects at IQVIA/Cegedim Relationship Management and event manager at EventyOn/CulinaryON, a significant culinary studio in Asia and Europe. Later, Uva served as head of HR branding and recruitment at the TSUM department store of Mercury Group, one of the largest luxury goods retailers in Eastern Europe.
Between 2021 and 2022, Uva served as an educational programs consultant at the University of Career Development, contributing to program development and marketing. Uva was also invited as a jury member for art contests.
Beyond her professional roles, Uva served as a local expats community ambassador for InterNations, facilitating local events and prominent monthly gatherings. Her efforts resulted in the organization of 24 main events, sponsorship acquisitions, and the presence of notable guests. In recognition of her contributions, she received a Certificate of Recognition for her role in the InterNations Moscow Community.
==Influence and style==
Uva specializes in graphic illustration, using dynamic compositions and distorted perspectives to infuse life into static images. Her emphasis on character, gesture, and background conveys instant allure and a detailed personality. Her flat image approach, using a limited palette with subtle contrasts, focuses on the expressive potential of linear forms, capturing unique poses and movements.
Uva’s influences include Spanish illustrator Arturo Elena's subtle grotesque style, particularly in elongated figures, and mentor Maxim Sergeev's guidance. Her illustrations encompass diverse themes such as urban aesthetics, self-expression, gender diversity, well-being, sports, body positivity, and feminism.
==Notable clients==
Throughout her career, Uva has created illustrations of various celebrities and influencers. Notable individuals among these include Nelson Tiberghien and Isabelle Chaput, recognized as Young_Emperors, a prominent fashion influencer couple. Uva's illustrative work has also extended to Lindsay Whidby, an American fashion model, and Raphael Say, a French model and dancer. Furthermore, Uva's portfolio includes illustrations crafted for the Latvian television program centered around pets, titled "Ķepa Uz Sirds" (Paw On The Heart).
==Awards and recognitions==
===International Awards:===
* In 2023, Uva became a Commendation Artist of the Century of the Selfie Award at the FIDA International Fashion Illustration Drawing Awards.
* Recognized as a finalist nominee in the 2022 Hiii Illustration International Competition, with four artworks currently featured in the ongoing competition.
* Uva was shortlisted in the digital art category of the Women's International Art Award in 2023.
===National awards:===
* In 2023, Uva secured 2nd Prize in the Veranda Fiction Book Illustration Contest and illustrated a special book edition.
* She was awarded the Merch Award at the Red Square Cup Art Contest in 2023.
* Uva was a finalist at the All About Emotions Art Contest (Art Nagrada) in 2023.
* She got to the final list of the top 20 illustrators in the Arny Praht Fashion Brand Bags Collection Illustration Competition in 2021.
* Uva garnered numerous victories in various categories of the Sketchers Club Contests, including male portrait, female portrait, retro drawing, Elizabeth II portrait, and city residents.
==Personal life==
Uva leads a location-independent lifestyle, frequently traveling between Europe and Australia. In her free time, she enjoys curating exhibitions for fellow artists, organizing collaborative projects, and exploring innovative approaches to showcasing her work.
==Gallery==
==In the media==
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==References==
==External links==
* Personal website
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* Irina Uva on Saatchi Art
* Irian Uva on Artmajeur
* Irina Uva on MediBang
* Irina Uva on Behance
* Irina Uva on They Draw
* Irina Uva on Pictofolio
* Irina Uva on Giphy
* Irina Uva on Creativepool
Category:1978 births
Category:Russian artists
Category:Russian illustrators
Category:Bauman Moscow State Technical University alumni
Category:Russian people
Category:Living people