The Light Between Two Oceans

Yulia McGrath moved to Singapore from Russian Federation in 2008 and has been based in the city-state ever since. With a degree from the Moscow State University, Yulia initially moved to pursue her Doctorate in Applied Physics. 

Having nurtured a love for art since she was young, Yulia continues to pursue her passion alongside her commitments as a researcher. Spending the evenings and weekends painting enables her to unwind from her stressful daily life.  

While Yulia enjoys working with different forms, she is increasingly focusing on painting in her most recent works. Remaining versatile in her craft, Yulia switches between the use of oil, acrylics and pastels, depending on the demands of her subjects. She also incorporates other media to create three-dimensional effects and unique textures on occasion. To add dramatic texture and expressive surfaces to her canvases, Yulia works with brushes and painting knives, sometimes in combination.  

Yulia transcends effortlessly between impressionist, realist and surrealist styles. Yet, her artworks are all united by her distinctive use of bright, vivid colours, which she notes symbolise her passion and love for life and the joy she finds creating her artwork.  

Drawing heavy inspiration from the beauty of nature, Yulia’s artworks reflect the profound relationship between humanity and the planet. She believes that the presence of the human body is revealed when it mixes with a natural form.  

Within her works, themes and motifs tend to recur, notably the Lighthouse and the Tree of Life, alongside famous cities and music.