“A Day in the Life” with Calgary Visual Artist Yuliya Alagir

Yuliya Alagir is an international multi-faceted artist working in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional space that transcends traditional boundaries. Alagir is a Contemporary Artist who pioneered the field of Conceptual Symbolism based on Ancient Civilizations’ history, philosophy, and ethnic traditions. She began her Art-Direction “Mystery of the Sun” in her home country Uzbekistan in 1999 and continues to build her portfolio in Canada since 2018. Yuliya’s artistic expertise extends beyond conventional canvases, as she seamlessly integrates her creativity into Interior Design. Her ability to transform spaces into visually captivating environments for the past 28 years, has earned her acclaim in Central Asia. Yuliya’s unique approach to blending artistic elements with functional design has left an unforgettable mark on numerous residential and commercial spaces. She continues to evolve as an Artist, Interior Designer and Decorator, art instructor, and art psychology coach. Alagir is a vibrant individual who loves socializing with fascinating personalities and is always eager to exchange knowledge and ideas. Her passion for gourmet delights shines through her food. Alagir’s spirit is fueled by a love for travel and a desire for outdoor activities. With an attractive personality that encompasses sociability, culinary expertise, and a zest for knowledge, Alagir embodies a rich and dynamic life, always ready to savour the diverse flavours that the world has to offer.

-Written by Alia Rausch, friend

Yuliya Alagir
“Nathan Town” mural at Crisis Nursery age 0-4 , Children’s Cottage Family Resource Network new location in Montgomery, NW
Yuliya Alagir
An Art Installation “Temple of the SUN” was presented at the Fifth International Biennale at The Academy of the Arts of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, UZ. It was created from scrap materials, covered with plaster, and decorated with my interpretation of symbols of ancient civilizations and traditions.
An Art Installation “Source of Secular Knowledge” was presented at the Seventh International Biennale at The Academy of the Arts of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, UZ.
My necklaces are made of 1) gold and turquoise 2) Seashells and 3) ceramics
One of my textured paintings “Tinges of Fall” won the “Award of Excellence” at the 2023 FCA Toronto Invitational.
“Kananaskis Soul”- new piece of my Canadian Collection of Landscapes and Wildlife. Exploring new innovative styles of painting.
Yuliya Alagir
“Cosmogony” is one of the leading paintings of my golden collection exhibited multiple times in Art Festivals and Art Academic Venues. This painting is a part of the collection “Adobe of the Sun” in my Art-Direction “Mystery of the Sun”.
Yuliya Alagir
Alagir and her Canadian creation “Spring Yearning”. I was enjoying drawing every little feather of this lad, every single detail of the tree.

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Which ’hood are you in?

Alagir Art School/Studio is in the SW Quadrant of Calgary in the Evergreen Community.

What do you do?

Primarily, I am an active artist, engaging with various mediums. I work with oil, acrylic, watercolour, and mixed media, allowing me to explore a diverse range of creative expressions. With a passion for craftsmanship, I craft unique pieces using a diverse range of materials such as glass, ceramics, wood, leather, stone, textile, and metal as well as the creation of decorative candles, where wax becomes a medium for artistic expression. I enjoy creating wearable art and transforming everyday wear into captivating pieces of self-expression. Focusing on adorning leather goods, such as vests, boots, and bags, I infuse these items with a unique blend of creativity. With a background as a skilled goldsmith, I bring a refined touch to the world of accessories, having previously worked with precious metals. As an interior decorator, I bring expertise to the table, adept at transforming spaces into visually stunning and harmonious environments. My specialization lies in Eurasian styles, where I offer a unique fusion of cultural influences, extending my skills to diverse settings such as homes, commercial spaces, and even the entertainment industry through projects like Escape Rooms, where I integrate captivating Murals. Each project I undertake is meticulously tailored to the client’s preferences, showcasing attention to detail while upholding a sharp focus on functionality and aesthetic balance.

Particularly, my forte lies in the realm of Interior Murals, where I have mastered my craft across numerous styles. I have innovatively developed 85 art techniques, leveraging an array of materials like stone, wood, metal, and more. Additionally, I employ techniques such as bas-relief and other textures to bring depth and richness to my creations. I am a dedicated art psychology coach specializing in guiding adults through a transformative journey focused on personal development and emotional equilibrium using the medium of art. My approach goes beyond traditional art instruction, as I believe in the power of creative expression to foster self-discovery and emotional well-being.

Whether it’s through painting, drawing, or other artistic mediums, my goal is to help individuals harness the therapeutic benefits of art, fostering a holistic approach to personal development and emotional balance. I specialize in curating elevated art events for both corporate and private clients, offering a unique experience. At these events, we engage in the creation of bespoke paintings and interior items, tailoring each piece to our client’s specific desires. Our events are not just about art; they are immersive and can be themed to enhance the overall experience. I am a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and the Academy of Art of Uzbekistan. My name is registered in academic art reference books, museums, and other art dealers’ catalogues.

What are you currently working on?

I am immersed in a captivating and rewarding project at the Crisis Nursery for ages 0-4 at Children’s Cottage supported by The Nathan O’Brien Children’s Foundation. The concept, “Bug’s eye view of the World,” has been transformed into the unique “Nathan Town,” integrating art, design, and decoration skills to create a distinctive and interactive mural. The focal point of this endeavour includes textured pieces and two large mushrooms emerging from the walls, with their umbrella caps opened on the ceiling to evoke a sense of safety, shielding children from imaginary rain. This not only adds a tactile element to the mural but also symbolizes safety and protection, providing reassurance for the children. The imaginative use of elements like mushrooms and the concept of shielding from imaginary rain can contribute to a positive and whimsical atmosphere, making the space more comforting for the children. This interactive mural is not only a visually engaging masterpiece but also integrates elements of a storyline aimed at providing support for children experiencing psychological distress. The mural unfolds with a vibrant blue sky that extends beyond the confines of the room through large windows, creating a seamless connection to the outside world to alleviate stress. Executed in the style of Cartoon Illustration, the mural is a playful and colourful masterpiece, with whimsical characters and intricate details designed to capture and hold the attention of the child. The overarching goal is to redirect the child’s focus and stimulate curiosity, fostering a positive and engaging environment. A clever optical illusion in the corner is seamlessly incorporated into the mural, catalyzing discussions that prompt the question “WHY?” This ingenious addition not only captivates the child’s imagination but also encourages meaningful interactions with adults, creating an immersive and therapeutic space for those in need.

At the same time, I am working on a fresh perspective on Modular Murals, emphasizing the rich tapestry of traditional cultural folklore. This concept took shape in Canada, inspired by numerous heartfelt conversations with friends and clients who yearn for a connection to their roots. Their deep-seated desire for “a small piece of home” as an emotional reminder for both them and their children catalyzed this creative endeavour. My mural designs intricately weave together a diverse array of materials, including rocks, wood, stone, marble dust, ceramics, leather, textiles, seashells, glass, and more. This thoughtful integration of elements adds depth, meaning, and a tangible link to their cultural heritage within each unique piece.

In the perpetual exploration of my artistic expression, I am working on the creation of my latest collection, “New Canadian Chapter- Landscapes and Wildlife of Canada.” This series marks the seamless continuation of my artistic direction. Driven by a passion for innovation, I have devoted years to experimenting with groundbreaking techniques in watercolour, acrylic, oil, and mixed media. Each stroke and blend contribute to the evolving narrative of my artistic journey, fostering a dynamic dialogue between traditional and contemporary artistic forms.

At Alagir Art School, I am actively teaching a wide spectrum of artistic genres, ensuring that my students, aged 8 to adults, experience the richness of creative expression. From the bold strokes of acrylics to the delicate nuances of watercolour, from the freedom of sketching and drawing to the precision of graphics, my approach spans the diverse landscape of visual arts. One of my key focuses is not only on traditional art techniques but also on the practical application of art in our surroundings. Today, being an active artist, I teach my students that Art can be their career and they can build a successful business around it. My students delve into the creation of interior items, understanding how art seamlessly integrates with functional design.

Where can we find your work?

My Art Design work can be seen here, and my Art collection is here (currently, I am updating my site with my all-life work). The Private Gallery viewing can be booked at 403-830-6117 where you can experience tree murals, selected award-winning paintings, and many samples of interior surfaces.

 

About Emilea Semancik 154 Articles
Emilea Semancik was born in North Vancouver. Emilea has always always wanted to work as a freelance writer and currently writes for the Vancouver Guardian. Taking influence from journalism culture surrounding the great and late Anthony Bourdain, she is a recipe author working towards publishing her own series of books. You can find her food blog on Instagram: