Nadiia Zhelieznova, an artist based in Abu Dhabi, has gained attention for her distinctive fusion of the surreal, ironic, and absurd. At the forefront of the creative scene, Zhelieznova blends traditional analog techniques with modern digital media, creating captivating art that plays with perceptions of the bizarre in the everyday. As a teacher, art director, and illustrator, she encourages viewers to look at the world through a unique lens, sparking a sense of curiosity and wonder.
Her approach to art is truly unique. She believes in the power of metaphors, often creating narratives that are simple yet laden with visual complexity. Zhelieznova’s work is a celebration of the unexpected, where familiar concepts are transformed into something new, inviting viewers to reflect on the meaning of her pieces while challenging traditional perspectives.
In her colorful, often monochromatic, compositions, Zhelieznova explores themes of human nature and emotion, creating characters with exaggerated features—like a detective with a dramatic, elongated neck—that evoke nostalgia for cartoons of childhood while infusing them with a modern, quirky twist. Her art becomes an exploration of dualities, blending the innocent with the pompous and the dreamy with the everyday. 
Influences and Inspirations
Zhelieznova draws inspiration from multiple sources, including the iconic photographic works of Martin Parr, whose ironic take on everyday life and exaggerated details left a significant impact on her. She also credits surrealists and filmmakers like David Lynch, known for merging the disturbing with the mundane, as influential in shaping her artistic perspective. The blending of the ordinary with the absurd runs deep in her creative psyche.
Her childhood memories are a continual source of inspiration, which she skillfully translates into her work. These memories, sometimes wrapped in anxiety, offer a platform for creating a space where serious themes can be approached with humor and creativity. Her distinctive style is an invitation to view the world differently—where one can see the extraordinary in the ordinary and reflect on the absurdity of life.
A Daily Routine of Creativity
For Zhelieznova, organization is key to her creative process. She starts each day with a cup of coffee and a structured plan, reviewing artist opportunity platforms and managing her email correspondence before diving into her projects. This disciplined approach helps her maintain focus while navigating the demands of her creative career. When she struggles to concentrate, she seeks new environments, sometimes taking her laptop to a café or collaborating virtually with her students in “work rooms” via Zoom.
Interestingly, she finds it easier to begin a creative task than to stop. Her passion for working is evident, and while she balances her time between client projects and personal endeavors, she remains steadfast in her love for creating and experimenting with different mediums.
Public Art Dreams and Festival Fun
Zhelieznova’s dream is to create public art that allows people to interact with her work—be it through sculptures, fountains, or other installations that become part of the community. Public art offers an opportunity for broader engagement and serves as a physical reminder of the creativity that defines her.
Festivals, like the upcoming Middle East Film & Comic Con 2025, provide an exciting opportunity for her to return to her artistic roots. At these events, she is not just showcasing her work; she is also embracing the chance to network, gain visibility, and, most importantly, have fun. Her involvement in such creative spaces allows her to engage with her audience in a new way and share her work in an exciting, unfiltered manner.
Navigating the Creative Industry and the Role of AI
Like many artists, Zhelieznova acknowledges both the challenges and opportunities that new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, bring to the creative industry. She views AI as another tool—like photography or Photoshop—that artists can adapt to and integrate into their workflow. However, she also emphasizes the importance of preserving the human element in art. AI might assist in streamlining processes, but it can never replicate the personal touch, craftsmanship, and sense of curiosity that an artist brings to their work.
Despite concerns about plagiarism, especially when it comes to the use of AI-generated content, Zhelieznova remains optimistic. She believes that artists will adapt, just as they have to other technological advances throughout history. The key lies in balancing technological advancements with the preservation of authenticity and personal history.
Working with Analog and Digital Media
Zhelieznova’s creative process differs when she works with analog versus digital media. Analog, for her, is about enjoying the process and the pleasure of working by hand. It offers a space for experimentation and slow, thoughtful creation. On the other hand, digital tools allow for precision and clarity—ideal for executing specific artistic goals. By incorporating pre-made assets like brushes, textures, and templates into her digital work, Zhelieznova achieves a level of detail that complements her artistic vision.
Her love for craft extends beyond traditional art forms. Zhelieznova is currently learning woodworking and plans to explore glass and metalwork. She views these practices as a way to immerse herself in materiality, where presence and focus are essential, and there is no room for shortcuts.
Looking Ahead: Art for All
Zhelieznova’s future vision includes creating public works that blend seamlessly into cities and communities, becoming part of the everyday experience. With a passion for both personal expression and public engagement, she strives to bring more of her world to the wider public in a way that invites connection and interaction.
Whether at the Middle East Film & Comic Con 2025 or through her public art projects, Zhelieznova continues to challenge norms and make space for the bizarre, the surreal, and the beautiful in our daily lives.
