
Yulia Pustoshkina
folkloric surrealism




Yulia Pustoshkina is a third-generation artist, born in Karelia, Russia, and now based in Sydney, Australia. Growing up in a creatively vibrant family deeply engaged in the arts profoundly shaped her artistic journey. Her father, who also served as her art teacher at the local Art School in Petrozavodsk, was her most significant influence. Under his mentorship, Yulia developed strong foundational skills in drawing, painting, composition, and, most importantly, the art of allowing imagination to flow freely.
Yulia’s artistic style is rooted in her European heritage and enriched by her experience working with miniature paintings, commonly found in folklore traditions. Over the years, she has translated this intricate level of detail to larger canvases, creating a signature style she calls Folkloric Surrealism. Her works are characterized by anthropomorphic characters, each piece unfolding a visual narrative. Rather than imposing a fixed meaning, Yulia invites viewers to form their own interpretations of her work.
The artist’s deep love for animals is evident in every painting. Her work also reflects a continual search for universal truths and hidden wisdoms, often exploring themes of the unknown and mystical forces. Many of her characters appear to be on a journey—mirroring the artist’s own love for exploration and discovery. Through her paintings, she aims to evoke joy, encourage kindness, and promote acceptance of all living beings.
Yulia's artworks are part of private collections across the globe, including Australia, the United States, Germany, Singapore, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, China, and the UAE. She has exhibited internationally at prestigious art galleries, with her works available through her Sydney studio, Corey Helford Gallery in Los Angeles, and Arch Enemy Arts Gallery in Philadelphia.
Artist Interviews
'Interview with pop surrealist painter Yulia Pustoshkina' by Beautiful Bizarre Magazine
PAST EXHIBITIONS:
Solo shows
2025 AS ABOVE, SO BELOW Corey Helford Gallery Los Angeles CA, US
2024 MATING SEASON m2 Gallery Sydney, AUS
2023 BOUND BY NATURE Corey Helford Gallery Los Angeles CA, US
2023 WHITE RABBIT - BLACK CAT m2 Gallery Sydney, AUS
2022 MY ANIMALS AND I m2 Gallery Sydney, AUS
2019 ENCHANTED WOODS m2 Gallery Sydney, AUS
2018 EARTHLY DELIGHTS m2 Gallery Sydney, AUS
2018 AWAY FROM HOME residence of Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Australia, Canberra
2018 IMAGINE AS IF... m2 Gallery Surry Hills Sydney, AUS
2016 GELATO IN JULY Bondi Pavilion Gallery Bondi Beach Sydney, AUS
Selected Group exhibitions
2025 BEYOND TIDES IV @ Arch Enemy Arts Gallery, Philadelphia, PA, US
2025 WAIT FOR THE MOON III @ Arch Enemy Arts Gallery, Philadelphia, PA, US
2024 WHERE MAGIC LIES... @ Corey Helford Gallery, Los Angeles, CA, US
2024 KIRBY VISION @ Corey Helford Gallery, Los Angeles, CA, US
2024 CARE BEARS FOREVER @ Corey Helford Gallery, Los Angeles, CA, US
2024 ART COLLECTOR STARTER KIT X @ Corey Helford Gallery, Los Angeles, CA, US
2023 BEYOND ORIGINAL The Portrait show 11 @ Modern Eden Gallery, San Francisco CA, US
2023 SECRET LONGINGS by Beautiful Bizarre Magazine, Corey Helford Gallery, Los Angeles, CA, US
2023 ART COLLECTOR STARTER KIT IX @ Corey Helford Gallery, Los Angeles, CA, US
2023 ART NOW @ Brassworks Gallery, Portland OR, US
Art Fairs
2022 Affordable Art Fair Melbourne
2022 The Other Art Fair Sydney July
2021 The Other Art Fair Sydney December
2021 The Other Art Fair Sydney March
2019 The Other Art Fair Sydney October
2019 Affordable Art Fair Melbourne
2017 Art Expo New York, US