From Ukraine to UAE: Tatiana Yatlo's canvas is a culture feast

Gulf Today

25-02-2025

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Tatiana Yatlo is a well-known visual artist in the UAE and global art circles. With a mastery in oil painting, she is also an art teacher and volunteer for children with special needs. Hailing from Ukraine, when she is not making art, she works in a beauty studio as assistant manager and stylist in Dubai. 'I create and sell customised artworks and have displayed my artworks in local and international galleries in the UAE, Oman, Egypt, India, Greece, France, Italy and Hong Kong,' she says.
'I have also taken part in various art exhibitions including INDEX, NOFILTERDXB, Art Connects Women, World Art Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, among others. I have been an art director and stylist at Magic Beauty Studio, Odessa, Ukraine, and also was an art teacher at the Odessa Center for Vocational Education. Besides, I was an Art Ambassador for Art Connects Women (Dubai, 2022, 2023) and am a Guinness World Records winner (2022).' The record was set for being part of the most nationalities that participated in an art session, which took place in Abu Dhabi. Yatlo is the holder of the Golden Visa, conferred by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. She speaks to Gulf Today
How different is art making in Ukraine and the UAE?
Art is very subjective and whilst the techniques used could be similar around the world, the differences stem from what an artist has been exposed to during childhood, their formative years and exposure to diverse experiences in life. So, every culture and region have their own artworks.
How did you study the falcon, saluki and horse that make up a large part of your art?
I have always been interested in nature and capturing moods and expressions of animals who are so expressive and colourful. Being in the UAE, I can see that falcons, salukis and horses are animals and birds that are very much part of Emirati culture and that Emiratis are very proud of them. Hence, it was a natural thing for me to gravitate towards the local animals that are part of the Emirati way of life.
Can you tell us more about the Guinness World Record?
I was fortunate to participate in an amazing event in Abu Dhabi during the 51st National Day of UAE. The Guinness Record was for the most nationalities that participated in an art session and there were 65 participants from different nationalities. The art was to create a 3D effect of cloth on canvas using sustainability; the 51-metre-long painting also followed the theme of sustainability.
How is teaching art different from making art?
Teaching art is to impart knowledge and skills to prepare the students to express themselves through their feelings. Teaching art provides me an opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with students who are keen to progress, capturing the most precious moments in their lives. Allowing students to take ownership of their expressions on canvas, is a success on its own.
Can you tell us about your volunteer work?
Most of my volunteering involves art sessions with children who have autism. The experiences are incredibly rewarding, as art provides a universal language for self-expression and connection. I believe creativity can be a powerful tool for building confidence and emotional well-being, especially for children with unique needs.
Why does oil attract you, at a time when most artists use acrylic?
Oil paint attracts me because of its richness, versatility, and timeless quality. Unlike acrylic, oil allows for a slower working process, which gives me time to build layers, blend colours seamlessly, and create depth and texture in my work. It has a unique luminosity and richness that acrylics often lack, making it ideal for capturing intricate details and emotions. I also appreciate the historical significance of oil painting; it connects me to centuries of art tradition, while allowing me to express my modern vision.
What links the beauty business, where you have worked in, and art?
My experience in the beauty industry has a deep connection to my work as an artist. As a stylist, I've always been passionate about creating beauty and enhancing women's confidence. This parallel work helped me develop a keen eye for detail and an understanding of how appearance can reflect deeper emotions and personalities. Working with women, I gained a greater appreciation for the complexity of the female form; it has enriched my artistic approach. Both the beauty business and art share a common thread — transforming and celebrating individuality, confidence, and self-expression.
What are your inspirations as an artist?
My greatest inspirations as an artist come from my love for horses and my admiration for the beauty and complexity of women. Horses have captivated me since childhood — they embody strength, grace, and freedom, and I find endless inspiration in their movement and spirit. As for women, I'm drawn to painting them because, as a woman myself, I see their inner strength, emotions, and multifaceted nature.
Who are the artists who have influenced you? Why?
I admire the works of Gustav Klimt for his ability to blend realism with decorative abstraction, creating pieces that feel ageless and intricate. The Impressionists, like Claude Monet, inspire me with their mastery of light and atmosphere, which resonates with my liking for soft, pastel colours. Additionally, contemporary artists experimenting with texture and abstraction motivate me to explore new ways of expression.