On 12 March, Paris-based painter and fashion illustrator Yuliya Yg will present her work in Monaco, bringing her distinctive vision of feminine elegance and refined luxury to the Principality. Hello Monaco is delighted to invite its readers to discover an artist whose expressive portraiture seamlessly blends classical influences with contemporary fashion imagery.
Originally from Kazakhstan, Yuliya Yg has lived and worked across China, Singapore, and now France, building a cross-cultural artistic language that has led to collaborations with leading publications and brands such as Vogue Italy, Marie Claire, and Trussardi. We spoke with the artist ahead of her Monaco exhibition about her journey, inspirations, and creative philosophy.
Your journey has taken you from Kazakhstan to China, Singapore, and now Paris. How have these different cultural landscapes shaped your artistic identity?
I truly believe that each culture has left a special mark on my art. Kazakhstan, with its rich ornamental traditions, was where I took my first steps as an artist, and those roots are still close to my heart. China opened my eyes to the beauty of the East—its vibrant colors, meticulous craftsmanship, and deep sense of dedication inspired me to be more precise and passionate in my work. Singapore impressed me with its extraordinary nature and unusual plants, fueling my imagination. France, with its countless museums and majestic castles, constantly sparks new ideas in me. Being here has also given me fresh perspectives and the courage to experiment boldly, pushing the boundaries of my creativity.
80×65cm, oil on canvas
© Yuliya Yg
Which artists or art movements have most deeply influenced your style, and why?
I have a deep admiration for classical art, especially the Northern Renaissance, for its mystical and beautiful backgrounds, as well as its vibrant portraits. Modern artists like Amedeo Modigliani inspire me with the unique depth and emotion captured in their portraits. I also appreciate Marc Chagall and Marie Laurencin for their dreamy and charming imagery. Art Deco, exemplified by Tamara de Lempicka, along with vintage Vogue covers, has influenced me through its elegant presentation of women’s fashion, adding grace and sophistication to my vision.
Do you experiment with new mediums or techniques, and if so, what direction interests you next?
Watercolour remains my preferred medium because of its fluidity and emotional transparency. However, in the future, I would love to explore creating installations that incorporate ceramic objects and wooden sculptures, expanding my visual language into three-dimensional space.
How do commissioned pieces influence or differ from your personal work?
In my personal work, I allow myself greater freedom to experiment — adding unexpected colors, unusual shapes, or even slightly bizarre elements. Commissions, however, require a different discipline. I must carefully follow specific guidelines and avoid taking too many creative risks. Deadlines, especially for magazine collaborations, are often very tight, which demands focus and precision.
How do you want viewers to feel when they stand in front of one of your pieces?
I hope viewers experience a sense of elegance and sophistication. My aim is to evoke serenity, beauty, and a touch of timeless luxury — allowing people to step into a world of refinement and grace.
Can you walk us through your creative process, from the first idea to the finished artwork?
My creative process usually begins with selecting one dominant color that will define the painting’s atmosphere. I then invite models to pose in my studio or select a model from a fashion show. I review outfits from recent collections or even from the 1990s, along with carefully chosen accessories.
I start with a small black-and-white sketch to plan the composition. After that, I determine the color palette for each element. The final step is transferring the sketch onto canvas and bringing it to life through layers of watercolor.
What does it mean to you to be showing your work in Monaco this March? Is there something special about this moment or location?
I am a big fan of Hitchcock’s films, and of course, I admire Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco. For me, Monaco is a symbol of elegance, style, fashion, and luxury. It perfectly reflects the qualities I strive to portray in my paintings — the ideal woman living her perfect life, dressed impeccably, calm, elegant, feminine, and confident.
Each summer, I spend time on the French Riviera, and I am deeply inspired by its atmosphere — the sky, the sea, and the relaxed, luminous feeling of the southern coast of France. I try to capture that light and serenity in my work.
That is why I am especially excited about exhibiting in Monaco. It feels like the perfect setting to share my artistic vision and celebrate this moment.
