Always Moving, 2026

Kateryna Kostyk  

At the center of “Always Moving" is a young woman riding a flying bee. This is an impossible scene created through the language of surrealism, where symbols can express more than reality itself. The bee is not shown arbitrarily in flight — its movement directly reflects the title of the work.

The bee is one of the most widely recognized symbols of hard work, discipline, and productivity. It embodies a life defined by constant activity, new tasks, and uninterrupted forward motion.

The woman does not control the bee; instead, she moves with it, accepting its pace as her own. For this reason, she is depicted wearing a motorcycle helmet and specialized riding boots. These elements are not random details or literal accessories. They symbolize readiness for speed, endurance, and the need for protection in a world where life often demands that we move faster than we can fully process.

A defining feature of the At My Own Pace series is the use of color accents emerging within predominantly monochrome compositions. In this work, they appear as a small honey bottle charm and honeycombs rendered in a vivid orange tone. Orange is traditionally associated with energy, enthusiasm, joy, creativity, and the desire to act. It is a color that psychologically draws attention, stimulates engagement, and enhances the sensation of movement. Here, it becomes an emotional echo of the painting's central idea.

Although surreal in form, this work is rooted in observation of real people. The characters in my series are not fictional — they exist in everyday life. They may be our friends, colleagues, or family members. Or perhaps, they are reflections of ourselves.

“Always Moving" is a recognition of those who are constantly in motion — creating, working, discovering new opportunities, and embracing speed without hesitation. And ultimately, it is an invitation that lingers with the viewer after the experience:

“Is this my pace?"

At My Own Pace Series

“Always Moving" is the first work in my new surrealist series At My Own Pace. This series explores people and the different rhythms in which they live. Each painting investigates a distinct way of experiencing life, reminding us that there is no right or wrong tempo. Some people are drawn to constant motion, while others find comfort in slowness and stillness. Every rhythm carries its own beauty, value, and strength.

The At My Own Pace series is created to help viewers recognize themselves within the works. In these paintings, the main character is not the depicted figure, but the viewer themselves. Through symbolic animal imagery, I explore human rhythms of life without judgment or hierarchy. There is no universally correct way to live — only a personal pace in which a person feels aligned with themselves.

EXHIBITION: The original artwork was exhibited in a solo exhibition at the Uzhhorod Gallery, with support from the Transcarpathian Organization of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine, from July 10, 2026 to July 16, 2026.