Artist Statement
My art explores the interconnections between people, nature, and ancestral roots. I’m constantly experimenting and adapting my materials to the subjects I paint - from applying oil and soil to linen, to working with discarded clothing. My compositions often feature vibrant colors and lush plants and flowers, as being surrounded by them empowers and comforts me.
I draw strength and inspiration from my Ukrainian roots, culture, and its reverence for the natural world. With my work, I hope to inspire environmental protection, strengthen connections to our ancestors, and nurture a sense of peace and healing.
Biography:
(b. 1995, Russia; lives and works in Monterey, San Francisco & Los Angeles, CA, US)
Kate Tova is a visual artist living and working in California, with roots in both Russia and Ukraine. She grew up in the small industrial town of Balakovo, Russia, where her passion for art began in childhood. She studied at the local Academy of Art and later transitioned to painting professionally, and exhibiting her work internationally.
Kate has been a full-time artist since 2017, two years after moving to the United States. She completed an art residency at the School of Visual Arts in New York City and has exhibited at the Oceanside Museum of Art and the Monterey Museum of Art, and numerous other institutions. She was featured as a spotlight artist in a Cadillac commercial and on the cover of San Francisco Magazine and ArtScene Magazine.
A passionate supporter of charitable organizations, Kate uses her art to raise awareness and advocate for causes related to women’s rights, animal welfare, and the environment.
CV
Residencies:
SVA New York City, July 8 - August 8, 2024
Exhibitions:
Solo
2026 Oceanside Museum of Art (upcoming, May 9 - September 27), Oceanside, CA
2024 SVA NYC, “Polluted Pleasures”, New York City, USA
2024 SCIC, “Wild Glitches”, San Francisco, USA
2024 Shack 15, “Transformation”, San Francisco, USA
2023 Adeeni Galerie, “Glitches”, San Francisco, USA
2023 475 Sansome, “Unbound”, San Francisco, USA
2021 765 Beach, “Maskerade”, San Francisco, USA
2019 Canal Place, “Krewe Des Femmes”, New Orleans, USA
2013 Shelk Gallery, “New School of Art”, Moscow, Russia
2013 First Moscow Educational Complex, “Identity”, Moscow, Russia
2010 City Exhibition Hall, “Spring Mood”, Balakovo, Russia
Group
2025 Maude Kerns Art Center, "Inheritance: Women's Stories", Eugene, OR
2025 Studio 5 Contemporary, “Abstracted Figures”, San Rafael,
2024 Vita Brevis Gallery, “Grand Opening Show”, San Francisco, CA
2024 Gallery of Hermosa, “May Flowers”, Los Angeles, CA
2024 PACE Center, “Remake, Reuse, Recycle”, Denver, CO
2024 Oceanside Museum of Art, “More Disruption”, Oceanside, CA
2023 Fluo White Gallery, “Edgy”, Dubai
2022 Palette Gallery, “Palette Cleanser”, San Francisco, CA
2021 111 Minna, “Discolandia”, San Francisco, CA
2019 SOMArts, “ArtLaunch”, San Francisco, CA
2018 R. W. Norton Art Gallery, “BLOOM!”, Shreveport, LA, USA
2017 Louisiana State Archives Gallery, “48th Annual River Road Show”, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
2016 Isaac Delgado Fine Arts Gallery, “Spring Exhibition”, New Orleans, USA
2014 ARTPLAY Gallery, “Time For ART. Part 2”, Moscow, Russia
2014 Culture Center of the Jewish Museum, “World ORT”, Prague, Czech Republic
2013 West Park Art Gallery, “New York Realism”, New York, USA
2013 KPB, “Berlin Art Week”, Berlin, Germany
Awards:
2017 Denice Cyrex Ducote Memorial Award, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
2013 Second place in the international competition "Art Week in Berlin", Germany
2007 First place in the international competition “Open Europe”, Austria
Education:
Academy of Art
Balakovo, Russia
2005 – 2010
Selected press / collaborations:
2024 Haute Living “Artistic Angles”, March/April 2024
2024 ArtScene Magazine – Cover + article on p.112-135
2023 Cadillac Video Commercial
2022 CBS “American Dream” TV show
2021 San Francisco Magazine – Art Issue - Cover + p.58-59 (Dec 2021-Jan 2022)
2021 The San Franciscan – p.52-53 (Issue #53)
2021 Moncler Mother’s Day Collaboration
2013 EUPHORIA Magazine – Publication (February 2013)
2012 Yoga Journal – Illustration (#47)
2011 Krug Newspaper “To the Peak of Inspiration” (#225)
2010 Bumblebee Newspaper “Look Into My Eyes” (#195)
