The Artists of the RELATE Residency: Their Stories and Art
We are happy to introduce you to the artists of the RELATE project’s artistic residency.
The ten selected artists with migrant backgrounds will take part in a transformative journey under the guidance and support of our five local artists acting as mentors. Through the artistic residency, they will receive production support, skills-building workshops and training, and opportunities to showcase their work publicly in Cyprus and across Europe. They will also gain access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them navigate professional challenges and thrive creatively.
The RELATE project is co-funded by the EU through the CERV-2023-EQUAL program.
#Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #RELATE #RELATEproject
Introducing our Artists :
1) Bolarinwa Johnson is a Nigerian artist based in Cyprus whose work is shaped by his cultural heritage and personal experiences. Raised in Nigeria, he is deeply influenced by the country’s vibrant traditions, heritage, and social dynamics, which have been central to his creative journey.
Bolarinwa primarily works as a musician and explores storytelling, performance, and community-based projects. His art delves into themes of identity, migration, belonging, and the intersection of African and Cypriot cultures, reflecting his experiences as a migrant. His journey began as a way to explore his emotions and sense of belonging, leading him to blend the cultural stories of Nigeria with elements of Cypriot culture in his work.
His art aims to contribute to Cyprus’s cultural scene and foster dialogue, empathy, and mutual understanding. Bolarinwa’s work amplifies migrant voices and experiences, creating a bridge between different cultures. He seeks to connect people through shared stories and experiences, encouraging deeper conversations about cultural diversity and inclusion.
Bolarinwa’s work has been presented in community spaces and smaller cultural events, where he continues to explore themes that reflect his personal journey and the collective experiences of migrants.
2) Ksenja Oksin is a multidisciplinary visual artist based in Limassol, Cyprus, originally from Ukraine. Ksenja’s work is profoundly shaped by her personal experience of displacement due to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Her work explores themes of identity, migration, and the psychological complexities of forced migration.
Ksenja holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in architecture from Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture, along with a course in contemporary art at the Modern Art Research Institute of the Art Academy of Ukraine. She has further refined her artistic practice through classes in Modern Art from The Museum of Modern Art and fine art courses in Hong Kong.
Her practice spans installation, digital art, photography, video art, and fine art, using materials such as wood, soil, medical needles, light, and sound. Ksenja’s work addresses trauma, identity, and the emotional complexity of displacement. One standout project, “An Abnormal Reaction to an Abnormal Situation is Normal Behavior,” is a photo-documentary with augmented reality that explores the struggles of refugees with identity and adaptation.
Ksenja envisions her work contributing to cultural dialogue in Cyprus and beyond, offering a meaningful exploration of contemporary human issues through digital and fine art.
3) Adi Atassi is an artist from Homs, Syria, currently based in Nicosia, Cyprus. His love for art emerged naturally, inspired by the stunning landscapes of his hometown, where nature’s vivid colors blend with a rich history and a coexistence of religions. At the age of 18, he pursued his passion by studying Fine Arts at the University of Damascus.
Adi’s artistic practice focuses on abstract transformations, often exploring hidden meanings within words and language. His work celebrates the power of human creativity and fosters collaboration and personal reflection, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape in Cyprus and beyond.
Since relocating to Cyprus, Adi has held 15 individual exhibitions and participated in numerous group shows across Europe and the Middle East, including Budapest, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Romania, Germany, Spain, and Austria. His work has also been showcased at Space Studios and Open Studios in Nicosia.
In addition to his exhibitions, Adi has actively contributed to the community by leading art workshops for refugees at the Kofinou reception center in collaboration with the Red Cross. He won first prize in the art competition for designing a work of art for the new Supreme Court building in Nicosia.
4) Francis Mupini is an artist, painter, photographer, and graphic designer from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in painting at the Institute of Fine Arts in Kinshasa and graduated in graphic art in the department of visual communication at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kinshasa in 2017.
A deep connection to society, reality, and the environment drives his artistic journey. He explores the fusion of various styles in his work, collaborating with others and merging different inspirations to create dynamic pieces. Francis’s art reflects his ongoing integration of diverse ideas, aiming to make a meaningful impact through visual storytelling and creative expression.
5) Ksenia Kudasova is a contemporary artist, curator, and gallery owner based in Cyprus. Originally from Russia, her multidisciplinary approach merges art, mythology, and philosophical reflection, creating a rich, evocative body of work.
Ksenia’s artistic practice explores identity, displacement, and ritual themes through various mediums, including ceramics, performance, and writing. Her project “Remote Rest” embodies these themes by crafting ceramic figures inspired by Paleolithic Venuses. Infused with sacred objects and ancestral symbols, these figures aim to offer symbolic and emotional support, fostering a sense of connection across distances.
Beyond her work with ceramics, Ksenia has been developing a tarot deck for contemporary artists and is deeply involved in projects that blend esoteric traditions with modern artistic narratives. Her art delves into femininity, community, and hybrid identities, drawing from ancient techniques and cultural experiences to spark meaningful dialogue around exile and connection.
In addition to her projects, Ksenia is committed to fostering solidarity among artists. She organizes workshops and discussions to maintain meaningful long-distance communication and create supportive networks.
6) Yonly Leyva Desdunes is a Cuban-born choreographer, performer, and producer in Cyprus. He began dancing at 3 years old in Italy, using it as a spiritual form to share Cuba’s rich folklore and culture. Throughout his school years, Yonly was active with Amnesty International, focusing on migrant issues and promoting integration.
Collaborations with artists from diverse backgrounds have shaped his artistic journey. He has performed in festivals and competitions, excelling in Salsa and contemporary dance. Yonly’s choreography has been featured in projects across multiple countries, including the West End, “Dancing with the Stars,” “Britain’s Got Talent,” and Gloria Estefan’s musical “On Your Feet.”
In Cyprus, he organized the “Interchange Cultural” event at the Home for Cooperation, supported by the Embassy of Cuba, to promote intercultural communication. He has performed at major festivals like the Nicosia International Festival and Kypria Festival and recently worked with Theatre Antilogos on “Kafka: RED PETER.”
His work explores themes of migration, identity, and cultural adaptation, with pieces like “Neró” using Afro-Cuban Contemporary techniques to illustrate the migrant experience. Yonly is passionate about collaboration and creating meaningful art that bridges cultures and fosters dialogue.
7) Tobore Irorobeje is a Nigerian artist based in Nicosia, Cyprus. He holds two BAs in Fine Arts, one from Delta State University in Nigeria and another from the University of Nicosia, Cyprus.
Although he primarily identifies as a painter, Tobore’s artistic practice spans sculpture, painting, performance art, and sound art. His work consistently addresses social and political issues, personal struggles, and the complexities of identity, focusing on what it means to be Black or considered “the other.” African culture and community play a central role in his practice, where he challenges stereotypes and seeks to portray a more profound, more authentic representation of African people.
Tobore’s art explores the balance between the physical and spiritual realms, questioning identity, existence, and individual roles in the world. His work encourages self-awareness and personal reflection and advocates for unity, understanding, and positive societal contributions.
Currently, Tobore is working on a project exploring the role of the African community in Cyprus. He aims to highlight how African immigrants can contribute to the country’s growth and foster a sense of belonging and mutual benefit among communities. His ongoing journey as an artist reflects his commitment to using art for dialogue, social change, and promoting African culture.
8) Aziza Azizi is an artist from Afghanistan who lives in Nicosia, Cyprus. She studied both arts and law in Afghanistan, but due to the rise of the Taliban and the restrictions on girls’ education, her education was disrupted. Despite this setback, Aziza is determined to continue her art education and will participate in this program to further her artistic journey.
She is particularly interested in teamwork and collaboration in painting and drawing, as she believes in the power of collective creativity. Aziza is passionate about developing her art skills, finding opportunities to grow in her artistic practice, and using her creative skills to contribute to the broader community.
9) Express-So is a Afro-dance duo made up of Collins Ugo and Chinonso Onyia, known as Spirit. Both are of Nigerian descent and are currently based in Cyprus, with their shared love for dance bringing them together. Collins holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Computer Science, and Spirit is a graduate of Economics and an award-winning dancer.
Their journey began with a deep-rooted passion for Afro-dance, a style they use for movement and storytelling.
Their name reflects this philosophy: “Express” to express oneself, and “So” in the most authentic way people will truly understand.
10) Ibrahim Kamara is a djembe drummer with a background in West Africa. He began playing drums at a young age and has since performed on various occasions, showcasing his talent. Ibrahim is deeply involved in the drum circle, where he teaches drum beat techniques and rhythms. His passion for music extends to promoting artists and musicians, encouraging them to find the courage to participate in cultural and artistic expressions. As a djembe musician, Ibrahim aims to share the power of rhythm and music to connect people and inspire creativity.
