Yulia Rodriguez was born in Cuba, where she lived until the age of 28. During her time there, she worked as a legal advisor, graphic designer, and illustrator. From a young age, Yulia has been deeply passionate about art, attending courses and participating in street art classes in Havana. Her artistic journey is profoundly influenced by her desire to connect with her roots—seeking to understand where she comes from, who she is, and the stories of her ancestors. Years later, Yulia moved to the United States, crossing the sea to join her brother and start a new chapter in life, working to build a better future from the ground up. As a SAAG member, she has found a place to learn and grow as an artist. Her art is on display at the SAAG Gallery. She is on Instagram: yuliarusalka_art and Faceboock: Rusalka IlustrArt. She also has an Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/YuliaRusalka.

I asked Yulia a few questions about her artistic journey.

Q: Tell us about your journey as an artist. How did you first get started?

Yulia: Somehow I feel that there have been so many paths traveled to get to where I am now, that thinking about the past entangles my conscience. To be more exact, it was during the pandemic that I decided to change my path, and after several events and exhibitions, I continue on the same path even with more confidence.

Q: How do you decide on the themes or subjects of your pieces? Is there a particular message you aim to convey?

Yulia: I bring with me a mix of cultures that feed my way of making art. My closest roots are Slavic and African, and the stories that I reflect in each work are born from them. I am based on deities or creatures from different mythologies, although I also use my own fantasy to create new characters.

I can't talk about my art without first talking about my family, because it's what moves me. On my father's side, I grew up with the Yoruba religion, with my grandmother's stories, and my aunt Celin's rituals. I’m the daughter of two waters. That is why in Nexus, a series I work on; I create a mix between Slavic and African deities.

A work that I love is The Mermaid and the Sailor; it is a version of Gustav Klimt's, The Kiss. I made this piece thinking about my father and mother. Well, his story moved me, how he married her, took her and brought her to Cuba, despite the refusal and procedures that did not allow it. Luckily, until the thought of running away together appeared, the marriage permit arrived. He was simply a young soldier who fell in love with the most beautiful woman who worked at the Academy.

“Saviior” by Yulia Rodriguez.

“The Sailor and the Mermaid” by Yulia Rodriguez.