BIOgraphy
"Life breathes in and out, grows into a masterpiece through an artistic soul." – Olena Vavourakis.
These profound words capture Olena’s perspective on life. For her, art emerges from everything; the world itself serves as a canvas for creative expression. Within this chaotic artistic realm, there are intrinsic laws of harmony that an artist like to grasp. Art is where Olena truly resides. From childhood to the present, she has consistently drawn, painted, and developed her artistic skills. Her journey to becoming an artist has spanned 18 years of education, exploration, and growth, with each phase marking significant advancement.
Born on November 3, 1981, in Kharkiv, Ukraine—then part of the USSR—Olena’s artistic path continued in independent Ukraine. In 1990, Olena , born Melnykova(ukrainian spelling)/Elena Melnikova(russian spelling), began her studies at the Kharkiv Art School for Children and Teenagers, progressed to Kharkiv Art College, and completed her education at the Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts, where she specialized in Fine Art—Representational Painting and art teacher. Influenced by her talented teachers and mentors — Masyoma Tamara Stepanovna, Masyoma Mykolay Grygorʹovich, Chursina Vera Ivanovna, Zaleshuk Valeriy Vasylʹovych, Ganockiy Vasyliy Leontiovych, and Chaus Viktor Mykolayovych, Olena mastered the intricacies of different artistic techniques and adopted a philosophical approach, how to read the flow of life, that has guided her through the years.
Since 2008 Olena has been an active participant in the art scene, showcasing her work at Ukrainian national exhibitions and expanding to international exhibitions in 2012.
In 2014, she relocated to Switzerland, later married, and adopted the surname Vavourakis. Since 2016, she has consistently exhibited in Switzerland, and in 2017, she works full-time as a freelance artist and an art teacher in her studio in Baar, Switzerland. In 2021, she became a Swiss citizen, and as of May 2025, she is an active member of Visarte, the Professional Association of Visual Artists of Switzerland.
" Every new artwork is a breathe in or breathe out of life."
AlyonaArtist
"The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls."
Pablo Picasso
Olena Vavourakis's art is characterized by a stark contrast: the imperfection of human life versus the perfect harmony of the universe. Her works reflect a world that oscillates between fantasy and reality—a world full of color, form, expressiveness, and movement. She has mastered classical techniques, effortlessly combining them with modern art movements, and works with a variety of techniques and materials — such as (renessance and baroque) techniques of the old masters, impressionistic and modern interpretations of oil painting, acrylics and watercolor, various graphic techniques, batik (painting on silk), and much more.
The theme and idea determine the style and technique of a work — not the other way around. With her sensitive and philosophical understanding of the world, Olena Vavourakis creates works of art that take on a life of their own on the canvas—full of energy, movement, and depth...
Her art encompasses numerous genres, including portraits, landscapes, still lifes, and complex psychological compositions.
All of this is available to talented advanced students and beginners alike — anyone who wants to connect their life with art or prepare to apply to high school of art. Everyone can learn professional skills at Olena’s Studio, directly from the master.
Olena Vavourakis paintings are in private collections around the world: Australia, Belarus, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, France, Switzerland, Russia, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain, Ukraine, USA, Uzbekistan, Japan, and others…