ArtHaus presents “Elephant in the Room”
ArtHaus presents “Elephant in the Room”
ArtHaus presents “Elephant in the Room.” An exhibition featuring the work of Yulia Pokalo
Exhibition dates: June 27th – July 30th, Opening June 27th (6pm-9pm)
Yulia Pokalo is a contemporary sculptor and mixed-media artist whose work bridges the gap between structured architectural geometry and organic, natural forms. Operating under the brand Yulia Pokalo Art (YPA), she creates striking, large-scale sculptures that challenge the viewer’s perception of material, weight, space, and dimension.
Pokalo’s unique artistic philosophy is deeply informed by her previous life as a passionate fashion designer and master pattern-maker. Her foundational discipline was forged in Paris, where she worked within the elite Haute Couture house of Christophe Rouxel. Learning directly from the master, she immersed herself in the rigorous world of high-fashion construction, developing an intricate understanding of how flat, precise geometric patterns fold, drape, and transform into dynamic, three-dimensional forms.
This background in structural fashion directly intersects with Pokalo’s lifelong fascination with biology— specifically insect anatomy and creatures with exterior skeletons. She views the natural exoskeleton as nature’s ultimate haute couture: a perfect synthesis of protective armor, structural engineering, and beautiful, segmented design. This obsession with natural plating and biological shielding is highly visible in her artistic DNA.
THE “STONE-COUTURE” VISION
Central to Pokalo’s practice is her proprietary “Stone-Couture” technique. Developed through years of material experimentation, this process utilizes specialized lightweight mediums, hand-cut structural patterns, and meticulous texturing to achieve the visual and tactile depth of weathered rock, cast iron, and ancient metals like bronze, gold, and dark steel. By stripping away the literal weight of stone while preserving its monumental presence, she creates large-scale works that possess an unexpected, fluid weightlessness.
Intertwining the precision of Paris couture, the geometry of insect anatomy, and a deep advocacy for wildlife conservation, Pokalo’s sculptures serve as an emotional homage to the animal kingdom. Her work is a study of contrast: a hard, protective exoskeleton built entirely to shelter a sensitive, vulnerable soul on the inside.