Tatyana Shramko is a multidisciplinary artist celebrated for her evocative sculptures and boundary-defying approach to art. Based in Studio 32 at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, her work spans a diverse array of materials, including clay, wood, paper, glass, bronze, iron, and even ice. Tatyana’s work is marked by its ability to capture both universal humanity and deeply personal introspection, whether through abstract forms or representational portraiture.
Tatyana’s artistic journey is rooted in a rich and multicultural background. Born in China to Ukrainian-Russian parents and having lived across Europe before settling in the United States, her global experiences deeply influence her art. A graduate of George Washington University, Tatyana has studied extensively under independent artists, particularly focusing on bronze foundry work. Her sculptures have been exhibited internationally and are part of prestigious collections, such as the University of Maryland and public spaces like the Kaiser Permanente headquarters in Virginia and Harbin, China.
In 2024, Tatyana was accepted into the Biennial Maryland Regional Juried Art exhibition. She was also accepted into the McLean Project for the Arts for an exhibition curated by Nancy Sausser. At McLean, her six-foot cast paper sculpture Fragile Self stood out among over sixty sculptures, reflecting her exploration of humanity’s shared essence and unique diversity. Crafted from a single mold, each iteration of Fragile Self employs different materials and methods of preparing paper, symbolizing individuality within a common form.
Tatyana’s philosophy is simple yet profound: “I just make art.” Eschewing the constraints of themes, she allows her creativity to flow organically, crafting pieces that invite quiet introspection. She often uses minimalist techniques and materials to focus on raw emotion, aiming for her art to resonate across cultural and personal boundaries.
In 2022, she was commissioned to create a bronze memorial bust of civil rights activist Melvin Miller for the City of Alexandria. The project required creativity and meticulous craftsmanship, blending sparse reference materials with her keen attention to detail. “It was a labor of love,” she reflects, recounting her joy in building and installing the custom pedestal for the piece.
Experience Tatyana Shramko’s artistry firsthand by visiting her at Studio 32 in the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Be sure to stop by visit the Monumental Washington exhibition at the American University Museum starting Saturday, February 8 through Sunday, May 18 to view her work!