The works of illustrator Daria Filippova from Odesa have been shortlisted for the prestigious international World Illustration Awards 2026.
According to Suspilne.Kultura, her illustrations for the novel Count the Stars by Lois Lowry were recognized in the Publishing (Professional) category.
The book about friendship and humanity during the Second World War was published by the Ukrainian publishing house Krapky. The book describes occupied Denmark and the evacuation of Jews through the eyes of ten-year-old Annemarie.
Daria Filippova is an illustrator from Odesa. She worked as a graphic designer at the Odesa Art Museum and the Green Theater in Odesa. Among her clients are Penguin Random House, TedX, Vox, Staryi Lev Publishing House, McDonald's, and Silpo.
In total, there are 10 Ukrainian women on the list besides Daria Filipova:
- Maria Foya is an illustrator from Kyiv, a graduate of the Department of Fine Arts at Kyiv Polytechnic University.
- Olha Lisovska is a freelance artist and illustrator who lives and works in Kharkiv. She specializes in book and editorial illustration, combining traditional and digital techniques.
- Maria Bilinska is a graphic artist and illustrator. She studied at the Lviv College of Decorative and Applied Arts and the Krakow Academy of Arts, and works with book graphics and classical printing techniques.
- Irena Zablotska is a Ukrainian-British illustrator who creates conceptual illustrations inspired by anatomical subjects, retro aesthetics, folklore and personal mythology.
- Iryna Yaremenko is an illustrator and graphic designer currently based in the UK and studying at Leeds Art University. Her style is inspired by folk art, nature motifs, urban and contemporary art.
- Hena Hudkova is an illustrator from Kyiv who now lives in Cambridge, UK. She works on children's, teenage and adult books.
- Illustrator Daria Lada currently lives in Canada. She works in editorial illustration, branding, and conceptual projects.
- Alina Kovtun is an illustrator and designer from Kyiv. She creates projects for books, magazines, and independent brands. Her illustrations explore emotions, character, and playful visual storytelling.
- Andriana Chunis is a multidisciplinary artist, art director, and illustrator from Lviv. In her practice, she explores various graphic techniques, and her works are characterized by a conceptual approach and attention to hidden meanings.
- Yevhenia Nikonorova is a Los Angeles-based illustrator and motion designer who grew up in Ukraine. The artist notes that her work is influenced by the bright colors, shapes and ornaments of Ukrainian folk art.
The World Illustration Awards were founded by the British Association of Illustrators. The award is held every two years, and both beginners and experienced artists can apply. The shortlisted winners will be exhibited around the world over the next year.
Кирило Бойко