Vera Iliatova

Vera Iliatova is an Adjunct Professor at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, specializing in painting and printmaking. She immigrated from Leningrad (former Soviet Union) to Brooklyn at age sixteen. Her academic background includes a BA from Brandeis University and an MFA in Painting/Printmaking from Yale University, complemented by studies at the Skowhegan School of Art and a residency at the Marie Walsh Sharpe Foundation. Iliatova’s work explores themes of memory, identity, and the subconscious through dreamlike self-portraiture and hybrid environments.

Her research interests integrate hyperrealistic techniques with fantastical narratives, employing emotive color schemes and naturism to oscillate between observation and imaginative expression. Key exhibitions include solo and group shows at institutions such as the Warehouse Dallas, Fahrenheit Madrid, Katonah Museum, and the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco. Her work has been featured in renowned publications like Art Forum, Art in America, and The New York Times.

• Awards: NYFA Fellowship in Painting (202?), Cafe Royal Cultural Foundation Grant
• Representation: Nathalie Karg Gallery, NYC

Iliatova’s artistic practice bridges personal memory with broader social themes, using layered imagery to critique modern spaces—from postindustrial cities to cryptic boarding schools. Her recent works (2022–2024) include Doing and Undoing and Far Greater Than Every Magic, reflecting her exploration of identity through vivid, emotive compositions.