Biography

Poet, translator and cultural ambassador of modern Ukraine

Biographical reference

Born in 1982, the author is one of the most prominent voices of modern Ukrainian poetry, known as a writer, translator and public figure. She lives in Lviv, and since 2023 she has fully devoted herself to literature and cultural advocacy of Ukraine in the world, leaving a career in IT and international business that lasted almost two decades.

Literary creativity

Yulia is the author of six poetry collections, each of which has been noted by critics and readers for its depth, emotional intensity and philosophical expressiveness:

  • Exhaling and inhaling (2010)
  • Masks (2011, II prize of the publishing house "Torch")
  • Hunting for Silence (2014)
  • Men, Women and Children (2015)
  • God of Freedom (2021) — nominated for the Shevchenko Prize, included in the short list of the Lviv Prize - UNESCO City of Literature
  • Stones and Nails (2024)

The author's poetry deeply comprehends the experience of war, freedom, human dignity, as well as intimate experiences that echo in the reader's mind.

International recognition

The poet's works have been translated into more than 30 languages, including English, Polish, Swedish, Spanish, German, French, and others. Her poems have appeared in international anthologies, magazines and projects.

  • Poland: collection Żelazo / Зализо (2022) translated by Aneta Kaminska
  • Sweden: Stenar och spik / Stones and nails (2024) — translators: Mikael Nydal and Susanna Witt
  • USA: The God of Freedom (2024) — translated with Elena Jennings, Arrowsmith Press

Translation activity

Julia actively translates from Swedish, in particular the works of Thomas Tranströmer, as well as modern Ukrainian poetry into English, focusing on the voices of authors who are military personnel. Her translation of Arthur Drone's collection "Here we were" was published in English in 2024 by the British publishing house Jantar Publishing (We Were Here).

Public and cultural activities

  • Member of the Ukrainian PEN Club
  • Actively represents Ukraine on the international cultural scene, participating in festivals, forums, literary residencies and campaigns
  • Through his activities, he contributes to strengthening the voice of Ukrainian culture abroad, in particular during the war

Summary

Yulia Musakovska is an example of the intellectual and moral power of contemporary Ukrainian poetry. Her work combines a high artistic style, deep emotionality and a civic attitude, which makes her one of the key literary voices of the war era and the revival of Ukraine.