Raised in communist Ukraine and influenced by mysticism and nostalgia of Soviet cinematography and literature, Lyakir developed a passion for photography as a young child. In 1990 she immigrated to rural U.S. with her family, seeking political asylum, and at 18 she arrived in New York City alone, impressionable and adrift. Fascinated by the culture, energy,
and ingenuity of the city, she first tried to make ends meet by working as a model and photographer’s assistant. By the mid 90s Lyakir found herself immersed in the vibrant avant-garde art scene of the Lower East Side and making art became her passion and purpose. She began experimenting with large format and toy film cameras and eventually studied photography at MSFA in Boston. Lyakir’s unorthodox approach to the medium and adverse childhood experiences with oppressive authority in Ukraine eventually compelled her to continue pursuing her art practice through independent studies.
Lyakir has exhibited in galleries and art fairs in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, London, Berlin, Paris, Lille, Sydney, and Istanbul. Her work is included in private and corporate collections and has had numerous mentions in publications like ELLE Décor, Objekt, InStyle, Art Daily, Art Fuse and Photographie au Feminin. Lyakir continues to produce commissions for public spaces and art collectors around the world. She splits her time between her Brooklyn and southern Vermont studios.