Ukrainian abstractionist Darya Nakvakina: I set a goal for myself not just to capture and convey the visible, but to intuitively reveal the unmanifested

Darya Nakvakina is a Ukrainian abstractionist who left photography for the sake of art. The world of cameras became too confining for the artist, and she realized that painting would allow her to transcend the boundaries of reality. An unplanned exhibition ended up occupying three museum halls, all within her first year of painting. The artist shared with Drive Music Media insights about the world she creates, her participation in the "Burning Man 2022" exhibition, and her future plans.

Interviewer: Why abstractionism? When did you realize that you see yourself in this style?

Darya: I worked as a photographer for more than ten years. In my photography, I always aimed to go beyond the boundaries of realism, searching for something mystical, otherworldly, magical, intangible, and unstoppable. And one day, I realized that it wasn’t enough for me to be at the distance of a camera from reality; I wanted direct communication with the energy I felt beyond the ordinary form of things. I went to an art store, bought canvases and paints, and in one breath, I created a series of portraits of people – not as I saw them, but as I felt them. It was as if I turned the inner world outward, and when I saw that, I wanted to go further. To make the journey easier, I burned all ties to my past, sold my photography equipment, and fully dedicated myself to painting. I set a goal not just to capture and convey the visible, but to intuitively reveal the unmanifested... I believe only abstraction can create such codes! Abstractionism, for the brave, creates an infinite communicative field between the subconscious, the artist, and the viewer, engaging and developing creative imagination, gently touching what longs to sprout, to be freed, to heal.

Interviewer: What was the first painting you created that made you realize: the world needs to see this?

When I started painting, I understood that my paintings have a purpose – to open doors to other worlds of perception, and these doors are felt by people who eagerly seek them out. They accidentally stumble upon my paintings, and that’s when the magic happens! The worlds interact! What was meant to happen, happens, without any plan on my part, because I know there is always a much better plan.

Interviewer: Your first exhibition. Unforgettable feelings. Tell us about that day. Which paintings did you decide to present? Why those?

Darya: I didn’t plan my first exhibition; at that time, it hadn’t even been a year since I dedicated myself to painting. I unexpectedly received a call from a museum offering me a solo exhibition! They chose almost all the paintings I had in my studio. The exhibition ended up spreading across three halls. It was a very bright, grand, and unifying day – a celebration! Many friends, acquaintances, and strangers came, and I had the chance to see how different people perceive my art, how they interact with it. Abstraction is difficult to understand with the mind; it needs to be felt... and I saw how people experienced it. I heard them sharing their impressions, and for many, it was a deeply transformative experience... This had an incredible impact on me and inspired me to continue working.

Interviewer: Tell us about the short stories you write to accompany your paintings. How do the right words come to you? What inspires you to create a new painting?

Darya: Sometimes, my paintings are like pages from my unpublished diary... The words come to me like waves touching the shore, born from the same feelings on which I create my paintings. I don't need inspiration to create a painting; I need time to retreat, to dive deep, to dissolve, and then to focus on the energy that flows through me. I need to give this energy maximum freedom, to release it and let it go... and then, return and be inspired by it. This inspiration allows me to see, and it gifts me the words I need.

Interviewer: Tell us about your participation in the exhibition at the "Burning Man 2022" festival – Waking Dreams. Which work did you present? What was the exhibition about?

Darya: This was a collective exhibition of Ukrainian artists, whose works were represented by Ukrainian International Art Platform as part of "Burning Man 2022" under the theme "WAKING DREAMS". The festival's concept explored the power of dreams of passionate visionaries who channel immense energy into awe-inspiring ideas that change lives. I participated with my work titled Blending with the Stars, acrylic on cardboard, 2021, 100x80 cm. The piece is about the bright Universe that exists within each of us! We wander in the darkness and make choices every time! If we choose the Light, a new Star is born, then another, and another, gradually forming a star cluster that becomes the extraordinary life path of the Dreamer... On such a path, anything is possible!

If we choose Darkness, the stars fade, and Huge Black Holes appear, where Magic gradually fades and Enchantment disappears! This is the path of alienation, resentment, and loneliness. It is sometimes difficult but extremely important to realize the strength and responsibility that creates within what is reflected on the outside!

Interviewer: Tell us about the painting Snowdrops of Freedom. The war has made a profound impact on the life of every Ukrainian, and this piece was created at the very beginning of the full-scale war. Why snowdrops?

Darya: When the war began, the familiar world that had shaped my consciousness started to crumble rapidly. It felt like a landscape of concrete ruins and despair... It's hard to forget the spring of 2022 – unwelcoming, gray, and cold in early March. I remember walking into the garden... The ground was frozen, covered in snow... there was emotional emptiness... and then, these delicate, tiny yet incredibly strong flowers... Snowdrops. For me, they became a symbol of freedom. They pushed through the harsh frost, offering faith and hope that life would prevail... that those who do not give up and continue to grow, despite all hardships, will prevail, keeping a place in their hearts for the Sunlight. That day inspired me to create a series of works called Snowdrops of Freedom. This project became a charity initiative, with proceeds from the sales being donated to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Interviewer: How would you describe your art before the war and now? What has changed? What is the process of working on your paintings like now? And what changes have occurred in the foundation of your work overall?

Darya: My paintings are small energetic dimensions! Before the war, I was rather carefree about the energies I worked with. During the war, I experienced firsthand how negative energies can destroy the body from within, ruin relationships, devastate lives, and the environment... Now, I pay much more attention to the state I’m in when I work, to the source within me. I actively practice yoga and meditation, focusing on joy, love, and calmness... I monitor the vibrations that dominate my field and constantly strive to elevate them in my canvases. I want what I create to shine from within and bring light, inspiration, and a vibrant taste and color to life!

Interviewer: You have an incredibly beautiful painting whose title you haven’t listed in your profile. Please share the story behind this work. What is its title?

Darya: "Forest of Spirits" 2024. This painting is from my subconscious. It represents a place I adore, located in the Ukrainian Carpathians. It both exists and doesn’t exist – partially imagined, infused with magical Spirits and Enchanting Charms! It is my place of power, my portal to another dimension.

Interviewer: What projects are you currently working on?

Darya: Right now, I am working on a project titled Black Soil. It is an important project about our land, exploring themes of interconnection, roots, strength, and responsibility...

Interviewer: What word do you associate with your own art? Why this particular word?

Darya: Flow. The flow of energy, the flow of water, the flow of time, the flow of consciousness... It represents what is constantly moving, flowing, changing, transforming, and being transformed in the relentless cycle of life.

The photographs were taken from the artist's page Darya Nakvakina