Ukrainian artist Iryna Dori: From a career in law to photography and the arts

Iryna Dori is a Ukrainian photographer and artist who, despite having a legal education and ten years of experience working as a lawyer and attorney in Ukraine, found her true calling in art while living in Germany as a migrant. Her first exhibition took place with the support of the local town hall in the small town where she currently resides. Last month, Iryna presented her works at the 'Golden Talent' awards in London. Learn more with Drive Music Media about how photography and art have found balance in her life, complementing each other, as well as about her first exhibition and her journey from lawyer to artist.

LEGAL EDUCATION AND ART: THOUGHTS ON PHOTOGRAPHY

Iryna Dori, the pseudonym chosen by the artist, could never have imagined she would become an artist and photographer in Germany. Ten years ago, she was Iryna Vasylychenko, a law student convinced that she would either become a lawyer or an attorney. Her first thoughts about photography emerged during her second year of studies when her then-boyfriend received a Nikon camera as a gift. For some reason, Iryna remembered that particular brand, and now, ten years later, she continues to shoot with a Nikon camera. Back then, she would walk the streets, imagining herself photographing people, nature, and noticing details overlooked by passersby. It was likely at that moment that the universe planted a dream within her, one that she would realize ten years later, after years of working as a lawyer and attorney in Ukraine. Her creative journey would begin in Germany...

GERMANY: MIGRATION, FIRST PHOTOSHOOTS AND PAINTINGS

Photography became an essential part of Iryna’s life after migrating to Germany due to the full-scale war russia launched against Ukraine. Through photography, she expanded the boundaries of her thinking. This is where her first photoshoots began: family portraits and individual portraits. Interestingly, the artist didn't stop at photography; she also ventured into painting, and now these two different art forms complement each other in her creative work. Art, in fact, saved Iryna. When she moved to Germany, things were very difficult. She had never considered painting as a professional pursuit and doubted her ability to become an artist. Stereotypes ingrained since childhood made her believe that only geniuses could become artists. Despite these thoughts, she began buying materials and painting for herself. She even gifted some of her works to friends.

At that time, she couldn’t have imagined that she would soon hold her own exhibition in the small town where she currently resides.

ABOUT BELIEVING IN ONESELF: THE 'GOLDEN TALENTS' COMPETITION

The most difficult thing for Iryna in art was believing in herself. Despite all the challenges, she achieved the milestone of becoming a participant in the British talent competition 'Golden Talents'. Last year, Iryna submitted several of her works and took third place.

The organizers of the competition found her on Telegram themselves and invited her to participate. The artist believes that the fact that the organizers reached out to her is a sign from the Universe. Together, they selected the paintings, with the first one suggested by Iryna herself. She loves nature deeply and is convinced that nature helps her focus on her own feelings. 

Once a year, the organizers select whom to invite from the winners of the online competition 'Golden Talents'. Strangely enough, she wasn’t invited to the exhibition at that time. Later, she was invited to participate in the exhibition this year. At the exhibition, the artist presented her painting "Dolce Vita".

The event lasted for three days. On the first day, there was a more mixed program featuring various performances by talented individuals. The second day was entirely dedicated to the artists.

NEW PROJECTS: ART EXHIBITION "GUNDZENHAUSEN UNDERGROUND - VOL. 3"

Currently, Iryna is participating in the exhibition "GUNDZENHAUSEN UNDERGROUND - VOL. 3", which will run until November 7.

For the exhibition, Iryna chose the painting "Carpe diem. Seize the moment and be yourself". As the artist noted, people believe that the painting has a negative connotation, but that is not the case. The painting speaks about the courage to be oneself: not paying attention to the fact that your emotions may not be liked by others.

Iryna has found her way: to combine photography and art. And this painting fully reflects her vision of being herself.

Pictures were taken by 'Golden Talents', Anna Menshikova