This week in Paris, Whitewall Projects presents its first-ever group exhibition in Paris. Coinciding with Art Basel Paris, and just minutes from the Grand Palais, the show, “From Nature” takes over a classic Parisian apartment on 37 Roosevelt 75008 Paris. Curated by Emma Donnersberg, Marion Guggenheim, and Nicolas Dewavrin, it includes the work of artists Fabien Adèle, Louis Alcaraz, Apollinaria Broche, Mia Chaplin, Eugénie Didier, Daria Dmytrenko, DRIFT, Sasha Ferré, Pandora Graessl, Rafael Y. Herman, Alexandre Lenoir, William Macnad, Ileana García Magoda, Kami Mierzvvinsk, Roman Moriceau, Maho Nakamura. The show is staged with design by Donnersberg, lighting by Flos, and scents by Diptyque, and is on view through October 19.
For the accompanying catalog, published by Whitewall, artist Daria Dmytrenko spoke with us about her practice. Dmytrenko (1993, Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine) lives and works in Venice. She studied painting at the National Academy of Visual Arts and Architecture in Kiev (2012-15), and after that she moved to Italy to continue her studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice. Among the exhibitions in which she took part are two shows at SECCI gallery, “Journey to the center of the mind,” Stems (Paris, 2024) “What’s behind the gloom,” Setareh (Düsseldorf, 2023), “Degree Show II,” Palazzo Monti (Brescia, 2021); “Extraordinario,” Vulcano agenzia VEGA (Venezia, 2020); Cassina Projects (Milano, 2022), and more.
Daria Dmytrenko, “Vodyanoi,” 150x80cm, oil on linen, 2024, courtesy of the artist.
WHITEWALL: How would you describe your creative practice?
DARIA DMYTRENKO: My artistic practice revolves around exploring my subconscious through painting. Each of my works is essentially a manifestation of my inner self.
WW: How do you see your work in relationship to nature?
DD: Nature is one of the primary sources of inspiration for me, particularly its animalistic aspects. In my paintings, you can often see connections to real existing flora and fauna.
“Each of my works is essentially a manifestation of my inner self,”
—Daria Dmytrenko
Daria Dmytrenko, “Vodyanoi,” 150x80cm, oil on linen, 2024, courtesy of the artist.
Daria Dmytrenko’s Aquatic Painting in “From Nature”
WW: Tell us about your color palette. What tones you’re drawn to?
DD: Green predominates in my work, symbolizing the connection to the aquatic and forest environments where I often place my creatures.
WW: Can you tell us about the pieces that will be on view in the exhibition?
DD: The painting I am showing in the exhibition in Paris is titled Vodyanoi, which is the name of the spirit of the swamps, lakes, and rivers from ancient Slavic mythology.
WW: What was the starting point for this work?
DD: Like all of my works, this piece emerges from an intuitive painting process without a predetermined outcome. When I start a new canvas, I challenge myself to clear my mind of any thoughts, allowing my subconscious to flow freely.
Daria Dmytrenko, “Vodyanoi,” 150x80cm, oil on linen, 2024, courtesy of the artist.
Daria Dmytrenko’s Studio in Venice
WW: Can you tell us about your studio?
DD: My studio is situated in Venice, Giudecca island, in the middle of a storical boatyard. It is a peaceful and far from touristic routes place, I find it truly perfect spot for an artistic studio.
WW: What is a typical day like for you there?
DD: My studio is my second home. I’ve organized it to include everything I need. I enjoy spending entire days there, balancing work with breaks for some cooking or reading.
WW: Is there an element of your creative process you make sure to do each day?
DD: Contemplation is an important element of my creative process. When I come into the studio I always need some time to look at the work and reflect in silence before continuing to work on it.
WW: What are you working on next in the studio?
DD: I just inaugurated my third solo show this year, and for the next few months I am going to develop a new series of paintings and sculptures.
Courtesy of the artist.
