Daria Aksenova, 新月 “Shingetsu (New Moon)
Northport, NY– Haven Gallery is pleased to present Houston based artist, Daria Aksenova for her second solo show at the gallery, entitled “New Moon”. Aksenova’s latest body of shadowboxes utilizes her affection for narrative as a link between animals and humans through various branches of folklore. Both visual and thematic elements of these stories can be found in the presence of clothing, masks and characters. Mythologies stemming from Russia, Japan and the Chinese zodiac are noted in the artists surreal characters and garb, while her own personal narrative finds itself woven throughout each shadowbox.
Daria’s works are known as shadowboxes. The artist inks (both fine line and ink washes) her imagery before she meticulously cuts it out to layer and suspend in a deep-set, framed shadowbox built by her own hands. Each artwork is comprised of multiple layers that allow her to create immense depth and movement. It is through her multiple layers and masterful line work that a cinematic dimension of imagination and story are brought to life.
My mission is to bring back our childhood imaginations that are drowned out by the everyday bustle in our ever-busy lives. I choose my settings and subject material to draw the viewer back to the folk lore and myths of their youth, hoping to create artwork that inspires the dreamer within.
Daria Aksenova uses ink as it is an unforgiving medium that precludes editing and demands precision. Individual elements are then hand-cut with a scalpel and suspended against each other until the desired depth is achieved. Her technique demands a steady hand and unfailing commitment, often requiring over a hundred hours of dedication and intimacy with each piece.The subject matter is chosen by a fascination with mythology and folklore. Her pieces evoke a dreamscape-like narrative to serve as a vehicle to transport the viewer back to past, more carefree times, outside the limitations of the everyday world
