Artist Highlight: Vladislava Iakovenko
Written by Juliana Kolc-Dass
Within the artistic realm, the existence of diverse styles plays a role in the vibrant exploration of Vladislava Iakovenkos's deep dive between linearity and picturesqueness. Vladislava's artistic abilities have captivated various audiences through the paintings’ dynamic interplay of color, form, and emotion. Throughout her life, the development of her distinctive artistic identity shaped the meanings beyond the artwork.
Vladislava Iakovenko was born in Makiivka, Ukraine, in 1988. She graduated from Dontesk Art School and went on to study at Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts (2007-2011) and Kyiv State Institute of Decorative and Applied Art and Design (2011-2013). Today she splits her time between Bratislava, Slovakia, and Kharkiv, Ukraine. She is a participant in worldwide art and social projects, as well as plein airs.
Vladislava spends her time painting urban landscapes as they showcase a versatile painting style and through this she creates a diverse spectrum of impressions. Images are created that are gesturally expressive at times, pasty and vibrant at others, and always extremely atmospheric. The juxtaposition of realistic depictions and color field painting that extends to abstraction in architectural subjects highlights the confusing nature of urban congestion. By adjusting the perspective, it is possible to generate unique relationships between the viewer and the cityscapes.
Paris Painting. 2022, Slovakia. Painting by Vladislava Iakovenko. Image Source.
This visual of one of Vladislava’s urban landscapes abstractly portrays Paris, France. The color coordination is veiled in the dark hues of redness. The presence of the Eiffel Tower takes into account the romanticized reflection of the renowned “city of love”. The utilization of oil-based paint exemplifies transparency, therefore, enabling the colors to instill nicely with one another.
A rich symphony of dark red tones envelops the scene in a way that encapsulates the mystery of the tower in solitude. The artist's daring use of a rich, sensual crimson hue fills the metropolis with a passionate air, producing an emotional resonance that extends beyond the canvas. The Eiffel Tower becomes a focal point, rising energetically against the darker backdrop, soaked in this rich crimson hue. Despite the prevalent gloom, the interplay of light and shadow gives depth and complexity, allowing viewers to investigate the city's hidden intricacies. The whole ambiance is one of closeness and enticement, as the deep red tones represent both the romantic essence of Paris and the glamour of the city.
According to Robert Delauney, the founder of Orphism, “Simultaneous contrast is the most up-to-date honey of this technique in this field. Simultaneous contrast is visible depth – Reality, form, construction, and representation. Depth is the new inspiration,” (About). The term Orphism is derived from cubism, which is bolstered by mainly light and color. The painting is an example of the complicated structure taken on to create the ideal depth and density needed to express the meaning of the image.
Vladislava Iakovenko’s work emulates the characteristics of abstraction at its highest level. She is the epitome of an artist who is putting energy into styles that bring art to life.
Juliana Kolc-Dass is a high school student from Florida who loves film and debate. Check out her filming passion project at @film.2.table on Instagram!
Sources Used:
“About.” Vladyslava, www.artistvlada.com/about-c24vq. Accessed 12 Nov. 2023.
“Paris Painting.” Saatchi Art, www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Paris/1027287/9151269/view. Accessed 12 Nov. 2023.