Artist Flora Yukhnovich: Worlds Of Their Own | Louisiana Channel

Summary

In this insightful discussion, the artist shares their journey from childhood creativity to becoming a professional painter, influenced by masters like Freud and Auerbach. They explore the evolution of their work from portraiture to abstract representations of the body, intertwining themes of nature and femininity. The artist delves into the significance of color in evoking emotion and meaning, reflecting on societal perceptions of beauty and value. Their practice is framed as an exploration of aesthetics and the complexities of living in a visually saturated world, where painting becomes a powerful medium for understanding and connection.

Takeaways

• 🎨 The speaker discovered their passion for art early on, focusing on drawing and painting throughout their life.
• 🎓 They chose to study art at university, viewing every decision as a means to create more.
• 🖌️ Initially starting as a portrait painter, they were heavily influenced by artists like Frank Auerbach and Lucian Freud.
• 🌱 As their work progressed, they shifted focus from representation to exploring the concept of the body and the human experience.
• 🎭 Nature, particularly flowers, is a significant theme in their art, symbolizing both chaos and cultivation.
• 🌼 The speaker uses flowers as metaphors for femininity, decay, and societal perceptions of womanhood.
• 🎨 Color is a vital aspect of their work, used to create associations and establish context within their paintings.
• 🔍 They challenge traditional notions of decoration in art, linking value perceptions to gender biases.
• 🌀 The speaker sees abstraction as a way to convey pure feeling while identifying primarily as a figurative painter.
• 🌍 Overall, their approach to painting reflects a desire to understand the world through a layered, experiential process.

Q & A

What inspired the artist to pursue a career in art?

The artist always loved making things and drawing, which led to a lifelong passion for art. When they realized they could study art at university, they immediately decided to do so.

How did the artist's approach to painting evolve over time?

Initially focused on portrait painting and realism, the artist shifted towards exploring the conceptual aspects of the body and abstraction, eventually emphasizing the material qualities of paint and the feelings associated with being in a body.

What role does nature play in the artist's work?

Nature is seen as a self-propagating and organic force, with the artist relating their painting process to gardening, allowing paintings to grow organically through accidents and interactions on the canvas.

How does the artist view flowers in their artwork?

Flowers serve as a metaphor for the female body, reflecting themes of femininity, decay, and societal views on womanhood. They explore the connection between blooming flowers and the experiences of women during puberty.

What significance does color have in the artist's paintings?

Color is regarded as a crucial tool for emotional expression and establishing connections within the artwork. The artist initially feared color but later embraced it, finding freedom and excitement in vibrant palettes.

How does the artist differentiate between abstraction and figuration?

The artist identifies primarily as a figurative painter but seeks to incorporate abstract elements, focusing on the materiality of the painting process and the bodily language involved in creating art.

What is the artist's perspective on the value of decorative art?

The artist critiques the tendency to dismiss decorative art as less significant, arguing that this perception is often gendered and reflects societal biases regarding beauty and meaning in art.

In what way does the artist describe the experience of painting?

Painting is seen as a complex, all-at-once experience that captures the essence of contemporary life, allowing viewers to engage with layered references and emotions simultaneously.

What influences did the artist draw from when they started painting?

The artist drew inspiration from notable figures like Frank Auerbach, Lucian Freud, and Jenny Saville, particularly focusing on how these artists represented flesh and the human body in their work.

How does the artist view the relationship between their studio practice and their work?

The artist views their studio as a space for gathering various influences and information, likening it to tending a garden where ideas and paintings can grow organically from the interplay of different elements.