“Wall of Fame” mural artist Daria: a fateful journey from Ukraine to Lithuania

Daria's story begins in Ukraine, where her passion for art was kindled. Her journey, marked by resilience and a deep-rooted love for creativity, led her to Lithuania. She graduated from high school and art school education, leading a typical life with choir rehearsals and the usual school routine. As the conflict in Ukraine escalated, her family sought refuge abroad, ultimately settling in Lithuania. “Interestingly, I had always dreamed of attending Vilnius Academy of Art, so it felt like a fateful turn of events for me.” - Daria mentions.

– What are your main activities in Lithuania?

– In Lithuania, my focus is on attending Vilnius Academy of Art, where I am also part of the choir and learning to play the drums. Music has become a therapeutic outlet for me, helping clear my mind. I've also picked up a few hobbies, like collecting dried plants, which has become a central theme in my art, and exploring numismatics.

– How is the Ukrainian diaspora doing in Lithuania?

– I'm aware that there are weekly rallies on Cathedral Square, and Ukrainians occasionally organize events, often in support of Ukraine, with funds raised going to charity. It's heartwarming to witness the community uniting in a foreign land.

Daria expresses that the topic of war is deeply traumatic for her. However, it has deeply altered her thoughts, feelings, and identity, creating a distinct division in her life between 'before' and 'after' the war, and it will never be the same.

Here, amidst a new cultural landscape, her art found new expressions and dimensions. Her "Wall of Fame” artwork on the wall of Sunrise Tech Park event space is the artist's first mural. For Sunrise Tech Park it stands not just as a piece of art but as a symbol of cultural integration and creativity. It's a narrative canvas that tells stories, evokes emotions, and captures the essence of artistic freedom.

– Can you describe the creative concept of “Wall of Fame” at Sunrise Tech Park?

– Sunrise Tech Park mural was my first foray into mural painting, a fascinating venture into this art form. The process was intense; we had to complete the mural in just two weeks. I had a team of six people assisting me, and without them, finishing within the timeframe would have been impossible.

The mural depicts a futuristic, interconnected landscape with scattered symbols that subtly tie the elements together. I drew inspiration from modern architecture's graphic details and intricate motifs found in nature. The color palette was carefully chosen to seamlessly blend with the room's aesthetics, using shades of beige and gray as backgrounds and yellows and blues as accents.

– What techniques do you use in your art?

– In my general art practice, I often use the sfumato technique, enveloping everything in a mystical fog. The technique is a fine shading meant to produce a soft transition between colors and tones to achieve a more believable image. It is most often used by making subtle gradations that do not include lines or borders, from areas of light to areas of dark. As for the mural, there was no specific technique since each person involved used their unique method of painting.

As we delve into Daria's world, we discover more than just an artist. Her journey is a source of inspiration, a reminder of the power of art to transform spaces and minds.

To view this emerging artist's mural, you are welcome to visit Sunrise Tech Park, Saulėtekio al. 15, Vilnius. The mural connects the artistic art energy with the dynamic innovation culture. “Wall of Fame” is an ongoing project of Sunrise Tech Park to highlight the most significant community alumni members – startups with great stories.