Ksenia Shinkarenko
Melbourne-based abstract artist Ksenia Shinkarenko’s serene works evoke feelings of tranquility and calmness, garnered from nature, photography and architecture.
Words: Holly Terry I Photography: Bianca Lamont & Ksenia Shinkarenko
‘My love of fabrics subconsciously influenced my decision to use raw canvas. I love the tactile aspect of it,’ says Ksenia Shinkarenko. Photo: Bianca Lamont
Ksenia Shinkarenko captures a sense of tranquillity found in the exploration of her surroundings such as nature, photography and architecture. Photo: Courtesy of Ksenia Shinkarenko
‘I often get a rush of inspiration when I see how other artists have expressed their emotions through their work’, says Ksenia Shinkarenko. Photo: Courtesy of Ksenia Shinkarenko
Photo: Bianca Lamont
‘The way I develop creative ideas is the same as if I was designing a piece of clothing. It involves research and putting together a creative brief with the concept, key shape, texture, and colours. I imagine how and where it’s going to be presented and who it will be owned by.’ Photo: Courtesy of Ksenia Shinkarenko
Melbourne-based abstract artist, Ksenia Shinkarenko left home at the age of sixteen to pursue a creative career in fashion design. Living in Tokyo as a young adult meant she could spend time exploring her creativity, slowly building toward the style which resonates with her today. ‘Living independently from a young age afforded me moments of solitude to better understand myself and discover what I’m drawn to,’ says Ksenia.
‘As a young adult, I lived in Tokyo, a place where self-expression knows no boundaries… the minimalistic culture of Japan, and the way it balances an appreciation of traditional techniques with a modern influence has had a profound influence on my art,’ she continues.
For Ksenia, a typical day begins around 7AM with an hour-long yoga flow, a practice that has flowed with her for over half of her life. ‘It helps me to set an intention that shapes the rest of my day,’ she says. Creatively, she practices during the morning or late afternoon, when the soft, diffused light offers easier access into her emotions, which can then be transferred into her work.
Incorporating refined shapes and organic techniques, Ksenia softly captures a sense of contentment and calm that she finds within everyday moments. The artist explains, ‘My aim is to share these feelings with others. To create an escape from the everyday distractions and bring some form of tranquility into peoples lives.’
Sixteen years in the fashion industry gave Ksenia Shinkarenko the possibility to experiment in a broad spectrum of creative styles and refine her artistic vision. Photo: Courtesy of Ksenia Shinkarenko
Photo: Courtesy of Ksenia Shinkarenko
“I like the saying – ‘good ideas come to a quiet mind’ - for me tranquility is an authentic level of comfort that makes you hear your intuition instead of your fear.”
Photo: Courtesy of Ksenia Shinkarenko
‘Moving to Australia, I was fortunate to work for a fashion label that valued natural textiles, high-quality products and modern, yet timeless design. It helped me sharpen my skills and refine my style further before I transitioned full-time to art.’ Photo: Courtesy of Ksenia Shinkarenko
Ksenia is greatly influenced by the saying, “good ideas come to a quiet mind.” Judging by her serene works, it’s clear the statement holds true. For the artist, a tranquil state is an authentic state, opening up her ability to comfortably listen to her internal intuition, instead of her fear.
‘Creating a sense of tranquility is helping create a quiet mind for others. There’s so much destruction and chaos in our modern world. I am moved to give people a small piece of serenity that helps bring them back to themselves.’
Having lived in buzzing Tokyo, and now Melbourne, Ksenia appreciates the sense of community she felt while at university, often surrounded by other makers and sharing creative energy. These days as an artist, her work involves many hours spent in solitude.
The artist often feels a rush of inspiration when viewing how other artists have expressed themselves through their work. ‘Usually, I find myself triggered by powerful, nostalgic, or moody feelings that I’m urged to pass on to others through my interpretation of them.’
This year, Ksenia’s work will be exhibited at Melbourne’s fortyfivedownstairs gallery from 27th June to 8th July. Characteristically dynamic and calming, these pieces will study the practice of dance and movement. ‘With this exhibition, I’m aiming to create a richer experience by intersecting different art disciplines,’ she adds.