Interview: Yana Ostapchuk
Luca Curci talks with Yana Ostapchuk during the 20th edition of VENICE INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2024 at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello in Venice.

Based in Copenhagen, Yana Ostapchuk is an architect and visual artist whose works bridge architectural knowledge and abstract painting. With a strong foundation in spatial design and interest in human perception, Yana’s artistic practice investigating how our understanding of the built environment can translate into the realm of abstract art. The transition from architecture to painting can be described as a natural extension of the creative process, inspired by architectural projects and the digital tools she had mastered. Yana’s paintings evolve from 3D models and digital environments created during to her architectural practice, merging the virtual and the physical, creating immersive and abstract landscapes. 

Luca Curci – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most? 
Yana Ostapchuk – My background is in architecture, having completed my Bachelor’s at the Moscow Architectural Institute and my Master’s at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, followed by professional experience with architectural firms in China and Denmark. I would say that being immersed in diverse cultural contexts – through living, studying, and working – has been the most influential experience for my work. While it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how these influences manifest, I feel they have profoundly shaped my ideas, thoughts and creative process. Navigating cultural and language differences has influenced how I approach storytelling, space, and visual expression in my work. Because of this, it is not far-fetched to say that I am aiming to create something that resonates instantly with viewers, allowing it to be understood and felt on some intuitive level, even before being verbally or textually described. 

LC – Which subject are you working on? 
YO –  I’m currently exploring the intersection of architecture and art, focusing on how my understanding of build environments and design as an architect influences visual storytelling and evolves into a distinct artistic practice. Alongside this, I am working on a project that includes a series of paintings inspired by my travels to Illulissat, Greenland. This series reflects on the relationship between architecture, community, and landscape in the extreme conditions of the Arctic. 

LC – Is there an unrealised or unrealizable project, even a crazy one, that you would like to work on? 
YO – At the moment, I’m deeply fascinated by the Arctic and eager to find ways to connect with this extraordinary region professionally – whether through research, design, art, or exploration. While I don’t have a specific project in mind yet, I am inspired by the potential to contribute to the Arctic in some way. I’m particularly drawn to the challenges and opportunities the Arctic presents and how one can reflect onto that and address it, both now and in the future. 

LC – What are the three hashtags essential to define your poetics that you could not give up? 
YO – I haven’t thought about it much, but I would say that those three hashtags could be the ones: #ambiguity, #contemplation, and #otherworldly. 

LC – Where do you find your inspiration? 
YO – I believe my real inspiration comes from the process of creation itself. New ideas and directions always naturally reveal themselves in consistent creative process. Additionally, I constantly draw inspiration from everyday life – whether through the people I meet, the environments I experience, or the subtle details of daily moments. 

LC – Your last artistic production attracted us, has the artwork presented been created for the exhibition or as a part of preexisting works? 
YO – The artwork presented was created as part of a preexisting work. It builds upon themes and ideas I have been exploring for some time. While it wasn’t specifically created for this exhibition, its theme very much aligned with the narrative and concepts I am developing. 

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the exhibition? 
YO – I find the vision of your platform compelling, especially in how it fosters a space and gathers artists to express and share their work within a professional and international context. As for the theme of the exhibition, ‘Future Landscapes’, it was what initially drew me to apply. I found it intriguing for my mind to think, particularly about abstract, infinite, and redefinition of spatial limits and borders. 

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform? 
YO – I really appreciate the ITSLIQUID platform for recognizing and supporting artists in their practice by giving them the chance to engage and showcase their work. Having a professionally organized space and event to exhibit can be such an important moment for artists – it can help them believe in themselves and keep going with their creative journey. That’s something very profound about what the platform offers. 

LC – What do you think about the organization of our event?  
YO – The organization of the event was highly professional and beautifully arranged. I especially appreciated the calm, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere throughout. It was pleasure to see the projects thoughtfully arranged within the spaces. Additionally, it was well prepared and arranged media coverage of the event, alongside with supportive and engaging communication before it.