Interview: Yofi Decor
Luca Curci talks with Yofi Decor during the 12th edition of ROME INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2024, at ITSLIQUID Monti – Rome Art Space.

Monika is a certified leader from Harvard Business School and a dedicated humanitarian working with the United Nations to fight hunger in remote, war-torn areas. In addition to her global efforts, she is a self-made artist whose work is driven by a deep passion for blending tradition with innovation. Her art is a unique fusion of hand-woven imagery crafted from the finest wool, framed and illuminated by LED lighting. Proud to be the first artist in the world to seamlessly combine these elements, she creates pieces that come to life in a truly captivating way. The interplay of texture and light generates a dynamic visual experience – art that shifts and evolves depending on its surroundings. Each piece is meticulously crafted to evoke emotion and elevate any space it inhabits. Whether for seasoned collectors or those seeking a statement piece, her collection offers something extraordinary for those who value art in its most innovative form.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Yofi Decor – Art, for me, is a form of self-expression and a way to communicate emotions, stories, and experiences that words sometimes cannot capture. It’s a deeply personal and transformative process, where materials, colors, and textures become a language of their own. In my work, I blend the softness of merino wool with the subtle glow of LED lights to create a dialogue between tactile and visual elements. The colors of the LED lights can be changed at any time, allowing the artwork to shift and reflect the viewer’s mood or perspective. Additionally, the lights synchronize with the surrounding music and sound, creating an immersive experience that evolves in real time. Art, ultimately, is a bridge between the artist’s inner world and the audience’s imagination, inviting them to engage with the work on a deeper, sensory level.

LC – How much has the city/country in which you grew up/born affected your work as an artist?
YD – Growing up in a monochrome city in Poland, I was always fascinated by the vibrancy of cities full of lights, as seen in the movies. As a student, I started to travel more and experience the world in a new way. One of the most powerful moments was visiting New York, especially its iconic skyline and Times Square – by night. The sheer number of lights and the dynamic energy of the city were overwhelming, something I had never encountered before. These experiences deeply influenced my work as an artist, inspiring me to incorporate light into my art. The interplay between light and material, especially with the LED lights in my pieces, reflects that fascination with the vibrant, ever-changing worlds I admired as a child. The contrast between the stillness of my early environment and the energy of the places I’ve traveled continues to inform my artistic expression today.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
YD – I draw inspiration from a variety of sources, especially the landscapes and cultures I’ve encountered during my travels. Having visited over 40 countries, I’ve been deeply influenced by the unique beauty of places like Djibouti, Liberia, and Cape Verde. The vibrant and distinct colors of these landscapes have stayed with me, shaping the way I view the world. Most recently, I returned from Chad, where I drove through a sandstorm in the desert, an intense experience that left a lasting impression. Each of these places has its own characteristic palette, and I plan to incorporate these colors into my art by carefully selecting the shades of wool I use. The way light and texture interact in my work will reflect the diverse environments I’ve encountered, translating the colors and emotions of these places into my artistic expression.

LC – How do you choose your subjects? Is it a reasoned or an instinctive process?
YD – Often, I begin with a clear idea that forms in my mind, something I feel inspired to explore. I work on it with intention, but during the process, I remain open to changing things as I follow the flow. This allows the piece to evolve naturally, sometimes leading to unexpected results. However, there are also projects where I’ve had a very specific vision, and I execute them exactly as I imagined them, like in the case of Quattro, for example. In these instances, the process is more controlled and precise. Ultimately, it’s a balance between having a concept and allowing room for spontaneity and creative intuition.

LC – Do visitors’ suggestions enrich you and your art?
YD – Yes, visitors’ suggestions definitely enrich both me and my art. I see art as a dynamic interaction between the artist and the viewer, and their feedback often offers fresh perspectives and insights that I may not have considered. Sometimes, a visitor’s interpretation can reveal new layers of meaning in my work, or their thoughts might spark ideas for future projects. I believe that art evolves through dialogue, and the suggestions and reactions of those who experience it contribute to its growth. Their input helps me refine my approach and continue to develop my creative practice.

LC – What do you think about the concept of this exhibition? How did it inspire you?
YD – This exhibition was my very first opportunity to showcase my art, and it has been an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience. It was held in a beautiful gallery just a few steps from the Colosseum in Rome, which made the experience even more special. It allowed me to share my work with a wider audience and see how it resonates with others. The opportunity to present my art in such a meaningful setting has been both inspiring and motivating. It’s also been a great learning experience, helping me to reflect on my creative journey and how far I’ve come. Being part of this exhibition has sparked new ideas and possibilities for my future work, and I’m grateful for the chance to be part of such an impactful event. It truly has been an amazing experience.

LC – Your last artistic production attracted us. Has the artwork presented been created for the exhibition or as a part of preexisting works?
YD – The piece Quattro has been in my mind for a long time, but the news of this exhibition motivated me to bring it to life before some of the other works I had already planned. While it fits into the broader themes of my ongoing exploration of texture, light, and emotion, Quattro was specifically created for this exhibition. The opportunity to showcase my work in such a meaningful setting pushed me to focus on this piece, allowing me to experiment and refine it in ways I hadn’t done before. It’s a natural evolution of my artistic journey, and I’m grateful that this exhibition gave me the push to finally create it.

LC – What do you think about the organization of our event?
YD – I think the organization of the event has been outstanding. Everything, from the venue in the centre of Rome to the seamless execution of the exhibition, has been thoughtfully planned and carefully curated. The atmosphere created has allowed the art to shine and connect with the audience truly. As it was my first exhibition, I was lucky to receive a lot of guidance and support throughout the process, which I truly appreciate. The attention to detail and the professionalism of everyone involved made this experience even more special. It’s been an inspiring and welcoming environment, and I feel privileged to be part of such a well-organised event. The event has truly provided a platform for artists to showcase their work in a meaningful way, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of it.

LC – What is your idea about ITSLIQUID GROUP?
YD – It’s an incredible platform that fosters creativity and connects artists from all around the world. It provides a unique opportunity for emerging and established artists to showcase their work in diverse and dynamic settings. I chose ITSLIQUID GROUP for my very first exhibition experience because of its reputation for professionalism and its ability to offer a meaningful platform for artists. I’m confident that this will not be the last time I collaborate with them, as I look forward to future opportunities to work together. I believe that ITSLIQUID GROUP plays a significant role in enriching the global art scene, allowing artists to reach wider audiences and engage in meaningful exchanges. Being part of an organization that values innovation, diversity, and artistic expression is both motivating and exciting, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be involved.