Matryoshka Dasha | Pastel Pencils on Paper | 20x20 cm | 2017 Drawing

Daria Konshtik derives inspiration from fairy tales, myths and legends, “framing” her works with painted decorative ornaments, stylized with bold and vivid colours. Her imaginary and at times naïve works are composed of symbols and signs, depicting Russian folk tales, Greek mythology and Jewish ceremonies on canvas surface and a screen. By recreating the traditional Russian doll – Matryoshka – serving as the artist’s alter ego for examining her identity as an immigrant, – Konshtik deals with questions regarding the influence and convergence of Russian and Ukrainian cultures in the realm of Israeli discourse. Using a vibrant palette of colours that characterizes traditional Slavic costumes, Konshtik interweaving them with Middle Eastern motifs, such as palm and olive trees. Traditional symbols, folklore, and cultural customs in Konshtik works are characterized as psychological constructs at the boundary of the conscious and unconscious, between the personal and the collective.