Infected by Art Book - Volume 9

Daria Aksenova is best known for her pen and ink, suspended, cut paper narrative shadowboxes. The current focus of her work is the creation of cinematographic storytelling through constructed dynamism - arising from layering and complexity of composition - within a static media, inspired by her past experience with the fashion and film industries. Daria Aksenova uses ink as it is an unforgiving medium that precludes editing and demands precision. Individual elements are then hand-cut with a scalpel and suspended against each other until the desired depth is achieved. Her technique demands a steady hand and unfailing commitment, often requiring over a hundred hours of dedication and intimacy with each piece. The Subject matter choice is driven by her interest in symbolism, often reflecting conflict inherent to the human condition, as echoed through mythology and folklore. The balance of playful storytelling coupled with deeper-seated significance provides unique yet relatable work. Her pieces evoke a dreamscape-like narrative that pulls in both the eye and mind, presenting space and opportunity for the imagination to wander into a deep narrative that can only be experienced firsthand.

Name:	Daria Aksenova
Joined:	December 2017
Projects:	I am a self-taught illustrator & paper sculptor currently based in Houston, TX. I strive to continuously further my education. I am a current member of The International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists (IAPMA) and Paper Artist Collective (PAC). I have kept up a daily studio practice since 2016 and worked on a variety of projects aside from running my own business, including public large-scale artwork installation, solo exhibitions, merchandise development, production, tradeshow exhibitions, and textile design. I currently show at galleries across the United States, including Haven Gallery (NY), Modern Eden (CA). I have presented my work in multiple international publications, magazines (ImagineFX, Beautiful Bizarre, Create!, & Pikchur), and art books (Infected by Art Volume 6, 7, 8 & 9). My work has been nominated for the 2019, 2020 & 2021 Chesley Awards in the "Best Three-Dimensional Art" and "Best Monochrome: Unpublished" category by the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists (ASFA). IX has been a staple event in my schedule for the last three years, and I would relish the opportunity to return and present a new body of work in 2022.
Location:	Houston, TX