Artist: Daria Melnikova
Exhibition title: Un Momento
Venue: eastcontemporary, Milan, Italy
Date: March 7 – April 19, 2024
Photography: Tiziano Ercoli, Riccardo Giancola / all images copyright and courtesy of the artist and eastcontemporary, Milan
The show is an insight into one day of a fictional character Mr. Jazzy Sunday who rather is a personification of an emotion than a specific personality.
Mr. Jazzy Sunday was born in 2018 as a representation of spontaneity, freedom and improvisation among the density of daily routines. Since then, the character has been involved in adventures that are mixed with boring regularity and spiced-up with an unpredictability оf an upcoming moment. As a result, with playful and ironic approach, inspirations аnd historical references are bonded in narrative and detailed compositions, that are driven by jazzy tunes as a reminder of a captivating weekend mood. Mr. Jazzy Sunday becomes a conductor of scenario for seemingly perfect turn of events.
This time the presence of an Italian influence coming through architecture, time, culture and daily socialising habits is undeniable. Partially inspired by the art of Renaissance, where in ordinary everyday scenes one can observe the trends of an era, that reveal nuances to be explored again and again, works are created using different techniques, materials and styles united into eclectic compositions. Repetitive arcades – adopted by Romans in 4th century BC, that shape cities, live through generations and depicted in metaphysical period of De Chirico’s paintings – serve as background for my works. Arches, symbolising harmony, foundation, strength and support, lightness and openness, are used as a threshold in time and space, which connects flashes from the past with today’s experience, myths and utopias with realities. Walks through passages which are so typical to almost any Italian town or city, are accompanied by meditative immersion into historical events that echoes in uplifting gaze to the future.
Geometrical and floral patterns evoke memories of casual things seen in exteriors, interiors or household accessories: floorings, facade decorations, tapestry, curtains, tablecloths etc. Both classic ornamentations have been traveled through time and trends without losing its charm and ability to catch an eye. Perfectly balanced on the one hand and disturbingly “loud” on the other, simple and versatile, a checkboard pattern, used since time immemorial, creates mesmerising tension to be compared with coffee-induced anxiety.
And there is no wrong time for a coffee. Especially now, with decaffeinato options available. That bitter taste bites a tip of tongue and brings you back to reality. So you find yourself standing by the bar talking to a random silver-headed person about the weather or the best parmigiana recipe, that the most definitely is their nonna’s. And while the sunshine paints long shadows with a soundtrack of melodious chatting and clinking coffee cups on the background, you feel happy enough to call it a good day.
- Un Momento
Starting and rounding up a day with a cup of coffee – both having and serving – Mr. Jazzy Sunday is here, there, anywhere – leaving cartoon-like swoosh trails in endless city passages. Intensity of life is poured in a cup – a slight overdose and initial plan for a break turns into wave of anxiety. A sip is a thin line you walk trying to balance between daily stress and the desire for a carefree living.
– Excuse me, can I?
– Un momento, I will be with you shortly!
- Sunny-Side Up / 8 am
Half-awake, the body flows like an egg white from depths of dreams right into embrace of a new day. Caffeine bullets target precisely and confidently guide your steps towards new beginnings. Definitely a formula of doppio lungo for me.
- The Golden Hour / 4 pm
The moment to stop and start again – my favourite part of the day. The touch of the sun is soft and blushes everything on its way with the golden shade. The thought of upcoming aperitivo tickles as fizzy drink, leaving pleasant aftertaste of laziness. There is still half a day ahead so staying as crisp as patatine is a formula for 4 pm.
- Flat White – Good Night! / 11 pm
Tables are cleaned evaporating soft soapy scent. Tired glance is piercing twilight where intrusive thoughts of frothy pillow beckon while footsteps echoing in the dark. As eyelids fall, fatigue spreads like warm latte vanishing troubles in vast white. Alarm set for 7 am – let’s stick to scientifically proven 8-hour sleep formula.
Daria Melnikova (b. in 1984, Latvia) lives and works in Riga.
Melnikova’s artistic practice results from a meditative study of daily routine, clichés, architectural details and mere casual moments attempting to reconstruct their inner logic as well as to bring to the light private experiences that once made them possible and necessary. Using elements coming from architecture, interior, and graphic design, Daria’s visual language is rooted in her love for Constructivism, Suprematism and Surrealism art movements. As a result, she creates eclectic but unobtrusive combinations of materials where the diversity of materials does not compromise harmony while light becomes a very important visual element seen as constructive matter.
Melnikova has recently exhibited at the Latvian National Museum of Art in Riga, Kunsthalle Kohta in Helsinki, Kim? Contemporary Art Centre in Riga, Kunsthalle Bratislava and Kiasma in Helsinki. Her works are part of Zuzeum Art Centre in Riga, Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art in Helsinki, Latvian National Museum of Art in Riga and private collections.
