In the center of Seoul, South Korea, the vibrant district of Insa-dong stands as one of the country’s most visited cultural destinations, a place where art, tradition, and modern creativity unite. Last September, Insa-dong hosted an international art and media fair, drawing global artists to showcase their works in an event that highlighted creativity without borders.
One of the fair’s most remarkable highlights was The Embassies Art Fair Special Exhibition, organized in collaboration with various embassies in Seoul. The exhibition featured artists from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Guatemala, Hungary, Lithuania, Peru, and Thailand, each offering their unique cultural and artistic perspectives. According to organizers, the goal was to introduce international artists and their cultural backgrounds to Korean audiences while fostering cultural diplomacy and exchange.
Among these global talents was Vershinina Darya, a self-taught visual artist proudly representing Kazakhstan. Born in Almaty, known as a city of apples, she creates compositions rich in theme and emotion. Her style blends realism, impressionism, and experimental elements, while her favorite genre is portraiture, reveals her fascination with the human gaze. Rather than painting idealized models, Darya prefers real people caught in authentic moments, believing that “the gaze best conveys the subject’s story.”
Her bold yet soft use of color creates a unique atmosphere in each piece, breathing life into her subjects. This year, she has participated in multiple group exhibitions, with her works showcased in Korea, Vietnam, and the United States.
Reflecting on her recent exhibition in Seoul, she described it as “a surreal experience.”
“Seeing so many of my paintings in one place for the first time was incredible,” she shared. “As the only artist from Kazakhstan, I felt both pride and responsibility. The process — from selecting and shipping the works to setting up the exhibition — was intense, but watching people react to each painting made it all worthwhile.” she told Pressenza Press.
Darya admitted that explaining her art in Korean was a challenge, but the experience was quite rewarding. “Everyone, including the international visitors, was kind and curious. The conversations with other artists were especially meaningful; it’s different when you talk to someone who truly understands the process.”
Her friends, both local and international, offered heartfelt support — even surprising her with flowers twice. “That gesture meant the world to me,” she added with a contangoes smile. “It made me feel like a real professional.”
Darya also has an insight into the growing art scene in Kazakhstan, particularly in Almaty.
“Museums are being built, large galleries are opening, and artists are starting to revisit national themes while exploring more universal, contemporary concepts,” she explained.
However, she acknowledged that the journey for independent artists can be challenging. “The art scene can feel quite curated and relationship-driven, which can be daunting for someone without formal training or institutional connections. My artistic goals are more aligned with the international scene, that’s why I’m focusing on building my career globally, including in Korea.”
Looking ahead to the future, her calendar is full of exciting ventures in places, such as participating in a group exhibition in Brooklyn, New York, showcasing a series of five pieces, two acrylic portraits, and three smaller works in oil pastel, her favorite medium.
“From October 11th to 26th, I’ll be part of a group exhibition in Brooklyn, New York. I’m showing a series of five works there – two acrylic portraits and three smaller pieces in my favorite medium – oil pastel. Visually, the characters have a clownish aesthetic, but each one embodies a unique mood. The two largest paintings feature Pierrot and Harlequin – a pair of codependent opposites depicting characters from the Italian Commedia dell’Arte. Painted in white and blue with sad eyes, Pierrot evokes pity, while Harlequin, rendered in red and black with a cunning smile, seems to perpetually tease him. Yet, they need each other to play their roles. The other three portraits are of nymphs, representing Dream, Curiosity, and Love. Their expressions defy the expectations their names might suggest: Dream’s gaze is empty, Curiosity looks confused, and Love appears shy.” She explained.
She also plans to expand this series with five more portraits and even experiment with her first sculpture, a new artistic adventure she eagerly anticipates.
Later this month, from November 15 to December 5, she will join another group exhibition in Seoul, centered around the theme of “Community.” Her upcoming work for the show depicts a small community of three people conversing in a bar. “I want to capture the intimacy of that moment through the warm atmosphere surrounding them. It doesn’t really matter if they are close friends or strangers – the focus is on the connection they share in that particular instance.” Imagining her back to Korea, I might join that conversation over coffee with those people she depicts on the canvas.
You can see her artworks on Instagram
