Emotion Made Visible: An Interview with Valentyna Protsak
- squint
- 12 minutes ago
- 7 min read
In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art, few voices manage to merge intellectual depth, emotional resonance, and timeless refinement as effortlessly as Valentyna Protsak. Her work transcends the boundaries of traditional painting, existing instead as a living dialogue — a space where philosophy meets visual expression, where abstraction holds a narrative weight, and where the viewer is invited into an intimate conversation with the artist’s inner world.
Through her mastery of form and symbolism, Valentyna explores themes of identity, spirituality, and the human condition, crafting paintings that are at once profoundly personal and universally evocative. Her ability to balance storytelling with spontaneity, fragility with strength, and classical traditions with modern sensibilities positions her as one of the most compelling voices of her generation.
It is with great excitement that Squint Magazine presents this exclusive interview, offering a rare glimpse into the mind and vision of an artist whose work continues to challenge, inspire, and deeply move audiences around the world.
Thank you for accepting our interview, Valentyna. First of all, could you tell us briefly about yourself? When did you first realize you wanted to be an artist?
Thank you for the opportunity to collaborate with Squint Magazine.
My journey as an artist began in early childhood. Under the careful guidance of my mother, | was introduced to a broad spectrum of disciplines — from music to sports — yet it was painting and the
language of visual expression that resonated with me most profoundly. What began as a childhood fascination soon revealed itself as a lifelong vocation.
| was educated within the rigorous framework of academic art schools, and | can proudly affirm: | grew up in art schools. This path provided me with a cultivated foundation — mastery of painting, an immersion in philosophy, classical literature, ethics, and aesthetics — later enriched by studies in modern art.
While pursuing my education, | was equally drawn to the curatorial and performative dimensions of artistic practice, organizing exhibitions and engaging with audiences. For me, art has never been confined to the canvas; it exists as a dialogue, a living sphere where creative energy converges with collective attention.
My career unfolded organically — shaped by both intellectual depth and contemporary sensibility. Today, my practice embodies a vision of timeless refinement: art that is academically profound, emotionally resonant, and reflective of a rare cultural sophistication that transcends trends and speaks to the essence of human experience.
Your works carry a strong narrative force while maintaining expressive abstraction. How do you approach balancing storytelling with spontaneity in your process?
In my process, storytelling reveals itself as a subtle intellectual framework, while spontaneity embodies the energy of the moment. | allow the concept to exist as an invisible structure, yet the gesture remains free and expressive. In this way, each work holds both intellectual depth and vibrant immediacy, transforming into an aesthetic experience that is at once structured and unpredictable.
When you begin a painting, do you start with a defined concept, or does the meaning emerge as the work evolves?
| work with various series of paintings, and my process typically begins by establishing a conceptual framework for the collection — its thematic core and emotional essence. Within this structure, | explore layers of emotional depth while maintaining a harmonious formal coherence. Each collection reflects a distinct stage of my life — a new chapter, a personal narrative expressed through color, form, and atmosphere, creating a space for the viewer's own interpretation.
Your paintings seem to invite viewers into an inner, almost spiritual space. How intentional is this — do you design these narratives, or do you prefer leaving interpretation open?
My previous self-portrait series could largely be regarded as a visual exploration of interaction and provocation — an inquiry
into how viewers perceive and respond to the work. | do not consider myself merely a painter; rather, | am a conceptual artist- painter, operating at the intersection of expressive form and intellectual inquiry. In this collection, | chose to keep the meaning subtly encoded, revealing only fragments while observing the audience's reactions.
| am currently developing a new series, in which myaim is to craft artistic statements — powerful conceptual and emotional expressions that form the foundation of each work, both guiding and challenging the viewer's engagement.
The emotional essence of each artpiece is a direct reflection of my inner state, and through this, | deliberately share a part of myself with the viewer, inviting them into an intimate, almost spiritual dialogue with the artwork.
You’re based in Zürich, a city with such a rich art history and contemporary scene. How has the cultural environment influenced your practice?
| consider Zurich my true home, a city that has profoundly shaped my journey as an artist. What captivates me most is the layered richness of its multicultural fabric and the dynamic interplay of diverse art movements. The city accentuates my authenticity and individual originality, continuously inspiring me to embrace my true self and translate this inner truth into my work.
Which thinkers, writers, or artists outside of painting inspire you the most and feed into your conceptual world?
| am fundamentally inspired by classical world literature and philosophical narratives of good and evil, the interplay of meaning and visual contrast, as well as their dramaturgical interactions — much like a game of chess. | would like to emphasize that dramaturgy here differs from simple drama. Among contemporary artists, | deeply admire the works of Jenny Saville, Philippe Pasqua, and the early creations of Damien Hirst. | am inspired by global, profound themes and broad deep minded conceptual horizons.
Has there been a specific life experience that deeply transformed the way you create?
| view each day as a unique experience. As Shakespeare once metaphorically observed, people are like sponges, absorbing the world around them, consciously or unconsciously. For me, art is a process that evolves in parallel with our rapidly changing world, where human perception is continuously reshaped by technological innovations and current events. This constant dynamism profoundly informs my creative practice, inspiring me to respond thoughtfully and intuitively to the rhythms of contemporary life.
When viewers encounter your work, what kind of response do you hope to evoke — contemplation, discomfort, recognition, or something else?
Honestly, each person perceives my work differently, and | appreciate this spectrum of perspectives. The so-called paradoxes of the artist reside in the viewer's mind, so | do not take responsibility for every interpretation. At the same time, | enjoy
intriguing and evoking emotions, creating a space for personal experience and inner reflection. And, of course, | am drawn to compliments and inspired, insightful, enthusiastic responses.
Do you think the emotional intensity of painting can still compete with the immediacy of digital culture?
| believe the emotional intensity of painting is beyond competition! | perceive painting as a refined, living visual matri — something that can be felt, read between the lines, lived through, and through which new levels of emotional gradation can be discovered daily. Technology, in my view, produces a flatter product — a basic service without profound meaning — whereas painting allows humanity to experience its emotional reflection on a truly spiritual level of art. | am convinced that anyone who seeks to live fully should engage with each “cell” of this matrix in a meaningful way.
I’ve noticed how your recent works seem to lean even further into expressive abstraction, while still retaining symbolic elements. Was this a conscious evolution, or did it happen naturally?
My new collection is rooted in abstract expressionism with a symbolic undertone. This represents the next chapter in my practice, where | sought to create a series of paintings symbolizing eternity and cultural heritage, as well as the philosophical relativity of contemporary classicism. The statements within the collection are imbued with specificity and expressiveness, embodying strong life accents. | aimed to make this series visually stylish and vibrant, while simultaneously veiling the visual storytelling within an abstract composition that subtly emphasizes the objectivity of painterly expression.
This is how | perceive the contemporary world from my personal perspective, how i feel now.
Perhaps the evolution of my artistic language, which came naturally, has become the foundational narrative of this chapter in my story.
In several of your pieces, there seems to be a recurring dialogue between fragility and strength. Is this tension intentional, and does it reflect something personal?
The artistic dialogue between fragility and strength is very logical and consistent for me, as fragility itself is also a form of strength. Their alternation creates a rhythmic melody, and this is a profound philosophical question that could be discussed at length.
If your paintings could “speak,” what do you think they would say?
If my works could speak, they would reveal the emotional landscapes | inhabit, the silent dialogue between past and present, and the personal truths woven into every line and color.
If you weren’t a painter, what other form of expression would you choose to explore your ideas?
If | were not a painter, | would choose filmmaking as a means to explore my ideas. Additionally, | practice ballet for pleasure, which | find equally inspiring — it evokes sensations similar to those | experience while painting.
Are there upcoming themes or concepts you’re eager to experiment with in your future projects?
| am currently actively exploring and experimenting with new themes and concepts in my upcoming projects.
Looking back at your artistic journey, what has surprised you most about yourself as an artist?
| am endlessly moved by how art elevates me, like a sweeping tide carrying me to new heights in life.
If you had to describe your art in one sentence, what would you say?
Emotion made visible.
Valentyna Protsak’s artistic journey is a testament to the power of painting as a living dialogue — one that transcends trends and invites viewers to explore the deeper layers of emotion, identity, and human experience. Through her seamless fusion of expressive abstraction and symbolic storytelling, she opens a space where fragility meets strength, spontaneity meets structure, and the personal becomes universal. Her work reminds us that art is not merely to be seen, but to be felt, lived, and reflected upon — an intimate conversation between the artist, the canvas, and the audience.
We sincerely thank Valentyna Protsak for sharing her thoughts, vision, and creative journey with Squint Magazine, offering our readers a deeper insight into the soul behind the art.
