2024 was a year of remarkable exhibitions, and one that truly stood out was Diana Ruban’s The Ones Born by the Light. This captivating showcase left an indelible mark on the art world and provided a profound experience for collectors and enthusiasts alike. As the year comes to a close, we want to take a look back at the exhibition that stole our hearts. Here is our review!
Step into a world where inner emotions and feelings serve as the catalyst for deeper self-awareness, inviting you to explore not only the world around you but also the one within. Ukrainian artist Diana Ruban’s recent solo exhibition, The Ones Born by the Light, at Mriya Gallery in Manhattan’s TriBeca neighborhood, offers a vivid and transformative journey of growth, renewal, and self-discovery, beginning at the core of our inner selves.
Exalted, 2024,canvas, acrylic, oil, 112 cm x 117 cm
Born in Kremenchuk, in Ukraine’s Poltava region, Ruban is an artist whose vibrant works delve into the intricacies of the human soul. Her art draws from the human condition, using movement and color as tools to convey profound truths—not just universal truths, but deeply personal ones that resonate from within. The gallery first came across Diana Ruban through RukhArtHub, an organization that helps artists establish and grow their careers in the competitive world of professional artistry. They were curating an exhibition at another venue that the gallery attended. Like many curious attendees, when you receive the program from a curator, you look up the curator and its organization on Instagram. Browsing their Instagram, we came across Diana and her exceptional pieces. Seeing that her solo exhibition, The Ones Born by the Light, was taking place, it was clear to see that her work was making waves in the art world. One must do further research and learn about this artist whose work not only captivates but also cultivates a following that highlights that good art truly speaks for itself.
As we immersed ourselves in The Ones Born by the Light collection, countless questions arose: Why are these women blue? What is the color story trying to tell us—or evoke? Why are these characters elongated, with slightly exaggerated proportions? Is there meaning behind their figures? What is this dreamlike world they inhabit? Why are they dancing? Diana’s whimsical, light, and almost ethereal characters seem to invite viewers to reflect on themselves: Can I find a part of me in these figures?
With hope, 135 x 160 cm canvas, acrylic, oil.
While these questions lingered, one answer became clear—this collection captivated us not only visually but also emotionally. The recurring use of the color blue evokes calmness, serenity, and inspiration, while the gentle, flowing curves throughout enhance a sense of tranquility and balance. Diana’s characters radiate freedom, fearlessness, and lightness, engaging not only us but also the mind and imagination. Even in compositions where balance might seem challenging—such as works with three characters clustered on one side and none on the other—Diana’s intuitive understanding of form creates a harmonious flow. For a self-taught artist, her grasp of composition and her ability to convey emotion are extraordinary. When asked why the figures are blue, Diana simply replied, “Because I want them to be.” This response underscores her process, driven by feeling and instinct rather than convention.
Diana’s work challenges traditional artistic boundaries, inviting viewers to explore not only the surface but the emotional and conceptual depths beneath. Each element, whether color, form, or composition, feels intentional yet accessible, prompting us to reflect on our own connection to the work. Diana Ruban brings an inspiring touch to the art world, reminding us of the excitement of discovering a new, emerging talent with the power to move and inspire. Selfless Art Gallery looks forward to following her journey and celebrating her success at every step. We invite you to join us on this journey with an artist who reminds us that art is at its best when it speaks from the soul.
To see more of Diana Ruban’s incredible work and stay updated on her latest projects, be sure to follow her on Instagram !
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