Iryna Nalyvaiko’s computer generated 3D art works lead us into a world with almost no restrictions but where obstacles of scale, color or physical properties are overcome

an article written by Nora Benz
ARTICULATE #29 | OCTOBER 2021

For Ukrainian born, Warsaw-based CG* and 3D architectural visualization artist Iryna Nalyvaiko (b. 1995), creating art work is like a special form of meditation. 

It was during her second year at architecture school were Nalyvaiko first got in touch with 3D graphics. As she quickly realized that the process of modeling, texturing, and rendering was much more interesting for her than the practice of architecture itself, her passion for creating 3D shapes and designs took off. Although Nalyvaiko did not pursue the career path of architecture further, she never completely turned her back against it. In contrast, architecture still plays an important role for her and serves as a recurring theme that can be found in many of her art works. With the help of architecture, Nalyvaiko creates the atmosphere of a place, shapes a space and gives it meaning and purpose. Furthermore, Nalyvaiko gives buildings a specific feeling through creating moods in the form of 3D visualizations.

Forgotten Sanctuary is one of Nalyvaiko’s recent projects which clearly reflects her architectural education. With the art works created for the project, Nalyvaiko wants to draw attention to the massive deterioration of abandoned Catholic churches in Ukraine. In her visualizations for this project, she plays with different settings of light and shadow as well as with several structures and textures. The soft tones of colors as well as the inclusion of inter alia ballet dancers give warmth and liveliness to the monumental buildings. In this project, Nalyvaiko emphasizes the features those churches have in common by focusing on the churches’ interior and sculptures. 

However, Forgotten Sanctuary is not about religion but rather about giving these abandoned structures a second life by turning them into museums or galleries in order to make them more attractive again for potential visitors.

In addition to architecture, one of Iryna Nalyvaiko’s main sources of inspiration is nature. Besides seeing nature as endless source of inspiration, she wants to draw attention to the value of natural resources and what she describes as the unattainable perfection of nature. Welcome to the Jungle is one project which particularly reflects that. By creating an architectural shape that is closely connected to nature, the importance of nature and its resources is highlighted. In Welcome to the Jungle the viewer is guided through a dynamic glass-path which offers panoramic views of a tropical forest. It is the disorienting trajectory as well as the detachment from the ground which gives the viewer a feeling of merging into the surrounding. The transparent path opens up space and greenery in all directions, leaving the landscape uninterrupted and untouched, thereby creating a powerful yet calm atmosphere. The project does not refer to one specified location but rather aims at making nature more accessible for and more valued by humans. Furthermore, it serves as inspiration to create architecture that enhances nature instead of destroying it by using the multiple opportunities modern technologies have to offer.

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The art work of Iryna Nalyvaiko is generated completely digitally, yet highly influenced by nature and its resources. Each visualization revolves around a story which creates strong atmospheres and immerses the viewer in a new world, a world that overrides any physical laws.

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As 3D and CG art is a comparatively new, however quickly developing field, Nalyvaiko’s working process is highly dependent on constantly discovering and learning new techniques, programs, softwares and applications. Therefore, having discussions and sharing experiences and advice with fellow 3D artists is an important pillar of her work. Experimentation is also a crucial part of Nalyvaiko’s creative process as it often helps her with the choice of ideas. This was also the starting point for Under the Sheets, a project in which Nalyvaiko explores natural terrains via 3D fabric simulation. Through natural phenomena such as fog or specific lighting, an intimate atmosphere is created. By combining large scale objects such as mountains and fields with details of fabric, she overcomes limitations in scale, color or physical properties. Having almost no restrictions in the work she does is also what Nalyvaiko especially appreciates.

A commonality which all of Iryna Nalyvaiko’s art works share is not only the inspiration out of which they emerge or their digital nature, but also that every visualization - either on its own or regarded holistically as project - tells a story, thereby evoking powerful emotions and atmospheres. Her strong sense for story telling, details and moods is also a reflection of Nalyvaiko’s great ability to observe, to explore new places - even if it is only a street in her neighborhood she has not seen yet - as well as following along modern trends and developments in different areas of art and culture. This allows her to develop new perspectives and interpretations. In addition, alternating different activities and having a good balance between work and creativity is crucial for Nalyvaiko’s working process. This also includes phases of rest which give her the opportunity to rethink familiar concepts and thoughts, and look at them with a fresh eye.

​Iryna Nalyvaiko’s art works are fascinating visualizations that confront in reality existing forms and structures with elements that overrule physical limitations, thereby reminding us of the value of our natural and built environments.

* computer generated

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This article about Iryna Nalyvaiko takes part of the 29th  magazine,  ARTICULATE #29. Read, download or order your print version of the full publication below. 

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