Danyor Nevsta: one sees what one knows
It's impressive how a single story can inspire such diversity through different mediums! Visual artists from around the world are taking part in WHISTLE project, in an attempt to present a multi-sensory experience never attempted before in the Greek visual art scene. And that's because we do not think of visual art as an experience that when viewed fades away, but as an excuse, a triggering event, a reason to produce an artistic conversation and a literal dialogue with everyone interested. This is the way we feel visual art should work.
In this article we meet video artist, Danyor Nevsta, from Bulgaria.
How did you learn about the project?
By chance. A friend of mine saw a post on the internet and told me about it, thinking it would interest me. She was right. What sparked my curiosity was the fact how a cinematic story could be decoded by different artistic mediums and cultural perspectives.
What intrigued you?
What intrigued me the most, was the theme of folklore presented in a unique way. I was also pleasantly surprised by the fact that such a project was born in Greece. A country I have leaved most of my life.
How did you work the idea in your head?
At first, I studied the given material. Then I emphasized on the visual effects. I decided to use old techniques used in early cinema. Rear projection, miniature effects and reverse action. This way, using the basic elements of the story, I tried to present the theme through a symbolic, dreamy narrative.
What was your workflow?
I started by finding the cast and crew. Professionals and non professional artists. People who would work with enthusiasm and curiosity. Our main goal is entertainment, without any stress, joyful. Something not easily achieved in this profession, especially during the production process! After that, I mounted a video camera on the roof of my car and shot various images while driving around. This material served as a based for my rear projection technique. Then, I continued with the miniature. A twenty centimeter long statue. Through manipulated light and editing a created the illusion of a gigantic presence. In the end, I worked closely with our main actress. We focused on her acting and with editing magic I created the reverse action effect. These scenes give a more "surreal" dimension to the finished piece.
Influences?
My work is based on Video Art.
What would you like to communicate to the public through your work?
Bruno Munari, an Italian visual artist once said "one sees what one knows". That means, each viewer will interpret a work of art based on personal experience and culture. My work is a symbolic one. I believe that each one of us can see it in different angles...
Why should anyone come to the exhibition, why support the idea?
It is very interesting how such a story can freely inspire so many different visual artists and unite them under the same roof. I believe that the innovative character of Whistle project will invite viewers to a journey in a world immersed in visual diversities but at the same time in balance.
Do you believe in superstition?
No. Yet it is a part of the past that is still alive today. Technology and modern education rejects such beliefs, but I find them very interesting and intriguing since through them one can realize the way people of past generations used to think.
The idea of free artistic expression.
Whistle project brings together so many different visual artists, from all over the world. I tried to follow this principal in my submitted work too. My video was shot in Palermo, Italy, using an Italian cast and crew. The soundtrack was recorded in Kalamata, Greece by Greek musicians. The goal was to give everybody creative freedom. To hear what each one had to say about the theme. I directed my piece with clear techincal terms, but the dramaturgy was born through collective effort.
All the works created for WHISTLE project by Danyor, will be available to the public during the transmedia exhibition.
Danyor Nevsta was born in Bulgaria and raised in Greece. Since 2012, lives and works in Italy, where he also recieved his artistic education. He has graduated from the School of Fina Art in Palermo, Italy. He is a film director, a photographer and an art designer. In recent years he primarily creates music videos for solo artists and music bands.