Interview with Natalia Romanchenko. Exploring Dissonant Silence: The Terminus of Absence
Interviewed by Lisa Knoll
7/1/2024
Natalia Romanchenko is an internationally celebrated artist and recipient of the prestigious Neatechni Award (Cyprus) for her outstanding contributions to contemporary art. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the Academy of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, where she honed her technical skills and developed a deep appreciation for classical traditions. Alongside her visual arts training, Romanchenko studied at the St. Petersburg Conservatory, immersing herself in the world of composition and sound—a duality that continues to inform her multidisciplinary approach.
Dissonant Silence: The Terminus of Absence by Natalia Romanchenko. Photo credit: Courtesy of Atticus Arts Gallery
Lisa Knoll: Natalia, your work in Dissonant Silence: The Terminus of Absence is deeply evocative. Could you begin by sharing how your technique in oil on canvas allows you to capture the themes of decay and impermanence so poignantly?
Natalia Romanchenko: Oil painting has always been my chosen medium because of its inherent flexibility and depth. The layering process—from thin glazes to thick impastos—mirrors the stratification of memory and time, which are central to this exhibition. I use a muted, almost ephemeral colour palette to create a tension between what is fading and what persists. The texture of oil on canvas enables me to imbue the mounds with a tactile reality, making decay not just visible but almost palpable. This materiality is crucial in inviting the viewer to engage with themes that are often avoided or uncomfortable.
Lisa: Your studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg are evident in your work—particularly the influence of classical traditions. How did your education shape your artistic approach?
Natalia: Studying in St. Petersburg immersed me in a rich artistic heritage. The Academy’s emphasis on rigorous technical training instilled in me a respect for precision and discipline, but it also pushed me to explore the emotional undercurrents beneath form and technique. I was particularly drawn to the 19th-century Russian Realist painters, who conveyed profound social and existential themes through meticulous attention to detail. The idea of capturing universality through specificity—a hallmark of that tradition—continues to guide my work. My exploration of animal carcass mounds, for example, is not just about documenting their physicality but using them as a lens to explore broader questions of mortality and memory.
Lisa: Jonny Greenwood’s compositions play a pivotal role in this exhibition. Why did you choose his music to accompany your work?
Natalia: Greenwood’s music has a visceral quality that resonates deeply with the themes of this exhibition. His ability to blend classical motifs with experimental sounds mirrors the tension I aim to evoke in my paintings—the interplay of tradition and transgression, beauty and discomfort. Pieces like "Water" or "Prospector’s Quartet" encapsulate the fragility and haunting beauty of absence. When I was conceptualising the exhibition, I imagined the gallery space as a living organism, where the soundscape would weave through the visual elements to create an immersive experience. Greenwood’s compositions—with their glissandos, organic textures, and Baroque influences—bring that vision to life.
Lisa: The war in Ukraine has had a profound impact on artists and the creative community. How has it influenced your work and the themes of this exhibition?
Natalia: The war has brought the fragility of life into sharp focus. As an artist, it’s impossible to ignore the weight of loss, displacement, and the collective grief that permeates this moment. Dissonant Silence is not explicitly about the war, but its themes of absence, memory, and decay have taken on new urgency in this context. The mounds of carcasses in my paintings could be seen as metaphors for the lives lost, the histories erased, and the landscapes devastated. While the exhibition grapples with universal questions of mortality, it is undeniably shaped by the immediacy of the Ukrainian experience. The decision to support humanitarian efforts through this exhibition was my way of ensuring that art can contribute to healing and remembrance.
Lisa: Your work is deeply philosophical, yet it is also highly emotive. How do you hope viewers will engage with Dissonant Silence: The Terminus of Absence?
Natalia: I hope the exhibition will create a space for quiet reflection. The themes are heavy, yes, but they are also universal. By confronting the imagery of decay and absence, I want viewers to consider their own relationship with mortality and memory. The interplay of light, sound, and texture is designed to envelop them in an immersive experience—to make absence not just something to observe but something to feel. Ultimately, I want the audience to leave with a heightened awareness of the fragility and beauty of existence, and perhaps a greater sense of responsibility toward what we choose to remember and what we allow to fade.
Lisa: Thank you, Natalia, for this thoughtful conversation. Your work continues to inspire deep introspection and dialogue.
Natalia: Thank you. It’s an honour to share this journey with others.
About the Curator
This exhibition was thoughtfully curated by the Nina Miller Collection, known for its expertise and long-standing legacy in the arts. The Nina Miller Collection began in the 1970s with a focus on Picasso ceramics, expanding over the decades into a world-class collection of original artworks, ceramics, lithographs, and drawings. The Collection’s curatorial team has worked with leading specialists to source, restore, and exhibit significant works, ensuring their enduring relevance. Their commitment to honouring artistic legacies aligns seamlessly with Romanchenko’s exploration of memory and absence, making their curation of Dissonant Silence an integral part of its impact.
Exhibition Details
📍 Location: Atticus Arts Gallery, 11a Queen Street, Bath
📅 Dates: 23rd December 2023 – 21st January 2024
🕰️ Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday
🎟️ Entry: Free (donations encouraged to support humanitarian efforts for those affected by the war in Ukraine)
📩 Press Enquiries: For interviews, high-resolution images, or further details, contact Atticus Arts Gallery at info@atticusgallery.co.uk.