Darya Sokolova | Artist at Mondoir

Nationality: Kazakh

Discipline: painting

Based in: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Biography

Art has always been part of my life. My grandfather was a piano teacher, and growing up in that creative household, I naturally began studying music first, following in his footsteps. But it just didn't click with me the way I hoped it would. When I switched to fine arts, everything suddenly made sense, that's when my true art journey began, when I discovered I could express myself through visual creation in ways music never allowed. I studied the foundation of fine arts back home. Even after I moved to Dubai in 2008 to study Business Administration and eventually entered the corporate world, that creative spark never left me. I tried to suppress it, channel it into business strategies and professional achievements, but it was always there, quietly insisting on being heard. The turning point came when I became a mother. Suddenly, I was faced with a choice about what truly mattered to me and what kind of life I wanted to build, not just for myself, but as an example for my children. I chose art over the office job, trading corporate security for creative freedom and the flexibility to be present during their early years. Now, there's nothing that brings me more pleasure than creating paintings that people genuinely connect with, helping my clients bring their creative visions to life on canvas and walls, and knowing that my work becomes a meaningful part of their homes and lives.

Artist Statement

I create art for women who refuse to blend in. My portraits are bold, symbolic, and designed to be the statement piece in any space. I work with collectors and tastemakers internationally; women building brands, creating empires, and curating spaces that reflect their power.

Exhibitions

2026 Solo Exhibition, La Brocante, Dubai, UAE 2025 Featured artist, The Free Spirit Collective, Dubai, UAE 2024 Digital Exhibition, The Times Square, represented by Plogix, NY, USA 2024 Group Exhibition, Abu Dhabi boat show, represented by DIARBID 2024 Co-exhibition, Art Of Living Mall, Dubai, UAE 2024 World Art Dubai, Dubai Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE 2024 Group Exhibition, Red Horse with Tobuovimaan, The Warehouse, Dubai, UAE 2022 Group Exhibition, Pameran Postkad, lon Orchard, Singapore

Awards

2024, Digital Magazine publication in UAE stories https://uaestories.com/the-inspiring-journey-of-darya-sokolova/ 2023-2024 member of a judging panel for annual art competition at Taleem Artistry Awards amongst 15 schools, Dubai, UAE