Valentina Diena: Italian hyperrealist artist, colored pencils on paper
Discover the surprising colored pencil works on paper by Valentina Diena, where optical illusion constantly challenges the viewer. Her hyperrealistic drawings, executed with extraordinary technical skill, prompt the question: “Is it a photograph or a drawing?” In reality, each depicted object seems to emerge from the sheet with absolute precision, the result of meticulous attention to detail and complete mastery of the pencil.
The art of Valentina Diena
Valentina Diena’s art goes beyond the mere reproduction of reality. Her subjects – everyday objects – undergo a true anthropological investigation, becoming symbols of reflection on industrialization and consumer culture. In her works, what appears to be a simple object transforms into a negation of the industrial product itself: her patient manual execution restores meaning, uniqueness, and value to the artifact, standing in opposition to the concept of mass production.
Through this practice, Diena does not simply represent reality; she questions it, creating images rich in meaning that speak of material culture, memory, and identity.
Who is Valentina Diena
Valentina Diena was born in Milan in 1996. From a young age, she developed a passion for drawing and art, continuing her studies at an art high school before attending the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, where she graduated with honors in both her Bachelor’s degree (2019) and Master’s degree (2022) under the guidance of Professor Omar Galliani.
Over the years, she has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Italy, including the group show “Self Portrait” at the Museo di San Pietro all’Orto in Grosseto (2021), the solo exhibition “Sunset Jazz” at the Ex Convento San Francesco in Treviso (2022), the two-person exhibition “Veleni Sospesi,” and the group exhibition “<20 15x15/20x20” at PUNTO SULL’ARTE Gallery in Varese (2023). Her works have been published in international art and literary magazines such as Pigeon Review and The Purposeful Mayonnaise. In 2024, the Italo-German VAF Foundation selected her among the thirteen finalists of the prestigious 10th edition of the VAF Prize. She currently lives and works in Milan, where she continues her artistic research.
Inside the creative process
Enter the universe of Valentina Diena and be amazed by the meticulous work behind every hyperrealistic artwork. Discover videos showcasing the creative process, hidden details, and the stories that bring her drawings to life. Explore the behind the scenes.
