The broad phrase that springs to mind when thinking of art genres like painting, drawing, pottery, and photography is visual arts. The idea of not utilising one's eyes to see or experience a painting nearly seems absurd, as sight is the primary sense organ used to connect brushstrokes. However, Daria Sanatina, a Russian artist, feels that art should first and foremost be "felt," not "seen."

Daria is on a quest to prove that there is just art and how one sees it; there is no such thing as "bad" art or artists. She will do this through her mysterious works of art. For her, art is something that exists outside the domain of sensory perception and beyond the confines of the material world.
The Russian artist, who is well-known for her amazing capacity to produce beautiful artwork while wearing a blindfold, challenges conventional artistic rules and notions of originality. This Russian visionary, who is only 26 years old, has already made a lasting impression on the art world by using her mind rather than her eyes to paint.
"Tell us about yourself," I ask, curious to learn more about this unique artist's inner workings. As Daria starts to tell her story, there's a quiet confidence in her gaze. "My name is Daria, and I can declare with confidence that I am an artist, a creator, in my view of the world," she says. "This is evident in every facet of my experience."
"Even at the age of five, I told my parents that I wanted to be an artist and make a significant contribution to world history," she continues.

She transports viewers into a realm where sight is transcended and art becomes a deep representation of her inner visions and instincts with each brushstroke. The 10th edition of World Art Dubai provided spectators in Dubai with a glimpse of Daria's enchantment, demonstrating the boundless potential of artistic expression.
"I'm not sure if I was born with this realisation or how it came to me," she thinks. I work because I enjoy it, and that gives it significance. I frequently transform visions and dreams into paintings.

But Daria's artistic approach has been characterised by more than just her painting process. I've felt as though someone was drawing the drawings inside of me ever since I was a toddler. It's said that "hands draw themselves." I just gave up and followed my instincts instead of trying to figure out how to blend colours or sketch an item in a certain way.

Daria followed a less-traveled road where creativity might occur without the need for sight because of her innate approach to painting. "Students would come to me saying they couldn't draw anything, believing that achieving a beautiful result was impossible without talent," Daria explains. "I own an art studio called Look Inside."
They would frequently claim that you had to have specific traits or be born with a lot of skill in order to be an artist, and they would never allow themselves to see themselves as artists, she recalls. "I created a new master class on painting with closed eyes to show that anything is possible."

Daria enjoys taking her art to the next level by painting while wearing a blindfold, a unique technique she uses to showcase her talent in front of an audience. She continues, drawing on her theatrical experiences. "It's an experiment to paint with my eyes closed. My hands start drawing on their own as I get into a trance.
It is not without difficulties, though, she continues. Daria explains, "It can be hard for me to maintain my balance at times because of how slippery the stage can be." It is really challenging to assess the outcome at that precise time. I can make numerous corrections and bring the picture into alignment with my vision when I paint with my eyes open. But this isn't feasible while I'm painting with my eyes closed.

But despite the unknowns and the short moments of uncertainty, Daria's resolve does not falter. "I generally adjust to any challenges with ease, even the small ones that come along. Thus, I won't state that this is tough for me generally," she continues.
Since I've been sketching faces and eyes since I was a little child, this is a mechanical memory. I picture scenes in my mind, which I then use feelings to translate into the canvas. These acts demonstrate that art should be felt rather than just seen, the artist says.

"You genuinely need to be able to see within. You will then perceive paths that are beyond the reach of common human reasoning.

Darkness is not a barrier in Daria's universe; rather, it is a blank canvas that may be filled with dreams and limitless possibilities. And since she never stops inspiring audiences with her works made while blindfolded, one thing becomes quite evident: great talent has no boundaries. "Every time I remove the blindfold, I see so many people with inspired eyes, and it makes me so happy."