Interview
Aleksey Ovsyannikov
Aleksey Ovsyannikov’s artwork showcases a masterful balance of traditional technique and contemporary innovation. While grounded in the fundamentals of oil painting, his distinctive approach infuses each piece with a vibrant, modern energy that draws viewers into a world of intense emotion and thought-provoking abstraction. Ovsyannikov’s color palette is striking, bold, and undeniably emotional. He uses vivid, unexpected hues to elevate the emotional weight of his pieces, seamlessly shifting from high-energy tones to more subdued shades. Every color choice is intentional, designed to grab the viewer’s attention and evoke deep reflection. The piece masterfully navigates themes of identity, connection, and the fragility of existence, all while inviting the viewer into a world where metaphor and emotion merge. It represents a peak in Ovsyannikov’s current artistic evolution - fully realized, refined, and rich with visual and emotional depth. His treatment of the human form is dynamic and ever-evolving. With a solid understanding of anatomy, Ovsyannikov occasionally distorts and stylizes the figure. The contorted feet of a ballerina become a raw symbol of emotional intensity, prioritizing feeling over strict anatomical accuracy. This abstraction of form aligns with the deeper themes running through his work, where figures often transcend realism to become poignant symbols of the human experience.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I was born in 1986 in the city of Soligorsk, Republic of Belarus. In 1996, I entered the children's art school. During my studies my paintings participated in various international competitions where they were awarded prizes, these are: 1999 Gold Prize, Biennial World Children’s Art Exhibition Kanagawa, Japan; 1999 The Thirty World School Children’s Art Exhibition The Republic Of China ,MALT Certificate Republic Of China; 1999 Open-air competition for young artists ‘Beauty will save the world’ Minsk, Belarus ; 2000 Children's drawing contest dedicated to the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Christ Soligorsk, Belarus . In 2000, I graduated from art school with honors. After that, due to certain circumstances, I left brushes, and returned to them 17 years later, in 2017. Apparently, what is inherent in your nature cannot but manifest itself; it was sitting inside and waiting for someone’s hour to come out.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“Of course, all spheres influence the artist. This is my perception of certain events, memories, moments, feelings or anticipation of something.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“It's mostly improvisation, I rarely use sketches. There comes a moment, and immediately there is a need to splash it on the canvas. Throughout the entire process, I do not know how the painting will end or at what point I will stop, this improvisation continues throughout the creation of the painting, I act in accordance with my inner feelings, inner form. But at some point, I know exactly when the painting will be finished. I, as a transformer, convey the external world through my internal perception and express the picture that I portray.”
“I, as a transformer, convey the external world through my internal perception and express the picture that I depict.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“Honestly, not really. But I periodically read articles, books, magazines, and online publications. The sensations are different, some like the trends, some don’t. We look at trends, but sometimes we go back to paintings painted 5, 10, 15 years ago and say: Wow, how cool and relevant it was today. You have to be very attentive to trends so as not to lose yourself in anything that might be relevant in 50 years, for example.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“It is mainly oil on canvas.”
What does your art mean to you?
“One of the meanings of life. Thanks to this, I get to know myself and the world more deeply. I have a need to paint pictures in oil.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“Yes, I have paintings that I especially like because, in the end, I got the feelings and the understanding that I wanted for myself. I understood something right, deep for myself and from this pleasant feelings and emotions that ultimately other people can experience.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I enjoyed Art World Dubai 2024. I met some great people there and we had a great time.”
