Interview
Icon Zar
Icon Zar was born in Moscow, Russia, during the Soviet era. Ice skating, ballet, and vocal lessons taught her that art is a powerful tool for social change.
Under the influence of Old Hollywood movies, Coca-Cola, Pop American Culture, Disney Animation, Communism propaganda and Russian folklore stories, Icon shaped her vision to make the world a better place. She calls herself “The Last Daughter of Russian Communism and Rebel at Heart.”
Icon’s art is divided into 9 different periods: Red, Blue, White, Black, Grey, Pink, Gold, Green, and Violet. Each period reflects political changes in the world at that time.
Her art is in collections in the USA, France, Italy, Belgium, Holland, Ireland, UK, Russia, Japan, and Spain. Working with charities, foundations and environmental organizations taught Icon how consuming daily habits can make a big difference in the world, and that there’s no planet B.
Icon lives and works between Moscow, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza and French Rivera.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My artistic name is Icon Zar, and I am a visionary Mediterranean artist living between the French Riviera and Palma de Mallorca. My journey began in Moscow. I was creating an imaginary world where people were nice to each other, and where there was a lot of love and respect. My work involved many colored pencil drawings on Aquarelle paper. It was during this period that I realized art is a very powerful tool.
I left Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Facing democracy chaos, I went to Spain to live a better life. In Palma de Mallorca, inspired by light, Magical Paradise Island and the historical spirit of the past, especially from the 19th century, I discovered my true artistic self. My desire to become a movie director takes the form of a Russian Mediterranean artist, where each of my art periods has a new story and new challenges to narrate through color.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“Born in Moscow and brought up in the Soviet Regime, I was instinctively attracted to strong, vivid colors, brands, advertising, logos, and the love of big cities such as New York, Rome, Paris and Tokyo.
My art is divided into 9 different periods. Each period has its own explanation and meaning based on the international news and political changes that were happening in the world at that time.”
Which current art world trends are you following?
“I see myself belonging to Generation Y, one of the most talked-about generations in current business literature. We are millennials, born between 1981 and 1996. Our generation can be distinguished from the ones before us based on their relationship with the internet and how comfortable they are with digital technologies. We are the first to come of age with the internet and mobile phones. According to Nielsen, technology is essentially baked into every millennial’s DNA.
That also means that women have more freedom of expression, especially through the use of Instagram as a powerful tool for self expression. That freedom gives us women artists the space to be more creative and experimental with different visions and art concepts. I would like to be known as a female role model for future generations.”
“I love painting seahorses. My upcoming project ‘Seahorses (Caballitos de Mar)’ came about because I am afraid that in the near future, seahorses will disappear and our children will forget how beautiful they are.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“I usually work on an art concept for one year. For example, I work as the Sea Ambassador for the Sea Foundation, Save the Med. In my role, I’ve invented concepts such as Caballitos de Mar (Sea Horses). Its message to society is that we have to protect our sea animals, consume less micro-plastics, and be more eco-oriented in our private life.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“I have a very popular series ‘Social Cocaine’. Its artwork is made from luxury property catalogues, and each paper roll is in the size of a dollar bill. I also use crystals in my work, precious stones or, for example, ‘Hidden Roses’ framed in Louvre style. These are medical masks in the shape of roses. I even use bread, my kisses and hair in my art. I’m always trying to find a new material, a new language in art.”
What does your art mean to you?
“Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country”—J.F. Kennedy.
What’s your favorite artwork and why?
“One of my favorite artists is Andy Warhol. I admire his lifestyle and the amount of power he had to make political and social changes in the world. This is always key.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“These are some of my most recent exhibitions, although I’ve been exhibiting my work since 2007:
2022 HMH gallery Port Andratx
2022 Red gallery, Palma
2022 Kinsky art gallery, Arta
2019 Creating Flying Moments Lab ( Life. Art. Business)”
