Interview
Irina Asaeva
Irina Asaeva is a young artist whose aim is to appeal to human feelings and emotions. She was born in 1984 in the city of Naberezhnye-Chelny, (TASSR). From 2008 to 2010, she worked as a designer at the design-atelier Alena Akhmadulina in Moscow.
In 2011, Irina studied at the International School of Design in Moscow. She later graduated from the Saint-Petersburg State University of Culture and Arts in 2013.
In her works, Irina relies on the wisdom of ancient religions, philosophical doctrines, and classic aesthetic concepts. Thanks to her unique creative concept, Irina creates paintings that represent amazing mixtures of colors, shapes and words. Peace, love and conciliation are the main topics in her work.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My name is Irina. I was born in the Tatar Socialist Republic, in the city of Brezhnev which has since been renamed Naberezhnye Chelny. Since childhood, I have been surrounded by art, not in the sense of a homely atmosphere, but in the sense of art being widely accessible by the public at the time. These were known as the Houses of Creativity. There was one in our city and it was called the Kamaz Recreation Center. My older sister was engaged in a dance group, which at that time was very famous in the Soviet Union. When I was a little girl, I would spend time behind the scenes surrounded by scenery, orchestral music, the rustle of costumes and the screams of the directors. I think that really had an impact on me.”
“Irina does not try to prey on your emotions or test your erudition and knowledge. On the contrary, she wants to share her outlook, to break the borders of the usual, and to create a tender illusive world here and now in her own works and in the unique space they create.” - M.S.Nazarova, Art-Critic & Historian
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Does the work make sense? Hmm... and if not? The theme of searching is definitely present in my works. First of all, I look for myself through my art. I want to understand who I am and how I can be useful to society. Through my artwork, I find the answers and share them with the viewer. I also have personal works I call ‘soul striptease’ which are therapy for my soul.”
How would you describe your work?
“How can I describe my work? Creative work is a very complex process. If you are really engaged in creativity by studying the deep principles of art, this is metaphysics, this is theory, this is practice. The artist's spirit may be initially strong, but the hidden talent goes through all the Circles of Dante in order to really gain strength and start creating. Not to mention the contact with paints and the hours spent at work. In order to maintain your health, it is necessary to maintain your physical and spiritual shape, too.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your works?
“I'm experimenting. Traditional painting with high-quality canvas isn’t such a cheap pleasure now. I love oil paints. I use linen embroidery because I like texture. I use watercolor pencils and wax pastels. I don't like acrylic. It's like in the sewing business: there are natural fabrics and synthetics. I love painting in a way that in 100 years’ time, my work will still delight and radiate light.”
What inspires you?
“I am definitely inspired by nature and old, antique, time-tested books.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I’m a professionally trained art critic and Russian artists have had great influence on my work. I’m also inspired by Richter, Bacon, Schille, Vrubel, the Russian school of Peredvizhniki, the Russian Avant-garde, Georgian Fresco painting, Mosaic Sculpture of the Soviet period, and the Collective Unconscious. Gaudi’s dream of the completed Cathedral in Barcelona, Sagrada de Familia. The architecture of Zaha Hadid. Italy is not a studied topic, but definitely icons and frescoes of the Renaissance.
Of course, graffiti. I don’t consider Banksy to be street art. It’s more pop art for me. I think that it killed real street art by marking up the price.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“The role of the Creator is a great role. Using the example of Leonardo Da Vinci, he is both a demon and a reformer. But without recognition, he is just a crazy genius that not everyone can understand. At the moment, it’s difficult for me to say which society is ready to accept and appreciate the power of art. But I can say for sure that this role is not last, because without the culture of art, no society will be able to develop.
As art develops, people unite, and as in the example of this article, a platform for dialogue appears. This is vital because dialogue is a transformation of matter. Where all this will lead, time will tell. But I hope it leads to something bright; that our children will have something to use, and they will continue to carry on the light in the sometimes impenetrable dark homeric times.”
“My creative process is like wandering in the dark in search of light. As Bjork once said, ‘we first plunge into darkness, so that we can then begin to get out into the light.’ Now my way is towards the light.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“2014: Big summer exhibition ‘World to square’ at the Matiss Сlub gallery in Saint-Petersburg.
Awarded a prize at an exhibition competition, ‘VI International exhibition competition of the modern art. St. Petersburg. Art’s Week’.
Personal exhibition of Irina Asaeva’s painting, ‘Avesta's Revelation’, at Art-muse in Saint-Petersburg.
2012: Personal exhibition of Irina Asaeva’s painting, ‘Closed exhibition’ at Nose in Saint-Petersburg.”
