Interview

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“I was born in one place, but grew up in a completely different place, if you look at the mentality, but it was all in the same country. In Russia. After many years of study, having received one of the best educations in the world by that time, many years of work began. Work on yourself. When perestroika in Russia turned into a shootout (perestrelka) I was forced to move to the Netherlands. Since in my childhood, I drew a lot with pencil, watercolors and tempera, in the Netherlands in 2018 I remembered my abilities as an artist and began to paint with oil paints.”

What inspires you?

“I don't know what's going on with me, but all sorts of painting ideas have been constantly popping into my head for the last 10 years. Perhaps life itself, my conscious and subconscious mind, are prompting me with ideas.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“Themes of my life and life around me. Since I often work with symbols, almost all of my paintings have a hidden meaning, regardless of whether it is a landscape or a still life.”

How would you describe your work?

“A strange fusion of symbolism, mysticism and suprematism in works executed in various artistic styles.”

Which artists influence you most?

“Kandinsky, Matisse; it’s a long list.”

What is your creative process like?

“Everything is very individual for each painting. Sometimes, it's a spontaneous idea or a view I like, sometimes I have to do extensive research on the theme I want to depict.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“Every artist has their own purpose in this world. Some shock, some entertain, some create home interiors. Personally, I prefer for people to ponder my paintings, solve my riddles, and become better people for it.”