POST SCRIPTUM English__ Feb 2021

What is the essence of art for you?
What is essence of art for me? This topic has always
been at the top of discussions for ages. For me pure art
comes from a pure soul. If you want to share your inner
world and to be heard just be sincere and genuine with
yourself first. And the result will never play a trick! We
don’t have to understand art. It whether talks to you or
doesn’t, whether changes you to the better in indirect
way or doesn’t. Sometimes you fall in love with a piece
of art and can’t forget it. That means it’s definitely art
for you, which can be totally mediocre for another
viewer.
You paint many beautiful women; sensual, romantic,
melancholic. Who are they?
The subject of my paintings are young women; the
main thematic elements are eyes. My aim is to trigger
a silent dialogue with my audience, to express a pure
young female soul through eyes, perhaps fulfilling the
age-old adage. In this, my paintings are intimate and
personal, without ever being self-portraits.
What is the main feature of your artistic personality?
I think the main feature of my personality is ability
to spend majority of time in solitude and being so
comfortable in my own company. But it doesn’t mean
that I avoid social life. I’m just too picky, I guess, with
the community. I’m an observer and contemplator.
When I meet with people I notice the shades on their
faces, reflections from the sun and their clothes on
their features, lights, lines. How people smile and how
their voice and laughter sound like is important for me.
If their eyes are sparkling or not. If their soul is childish
or too adult. So, I twig without listening to the stories.
It’s exactly how I look at art as well, as I mentioned
before. I believe that a form can be fairer than contents
(or words). So, I appreciate what I see more than what I
hear.
What era, deep down, do you belong to?
I really believe in reincarnation. So, I easily see myself
living in 19th century, or the beginning of 20th (one
of the lives of course). I feel connection with the
fashion from that era. Appearance of women and their
manners: how they walked, how they talked, how
their posture looked like, how dressed they were is still
something sacral for me. Their feminine was divine. But
even in that era I had an artistic personality.
I would adjoin a circle of impressionists in Paris if I were
living in 19th century now. I’m so fascinated by bright,
pure colours and visible, messy brushstrokes, which
were typical for impressionism. “Midnight in Paris” is a
movie that describes my attitude to that miraculous era!
What does your studio look like?
My studio is in an old central part of St-Petersburg,
Russia. It’s a historical building with beautiful
penthouses (or mansards, how we called them there).
My neighbours are all artists as well - sculptors, painters,
fashion designers, jewellers. Very creative atmosphere.
It’s my place of power, where I spend some time to
recharge my battery, to get inspiration or to get back
to myself. It’s my comfort zone, which I leave time to
time to continue exploring this world, which is the best
way to explore yourself. I have everything I need there.
It’s a light, warm, cosy place with a spectacular rooftop
view to the old city. The windows are facing north. It’s
always been my request for an art studio. I paint during
daytime. It’s why the north light is so important to me.
The reflection from the sky is very natural and calm. Each
moment I spend in this studio is meaningful. Sometimes
I just sit in my favourite, the most comfortable, round
chair, listen to music and watch dancing rain drops on
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