An interview with video artist Alex Viatkin.
What initially sparked your interest in pursuing art, and how has your journey evolved since then?
Either way, I've been connected to art my entire life. My mother worked as a projectionist, so I spent a lot of time in the movie theater. That's where my love for visual arts – video art and cinema – originated. I started making my own video works when I was still in school. Later, I studied theater and film directing. Filmmaking has been my lifelong pursuit. It's my profession and my hobby. I enjoy exploring the duality of human beings in my works, because duality is something that exists within all of us. Investigating the symbolism of self-identification and internal conflicts is what I've been doing my whole life.
I enjoy exploring the duality of human beings in my works, because duality is something that exists within all of us. Investigating the symbolism of self-identification and internal conflicts is what I've been doing my whole life.
Can you tell us about a specific piece of your artwork that holds particular significance to you, and what inspired its creation?
One of the most significant works for me is the video art piece titled 'I'. In this work, I attempted to explore the dual nature of human beings. I believe that throughout our lives, we are on a journey to encounter ourselves. It's simultaneously the simplest and the most complex thing – to understand and accept oneself. This work was inspired by films from directors such as David Lynch and Andrei Tarkovsky.
How do you navigate the balance between staying true to your artistic vision and experimenting with new techniques or styles?
I believe that without experimentation, there's no me, and without experimentation, there's no art. Therefore, my artistic signature is essentially experimentation. I strive not to limit myself in this regard.
my artistic signature is essentially experimentation. I strive not to limit myself in this regard.
What role do you believe art plays in society, and how do you envision your work contributing to the artistic dialogue?
Art is one of the best ways to understand the mood of society, to understand its desires, its pains, its fears, and its dreams. I strive to make sure that each of my works calls for dialogue. I aim for viewers to want to discuss my work upon seeing it and perhaps even inspire them to create something of their own.
I strive to make sure that each of my works calls for dialogue. I aim for viewers to want to discuss my work upon seeing it and perhaps even inspire them to create something of their own.
Are there any upcoming projects or themes that you're excited to explore in your future artworks, and if so, what draws you to these ideas?
Two and a half years ago, I emigrated from Russia. And now, the topic of emigration deeply resonates with me. I dedicate my next piece of work to this theme.
How do you hope your art will impact viewers, and what message or emotion do you aspire to convey through your creative expressions?
In my art, I strive to engage the viewer in a conversation about themselves – their hidden desires, needs, fears, and dreams. I explore the interaction between oneself and the society in which the individual lives. I hope that my pieces encourage viewers to reflect on themselves, their roles, and perhaps gain a better understanding of themselves.
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