What inspired you to create artwork and become an artist? (events, feelings, experiences...)
For me, art is a way to broadcast my feelings and thoughts, my personal connection with the cosmos and the opportunity to share my impressions with my viewer through symbols and signs.
What is your artistic background, the techniques and subjects you have experimented with to date?
I have been working on the theme of “Corporality in digital reality” for a long time, but for me it is a very broad subject. My art touches on both political and economic issues, as well as the personal problems of each of us. It's easier for me to work with the body, because this way I can clearly express my attitude towards something, the emotional component. It's like through a portrait, but in this case it's not just the face that is involved.
What are the 3 aspects that differentiate you from other artists, making your work unique?
I may be constantly experimenting. I don't have an end point. For me, my work is a synthesis of several directions and techniques, which in itself is interesting. I do and experience each project in a new way, but at the same time I have my own style.
Where does your inspiration come from?
These are most often black and white films and photographs. Also communication with other artists, exchange of experiences. Travel also has a positive effect on creativity. But I don't wait for inspiration, every day I work according to a clear schedule, because I have a lot of ideas in mind.
What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations or feelings do you want to evoke in the viewer?
First of all, worry. Since a negative reaction is also a reaction. If I can get a person to think in some way and when they go home they think about what they saw at the exhibition, for me that's a big victory.
What is the process of creating your works? Spontaneous or with a long preparatory process (technique, inspiration from art classics or other)?
This may seem unusual, but I have a very long theoretical preparation. Since in addition to what I create, I also supervise projects of young artists, my theoretical approach is quite long. I write a lot, describe future works, develop them in my head and select the room and lighting. Job creation is rapid. As most of my work has an abstract component, I create a place that cannot be predicted in advance. Then all that remains is to draw and that is very important to me. Because the design has to be cool. That's my thing - easy and cool drawing.
Do you use a particular working technique? if yes, can you explain it?
As I said above, it is a synthesis of the abstract spot and the figurative. I have been using this technique for a long time, because it completely reflects my character. I am free and impulsive, sometimes unbalanced like an abstract blur. And sometimes, when it comes to work, she is very calm. Because quality results are the most important thing in my life.
Are there any innovative aspects in your work? Can you tell us which ones?
Now I am gradually trying a video installation for myself. This isn't a new direction, but for me it's a first. I like to convey movement and I feel like I'm already missing what I have. Also, recently I am trying for myself sculpture in combination with natural materials.
Do you have a format or medium that you are most comfortable with? if yes, why ?
There is no particular preference, as I use whatever best reflects the flow of my project at the moment.
Where do you produce your works? At home, in a shared workshop or in your own workshop? And in this space, how do you organize your creative work?
Right now, I'm a nomadic artist. Recently I had to leave my home country. There, in Russia, I worked in a workshop. Now I'm really hoping for a workshop in the near future. We are working on this issue with my colleagues. I accept my destiny with interest and no matter where I will be tomorrow, the most important thing for me is the opportunity to continue my path.
Does your work lead you to travel to meet new collectors, for fairs or exhibitions? If so, what does it mean to you?
Yes, I still have to travel a lot for work, because in addition to the exhibition activity, there is still work with the cultural heritage of Europe and the art residency. This is normal for me and generates a lot of interest. I have many friends and colleagues in different countries and it is very valuable for me to meet over a glass of wine and share experiences. I am always open to communicating with new people.
How do you imagine the evolution of your work and your career as an artist in the future?
I have a lot of projects and ideas. Sometimes it seems that this is not enough for life. I would like to continue to carry my message through the works, to do something very important and to help young artists to develop in their work. Also, I would like to gather my art collection or maybe create a Foundation over time, because the world needs beauty, but more the world needs a "sober look", and I think it It is better to speak in a visual and universal language.
What is the theme, style or technique of your latest artistic production?
For the past two years, I've been talking about the state of my country. On the war started and on the desire for its cessation. I believe that war is unthinkable in modern society. If a person carries good and thinks of others, he will never start a war. I express my protest with the help of the main sign for me - the human body. It is both dead and alive, mourning and cohesion, attack and reconciliation. Sometimes these bodies imitate space, sometimes they almost emerge from it.
Can you tell us about your most important exhibition experience?
In 2018, my colleagues and I did a project in Bruges for the visually impaired. It was called "Not a Museum", because it violated all museum laws. The installation paintings were made of various volumetric materials and people could touch them, smell the perfume and take photos with them. In each of the works there was a message written by a special text. We donated most of the works to orphanages and foundations. It was a very important project for me. With some guests of the exhibition we communicate until now.
If you could create a famous work in the history of art, which one would you choose? And why ?
Definitely “Guernica” By Picasso. I believe it's the best work, Well, or one of the best. I remember my first emotions when I saw this work. I would like to do something like this throughout my trip.
If you could invite any famous artist (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be? How would you suggest he spend the evening?
I didn't think about it. For me, it's probably important to know a person personally. Although, maybe would have missed a glass of wine with Paul Nesh somewhere on the balcony in Paris, I don't know why it's Paris. Probably book associations.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
