25 Oct - 27 Oct 2019

This is not pop-art

There are many lines in art that I call «-ism-s»: impressionism, expressionism, cubism, modernism, neoclassicism… pop-art… They all borrow something from another and go together perfectly. That’s why we sometimes may mix up one with another as well as my style is often called pop-art by mistake although I don’t deny that I take some techniques from this direction. Also I am similar with denial of additional shades, detalization, absurdity and provocation. All these

aspects I derived from illustrations that are similar to skateboarding. During the 1,5 years of my art way I did not meet any «full» description of what I’m making. My friend, curator, Anastasiya Skvortsova supposes that every artist has his own “individual mythology” that he keeps up to. From the facts listed above I came to conclusions that I have a right to call my “individual mythology” that was called as “gypsy art”. Gypsy art – is actual art, massive festivals of electronic music, street-art, change of cultural meaning within industrial districts, variety of art clusters and of course the feeling of inner freedom.

«The beauty is nothing without charisma” – this way I can describe the main idea that I transmit through my works. I devote my art to human charisma: its reflection and perception. I consider that charisma – it’s the face of every person, sincere, without masks, kind and clear. And all beyond it is glare. The main question here is about synergy of beauty and charisma. Specifically for me beauty is nothing if there’s no charisma. Person just using his covering can’t be that interesting that he could be expressed in any kind of art. Relations with such a person will be boring. From my point of view probably you may notice that this topic touches me too much – and it does! Only the beauty of charisma exists and nothing else more.

Vova Gypsy

Was born in Omsk, but spent all his childhood in a small northern town Nadym.

Since his early years was taking on painting by his father as being the artist and graphic designer himself. At the age

of 15 he was neck-deep in skateboarding from where he found himself in the new world of illustration inspired by

works of Russian and foreign designers who made illustrations for boards.

In 2008 returned to Omsk and entered the University, the advertising department, as he was fond of becoming strong

graphic designer but in the field of advertising. I was pushed towards it by the works and philosophy of Andy Warhol.

In 2013 I graduated with honor.

I continued being keen on skateboarding and I already started to work on my personal style finding inspiration in

different designs of boards. In 2012 at the local supermarket the first exhibition within skateboarders was held where I

took part and got strong push forward for painting further but I was put the break on by my work in the area of design.

In 2015 I understood that I’m enough with this city and took a decision to move to Saint-Petersburg.

In Saint-Petersburg I continue working as graphic designer in the field of SMM and later I got a raise in big

cosmetological brand where I also work as graphic designer. I stop devoting time for creativity.

In 2018 entirely tired from working routine and lack of creativity in my life I take decision to leave permanent job and

devote my life to painting only at that having planned my way well. My skills as advertising specialist helped me a lot

in this.

Since June 2018 I started my way and in December of the same year I sell my first painting. Later the fist conjoint

exhibition at «Port Sevkabel» was held and after that I have many orders for my paintings. In March of 2019 I make

my first personal exhibition at «Bertgold Center»… Sold out. Find myself at the circle of creative, charismatic and

ambitious people of Saint-Petersburg that gives me new push in my creativity.

Since March till October I participate in approximately 10 exhibitions, «White nights» festival in “Galereya” shopping

mall center where together with another artists I create painting in real time, auction, contemporary art fair “Sam Fair”

and other fairs.