Interview

Nikas SAFRONOV

26 September 2009, 18:53

Famous Russian artist Nikas Safronov presents a personal exhibition at Tatarstan National Museum. Before the exhibition opening, the artist gave interview to Tatar-Inform agency at the Internet-studio. Journalist Leysan Abdoullina hosted an online-conference.

What are your impressions of Kazan and feelings on the threshold of the exhibition opening at Tatarstan National Museum?

N.S.: It is the first time I present an exhibition in Kazan. I’ve been here once only passing through – I wanted to see the miracle-making icon at Mother of God Monastery. I like your city. I have always had certain internal closeness with it – Kazan is situated near Ulyanovsk where I was born. I always wanted to come here. Kazan always attracted me.

Visitors at the exhibition will have an opportunity to purchase paintings, because most of them are taken from my Moscow workshop; only a few are from private collections. I usually ask paintings only for grand exhibitions. I hope a large-scale exhibition will be held in Kazan if we maintain our cooperation and friendship.

An exhibition at Tatarstan National Museum is beautiful and prestigious. It is important that all paintings are placed correctly. We need an expert who knows what and where to hang not to tire a visitor’s eyes.

Have you ever had a desire to give yourself a try in animation?

N.S.: I attended a children’s festival in “Orlyonok” camp on invitation of my friend Dmitry Kharatyan not long ago. A group of animators talked to me and proposed realizing a project, in which my paintings would resuscitate. I had attended an exhibition of Dali in New York before that and found out that he cooperated with Walt Disney.

Tatar-Inform news agency website users are interested: “Is it true that you promised to paint an icon for a church where Gogol was baptized?”

N.S.: Gogol is one of my favourite writers. I promised to paint and present an icon and Gogol’s portrait – my vision - to the church in Sorochintsy where the writer was baptized. I also donate money for reconstruction of the local Church of Saint Virgin. I consider icon-painting a kind of atonement for how I earn money. I was even suggested to enter a seminary, but I’m a secular person, I’m not mature enough yet. That’s how I give my tithe.

Before painting an icon I always pray. And overall, when I work I think only about work and never about money. 

It has been rumoured you have purchased a hut in Ukraine?

N.S.: When I was a little kid I had a dream – to grow up, marry to a Ukrainian, breed geese, and buy a hut. Then I had such an opportunity, but couldn’t find a good house. This dream came true not long ago in Shishaki I bought a hut and two hectares of land around it. I’d like my very close friends – Nikolai Drozdov, Anatoly Trushkin, Galibin Sashka to go there from time to time. I’ll have rest, work and create there.

Buying a hut does not fit a glamorous celebrity’s image…

N.S.: A person is multiple. Even with all my “partying” lifestyle, I’m quite an introvert. I don’t like partying per se and go to parties out of necessity, when I can’t turn down my friends or need to meet someone.

I like solitude. That’s why I bought a castle in the forests of Scotland where a few people can reach me. I would like to purchase an island in the Pacific Ocean to enjoy privacy from time to time.

Have you ever had any orders from Tatarstan?

N.S.: One oil company contacted me on the issue of painting Mintimer Shaimiev’s portrait about two years ago. But it didn’t work out that time.

Do you always paint from nature?

N.S.: 99.9 percent yes. But I have a series of works “The River of Time” where famous people are depicted in different clothes, and I don’t need them to pose for that. I was ordered portraits of Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and other prominent writers.

During what time of the day do you usually paint?

N.S.: Work in a secret confession schedule. When I start a canvas, I switch off all phones and work from 11 p.m.-midnight to 6-8 a.m.

I usually hold 2-3 sessions with a client, not 20-40 as most portrait-painters usually do. But at this time a person should take different roles – at home, at work, with his/her favourite dog. I catch the energy and depict it on a canvas. Usually I can hit it.

Nikas, all celebrity guests of our studio usually present us with a little impromptu at the end. Penkin performed Tatar jazz; Syutkin also sang something in Tatar. We have never hosted artists before. Could you please make a sketch on your emotions about this meeting.

Nikas Safronov drew a red square as a gift for the agency and signed it with red and black markers. He made the following comments on the impromptu gift:

N.S.: A red square symbolizes joyful hopes to meet this wonderful city, people, beautiful women.

After the exhibition opening in Kazan, Nikas Safronov departed for London.

Writing by Kristina IVANOVA