Interview: Aleksandr Tarelkin
Luca Curci talks with Aleksandr Basovich during RITUALS, first appointment of ANIMA MUNDI 2024, at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello.

Aleksandr Tarelkin is a Russian digital artist. Lives and works in Germany. For more than 10 years, he has worked with multimedia studios, festivals, galleries, and museums. He creates concepts for various art projects, exhibitions, and shows. He specialises in 3D illustrations and interactive installations. “I love 3D graphics because it allows me to become the creator of my own universe. Here, I am not limited by materials, shapes, or the laws of physics. The rules of this world depend only on me, and the software becomes a tool for releasing any fantasy. I am interested in exploring the symbiosis between nature and technology, how our biological essence is embodied digitally, and conversely, how technological progress distorts our perception of reality.”

Luca Curci – How did you get to your current artistic practice?
Aleksandr Tarelkin – I am an artist without a traditional academic background. Digital art has always been a place for anyone who wants to create without the pressure of the professional community. It offers a space for experimentation and mistakes, where your personal method is formed naturally, not imposed from above. I adhere to the idea that the world is changing forever, every day, so I am constantly self-educating, searching, and testing new programmes and software. This helps me avoid becoming stagnant in one theme or methodology.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
AT – Everything is everywhere all at once: travel, exhibition catalogues, cinema, animation, and new friends. Talented people around me are an endless source of inspiration. I really enjoy the “creative ping-pong” technique, where talking to creative people enhances any idea, giving it new colours that you might not have considered.

LC – What are you currently working on?
AT – As a digital artist, I cannot ignore the discourse surrounding the growing influence of AI. We are at a turning point in history and should not overlook it. A great example is the SAG-AFTRA union, which succeeded in imposing strict regulations on the use of AI technology last year. I have no illusions that the entire community of digital artists will unite to resolve the copyright issue. However, I see my mission as creating projects that will raise this issue in public more frequently.

LC – What issues do you intend to deal with in the future?
AT – Living in an unstable political environment dictates its themes. A few years ago, I was forced to emigrate from Russia, leaving everything behind—my family, my home, my career. I know that millions around the world are going through similar experiences. Now, I am inspired by a new project: I want to show that emigration is not only a traumatic process but also a great opportunity to “unpack” a new identity that might never have appeared under other circumstances.

LC – What do you think about art on social media? Are they turning into the new showcases of contemporary art?
AT – Social media for artists is no longer an additional promotional tool, but a must-have digital business card. Galleries still play a crucial role in attracting attention and legitimising talent. However, this alone is no longer sufficient to remain relevant. to be in demand. In my view, without working on a personal brand in social media, art can be a hobby but not a sustainable livelihood.

LC – What do you think about the concept of this exhibition? How did it inspire you? In which way the artwork presented in our exhibition is connected with the exhibition’s theme?
AT – The theme inspired me to find invisible connections between virtual reality and the human psyche. My piece portrays the modern urban experience as a sensory journey where the digital and physical worlds collide and merge, creating a space where the tangible is often overshadowed by the virtual.

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the exhibition?
AT – The concept of the exhibition encourages artists to truly explore the essence of ANIMA MUNDI, where art is not just a reflection of the external world, but a deep exploration of the forces that shape it. The theme resonated in the many interpretations of my fellow artists, who I consider to be incredibly talented in their own style.

LC – What is your idea about ITSLIQUID GROUP? What do you think about the organisation of our event?
AT – We met quite recently, but I had no doubts about the experience of the team. I realised that I was entrusting my work to professionals who would elevate my art to a new, higher level. I was given access to stunning exhibition spaces and full support for my work, from quality exhibiting to post-release. I thank the team for the invitation to participate in the Venice Biennale, and I can confidently say that I am ready to continue working with ITSLIQUID GROUP.