Interview: Alexander Kamakaev
Luca Curci talks with Alexander Kamakaev during BARCELONA CONTEMPORARY 2021, 1st Edition, at Valid World Hall Gallery and during LONDON CONTEMPORARY 2021, at THE LINE Contemporary Art Space.

“It lies there, at a distance, staring. It absorbs all that touches its orb. Concentrates the reality it sees and then reflects all out again – perfectly imperfect, distorted reflections, according to its own unique characteristics, its situational perspectives. It reflects that which is familiar, that which it understands. It roams, it searches, pondering, sometimes mesmerized, confused, worried, or calmed by sudden insights. What is this thing, a strange object in a strange environment? An alien being from another planet? No. He IS The Contemporary Artist.”

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Alexander Kamakaev – I consider art to be one of the most important tools ever existed to perceive reality and cognize yourself. This applies to society, to individuals, and to the human civilization itself. Art can be created, studied, simply contemplated, and in any of these processes, there is always an element of appeal to one’s inner self. There we understand ourselves. We are all very lucky to have painting, sculptures, and installations, poetry, music, etc.

LC – What are you currently working on?
AK – I am currently working on a new project. I would rather not talk about it until it’s finished, but I can say that it will display an allegorical form of the serious environmental problems in my city.

LC – What is the most challenging part about creating your artworks?
AK – It’s not hard for me to work. In any case, I think about something, listen to myself, I understand what worries specifically me. Once a thought turns into the form of series of images in my head, I just go and shoot. The most difficult thing is probably making the author’s statement understandable for others. But this is the most interesting part of the process too!

LC – What is your creative process like?
AK – In the previous answer, I touched on this a little. I will add that the shooting itself takes the least in the creation of my projects; even preparing for shooting does not take up as many resources as it might seem. The most important objective is to choose the topic that worries you and to talk about it through photography. Project description is another energy-intensive activity for me.

LC – How do you choose your subjects? Is it a reasoned or an instinctive process?
AK – That is tough, though I think this is a mixture of both really. I can hardly choose wisely that one bothers me more. Despite this, I rationally separate what is mine from what may interest the public.

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the festival?
AK – In my opinion, your approach and the choice of subjects are interesting and do reach large audiences, which is essential for an art exhibition.

LC – Can you explain something about the artworks you have in our exhibition?
AK – The best thing to say about the project is to describe it: “The Contemporary Artist”. “It lies there, at a distance, staring. It absorbs all that touches its orb. Concentrates the reality it sees and then reflects all out again – perfectly imperfect, distorted reflections, according to its own unique characteristics, its situational perspectives. It reflects that which is familiar, that which it understands. It roams, it searches, pondering, sometimes mesmerized, confused, worried, or calmed by sudden insights. What is this thing, a strange object in a strange environment? An alien being from another planet? No. He IS The Contemporary Artist.”

LC – What do you think about the organization of our event?
AK – This is not the first time I have participated in your exhibitions and as always everything is organized at a very high level. Exhibition areas are always in stunning locations and If I were you, I would not change anything. It’s all perfect!