Interview: Kseniia Antipina
Luca Curci talks with Kseniia Antipina during MIXING IDENTITIES, third appointment of CANVAS ART FAIR, at THE LINE Contemporary Art Space in London.

We live in a world full of issues, routines, opinions that cannot be talked about, that cannot be shared, for which we should be ashamed. They make us feel ashamed to be ourselves. We become a notorious part of society, and we struggle with our complexes in order to become better, to become someone else. Kseniia’s art speaks of problems setting aside unnecessary details. She expresses the truth of reality and internal space. She calls to be yourself, be proud of yourself, respect others, regardless of their appearance and characteristics.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Kseniia Antipina – Art, for me, is a lifestyle, not just a profession. You don’t need to be an artist to make art. Artistic nature is something that every person is endowed with, a quality that distinguishes us from other creatures.

LC – How did you get to your current artistic practice?
KA – It was a very long journey, during which I experimented a lot with shapes and materials. Indeed I cannot say that I am now at the finish line. For me, this is only the beginning, and there are still many creative searches ahead.

LC – Which is the role the artist plays in society? And contemporary art?
KA – The artist and society are like two mirrors reflecting each other. If you try to forbid people to express their creativity, society will become soulless. If the artist is deprived of society, then she will become like an animal.

LC – Do you use art to express something in particular? Is it like your medium of expression?
KA – Yes, through art, I express my views. Basically, the heroes of my work are women. Because I understand the female world, I can explain and express.

LC – Do visitors’ suggestions enrich yourself and your art?
KA – I always listen to what others say about my work. Firstly, any feedback, whatever it may be, is attention and interest, which is a pleasure for any artist. Secondly, some of the suggestions are really useful because everyone sometimes needs a second pair of eyes to spot unobvious shortcomings.

LC – What do you think about the concept of this festival? How did it inspire you?
KA – The theme of the festival is closely related to all my work. In my works, I often refer to the topic of finding myself. Therefore, when I saw the poster of your festival, I immediately realized that my work would fit there nicely.

LC – What is the message linked to the artwork you have shown in this exhibition? How is it connected to the theme of the entire festival?
KA – My two works presented at the festival tell about women, stereotypes, the inner and outer world, the way of life, about familiar and unusual things. These are graphic works, the center of which is bright personalities.

LC – What do you think about the ITSLIQUID Platform?
KA – You give an excellent opportunity to novice artists to realize themselves.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
KA – Yes, of course. And I hope that in the future I will appear again in your festivals with new topical works.

LC – What are your suggestions about our services? Is there something more we can provide to artists?
KA – I can only wish to have more photos from the exhibition. Every artist is pleased when his work is in the spotlight.