Interview: Sylvia Solovyeva
Luca Curci talks with Sylvia Solovyeva during FUTURE LANDSCAPES, third appointment of BORDERS ART FAIR 2021, at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello.

“My art is always an attempt to go beyond the borders of reality and give free rein to my imagination engulfing my heart. It’s a wildlife and an irrepressible voice of color. The sun lives here, flaming and burning, directing every movement of my brush. My paintings are centered around humans freeing their emotions which go beyond the canvas. Exaggerated strokes, a contrast of colors, and often loud flair are enhancing the perception of the reality created by the imagination. Visions and impressions go through my mind and mix with the bright color expression. However, the expressiveness of my paintings has an exclusively life-asserting meaning”.

Luca Curci – How did you get to your current artistic practice?
Sylvia Solovyeva – My artistic path started in my early childhood. Drawing has always been a part of my life. After graduating from art school, I studied graphic design at a university. Then I started painting and finally realized that art interests me more than anything else. There were times when something was stopping me, but destiny kept bringing me back to art. My art style was changing along with me, but I’ve always gravitated to clear, open, and bright colors. My current art style best reflects my perception of the reality that I see inside myself. My paintings are centered around human nature and emotions, conveyed through a contrast of colors, expression, and recurring images.

LC – What are your thoughts while you paint? Do you have any habits or rituals while you work?
SS – I constantly think while painting. It’s an endless stream of thoughts. The composition, the colors, and – finally – the expression of the idea from my head. Often, I discover something new and amazing. Sometimes I manage to achieve something greater. Discoveries on the path of creation.

LC – What is your creative process like?
SS – First, I think about what bothers me the most at that moment. Something I’d like to express. After getting a rough idea I work on a sketch and then transfer it to the canvas. Everything might change in the process. The painting is finished when I feel that it’s complete. It’s an inner sense that tells me: this is how it’s supposed to be. In 2020 my paintings have also found a poetic form thanks to my husband Nikolay who writes poems for them. We tell the same story in different languages which merge into one: visual art and poetry. The poems enhance the idea and amplify the meaning of my paintings. What is said using paint is also conveyed with words.

LC – Do visitors’ suggestions enrich yourself and your art?
SS – Other people’s words about my art enrich me and inspire me to work further. Sometimes people can see something completely different, something that I haven’t even thought about. It’s great when one’s heart reacts to art. It allows everyone to see something personal.

LC – How do you choose your subjects? Is it a reasoned or an instinctive process?
SS – Both. For me, art is about its contents, first and foremost. A certain gesture, statement, proclamation. The idea of the canvas itself. This is what can be explained in art. It’s responsible for the rational part. The process of painting is more irrational. I get lost in thoughts and fantasies, get distracted from reality. I just paint, not knowing for sure, how the painting will turn out. It’s a dialog of the internal and the unconscious.

LC – What do you think about the concept of this festival? How did it inspire you?
SS – It’s extraordinary when talented artists from all over the world unite in one space to share their own visions of art. The theme is close to me, and I’m happy to be a part of this art fair.

LC – In which way is the artwork presented in our exhibition connected with the festival’s theme?
SS – Since my painting “Me/Not Me” is about the uncertainty of personality, it’s related to our perception of the future since for us it’s uncertain. It frightens and enchants us at the same time.

LC – What do you think about the organization of our event?
SS – I enjoyed interacting with the curators a lot. They were always available and helped me with logistical issues. Everything was clear, pleasant, and easy.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
SS – I would love to keep collaborating with you and participate in your events because it’s a great way to make a name for oneself and meet new interesting artists.

LC – What is your idea about ITSLIQUID GROUP?
SS – It’s great that the company is represented in many cities around the globe. I know that there was a branch in Moscow that had to shut down due to the pandemic. I hope you will discover new names and great artworks by talented painters every year.