Temptations of St.Anthony Painting

Was born in Russia in the period of decline and increasing superficiality of classical tradition and simultaneous search for new artforms among non-conformists and thus witnessed through years how art deconstructed itself and drove into a blind alley where there is not much left to deconstruct. Those who survived through the chaos of postmodernism and pop-culture started picking up stone after stone remains of the temple of tradition which had existed for thousands of years and building it up again from the fundament, rediscovering old manuals, scrupulously studying masterpieces in museums, experimenting on their own. I myself refer to the style of my work as "Magical realism" or "Magical idealism" (term taken from Notes to Romantic Encyclopedia by Novalis) combining spiritual message and some secrets of classical handwork, and at the same time feel quite inspired by Kitsch movement started in Norway (which has been my home for 20 years) by Odd Nerdrum and his circle. I like to spend good time on stretching and priming canvases myself using old techniques as a pre-meditation, guaranty highest quality materials that were used for centuries by masters and have good longeivity. Framed, baroque style.