Artist talk with Vlad Maltsev
'Clothes in the locker', 2021
80x100cm
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Vlad Maltsev, I'm 22 years old. I live and work in Moscow as an independent artist, and from time to time I do tattoos for people.
Where did your passion for art begin?
Art is like a part of me that comes from my birth. During my school years, it was difficult for me to sit still and I tried to do various things, from playing the flute at the local music school to graffiti on the walls.
How would you describe your work to someone?
Constant search for new expressive elements
'The dream is over', 2016
30x30cm
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a major project called "Ouroboros" for the Jart Gallery, where I will gain a new level of recognition.
'Akatsuki on horizontal bars', 2021
85x65cm
When you start a new work or project, do you plan what you’re going to create or do you improvise?
Any of my projects is initially thought out in my head, it looks like a technical scheme, in which all the details are important for its logical completion.
Can you highlight some of your influences and discuss how your influences have made an impact on you and your practice?
I was greatly influenced by artists of the past years without art education, such as Pavel Leonov, Niko Pirosmani, Camille Bombua and, of course, the flagship of Henri Rousseau. Practice has shown that perseverance allows you to achieve unprecedented skill and vision of the plot without education.
What are your plans for the remainder of this year?
I would like to have a solo exhibition and do it as an exam for my work.
'Puddle on the road', 2021
90x67cm