INTERVIEW WITH IGOR & MARINA

by art journalist and writer Lisa Pollman

Igor & Marina, Rebus, 2014, Oil on canvas, 129.5 x 172.7 cm

In your biography found on the JRA website, you state that working
together causes conflict. Do you find that this sense of conflict helps or
hinders the creative process?
The two of us have absolutely different characters! Over the years, we have
learned how to compliment each others work. Sometimes, a good argument
helps us find the best solutions and select the best ideas. We think that our most
successful paintings are made collectively.
Are all of your works collaborative?
Although most of our paintings are made collaboratively, some abstract pieces
are painted by Igor and some figurative paintings are made by Marina. Even
when we are working separately, we still make time to consult and brainstorm
together.

Marina: Your reference Italian and Dutch renaissance artists in your work.
How do you meld renaissance imagery with contemporary themes? Which
artist from this time period has most inspired you? Why?
Marina brings familiar images from the past into the present, with famous
historical characters placed upon a modern stage, with abstract backdrops and
futuristic accessories.
There are no favourite artists for us from the past. Each time, our inspiration
comes from a different source. The whole Renaissance period, with its
humanism and beauty is the greatest inspiration of all.
Please tell us about your experience with and use of Russian avant-garde
narratives. Do these narratives emerge in your work? Where can we see
them?
Igor uses avant-garde traditions when creating some abstract backgrounds for
the collaborative paintings. The strongest avant-garde influence can be seen in
our Walkers series as well as Igors abstract paintings.
Youve said that your work often forces the viewer to enter your invented
world. What techniques do you employ to achieve this?
Our paintings are complicated and multi-layered. We try to create an
atmosphere of the enigma and the untold story behind every painting to stimulate
the viewer to use his/her imagination and be involved in the creative process.
Tell us about more about your work the Fortune Teller. Is there any
particular meaning behind the hand gestures? How about the dense
patterning of the paisley?
In Fortune Teller, two identical figures make magical gestures to bring visions of
the future from the fog of time. Dense patterning gives an exotic flavor to the
painting.
How prominent does patterning appear in your work over-all? What
purpose does it serve?
Ethnic textiles and craft provide inspiration, especially for our Silk Road
series. We love traditional colours and patterns from different cultures and
across different periods of time.
To you, is it important to imbue your art with a sense of deep humanity?
What does that phrase mean to you?
Beauty will save the world said great Russian writer Feodor Dostoevsky. We
believe that if we can show such beauty through our work and give people a
peaceful moment to reflect, maybe some of our viewers will find goodness and
compassion in their lives and in themselves.

In your works Night Bird and Swallowtail youve added a snowy owl and
a beautiful butterfly. Is it important for you to bring a sense of nature and
the natural world into your work? Why?
We find that time spent outdoors, surrounded by nature, is the most rewarding. It
helps generate new energy. It heals. Besides, birds and butterflies are just
irresistible.
As Russian visual artists, has the demand for contemporary art changed in
the last decade? How?
As is found in life itself, the art scene is constantly changing. Everyday new
names, new media, new art movements, and a new audience is uncovered. It is
important, however, not to lose your true self while following all these changes.
What are you working on now? Where can we see your work during the
next 6 months?
This spring we expect our first monograph (with 25 pages of brilliantly written
essays and 80 color plates) to hit the stands worldwide. Next fall, we are looking
into a possible book signing by both of us at the Rizolli Book Store, New York
and potentially another in London. It would be ideal to complete a new group of
paintings at the same time.