Dear Artem, welcome to Art For Progress. You are a New York City based artist. Please tell us about your work.

Hi Nerea, yes as you describe, I am a New York based artist, curator and entrepreneur. My imagination allows me to create a new world within each frame while drawing connections with different cultures and to my own heritage. History and mythology play a large role in influencing my work, often igniting the creative process. I am fascinated about mythology, and I am a space time voyager at heart. Traveling is also one of my biggest catalysts for art. I have traveled extensively, experiencing diverse culture, spirit, architecture and ways of life, which helped me to shape my perception and artistic vision of the world. A sketchbook always accompanies me on my journeys. When words alone cannot describe what I envisions in my mind, I just draw…

What inspires you to create such awesome paintings and landscapes?

I absorb everything around myself and filter it through my “art filter.”  Books, music, architecture, friends, strangers, other artists, travel, relationships, etc inspires me to create my own world of landscapes and adventures.

I love  depictions of ancient civilizations, philosophy, present society, and the exploration of ” the nature of man.”

As I have mentioned, I draw a lot of inspiration from my readings. History and mythology play a large role in influencing my work, often igniting the creative process. I am fascinated by how the two intertwine and sometimes even replace one another.

I have recently heard that you are starting an art project in NYC with some partners. Could you please describe it?

Yes! It’s a small group of six partners, mostly creative individuals.  We signed a lease for a 5000 sq foot commercial loft space on Broadway and 32nd street, Manhattan.  It’s mostly used for commercial purposes, such as photo and video shoot rentals as well as private events, such as gallery openings, dance performance etc.  We are just starting out and need to raise some capital to keep the place going, but hope to have many interesting cultural happenings there. We are so excited about it!

You travel the world doing exhibitions, where is your work showcased?

USA, mostly in NYC, Miami, Boston, Washington, San Francisco, LA.  Europe: London, Zurich, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Riga, Moscow, etc.

My work has been exhibited in museums, galleries, novels, theaters and art fairs around the world, including: New Museum, The Armory Show, Kolodzei Art Foundation, Rothchild Collection, Art Basel Miami and Natasha Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 on Broadway, etc.

I know that you are involved in other cultural projects. You are the manager of art pavilions around the world.  Can you tell us about this?

I curated ten Russian Pavilion exhibitions in the USA and Europe between 2013- 2016, including Armory Arts Week, NYC and Miami Art Basel Week.  I’m currently involved in ArtCosmos project that brings together artists and scientist for cross pollination of ideas.  We did two exhibits so far, first in Barcelona in 2016, with Espronceda and Quo Artists as our European partners and a show in NYC at Salomon Arts Gallery.  Both events where very successful with very interesting scientists and artists participating in the show and panel discussions.  More info is available on line or upon request.

Recently, a cool short documentary was made about your life. How did that come about?

Yes, there is a documentary being made about me by Teirra Kamolvattanavith, who’s an aspiring documentary movie maker from Bangkok, Thailand.  She moved to NYC and we met shortly after. According to her, she was getting disillusioned and was very surprised and happy to meet someone like me who pursued his dreams no matter what. The documentary will come out soon, and you can see the teaser here. Stay tuned!

I know that you have been presenting some projects this month, including a book presentation. Tell us what is coming next!

Yeah, I am involved in lot of ongoing projects this month. I am working on a fantastic project- a book in which is a call for action to authors to create a short story or poem inspired by art work. Authors can choose up to three images from 60 pre-selected art works and write a literary piece that relates to it. The best piece will be chosen by a jury to be published in the art book featuring various contemporary writings inspired by my art work.

The book open call was announced on April 12th (International Day of Aviation and Cosmonautics)  and the design will be finalized and ready to print by September 30th.

I am also participating in a group show that opened on 13th April at Plaxal Gallery in Long Island City, New York – all science fiction art and theatre performance, including a few important artist who did some cool art for Star Wars etc.

On April 20th, I hosted a reggae concert in my studio- three different bands plus fresh art I painted in the last few month.  Artem Art Studio, Queens, New York. – An art exhibit and live reggae concert

On April 27th,  I have a big show opening in Boston- related to art and science curated by Duane Lucia at NestBio Lab in Cambridge, MA.

I can see you are busy! It’s great! Congratulations on your work and success Artem, and thank you very much for this fantastic interview.

You are welcome. Thanks for inviting me to AFP, it is a great project to support and help emerging artists for social change. Together the change will finally happen.

Nerea T. Ruiz