“I always knew that I am on this planet to do art and maybe to change something.”
Embracing the Artist Within
Oleg Vecheria, also known in the art world as Oleg Soul, was born in 1985 in Novorossiysk, a small city on the shores of the Black Sea. From an early age, he demonstrated a profound connection to art, attending art school between the ages of 8 and 13. These formative years solidified his passion, and he knew that art would be his lifelong pursuit. However, adolescence brought typical distractions, including boxing, friendships, and first love, which pulled him away from his early artistic inclinations.
In 2002, Vecheria graduated from high school and enrolled in the Novorossiysk State Maritime Academy, where he completed a Master’s degree in Economics in 2007. The subsequent years from 2007 to 2012 were particularly challenging for him. He found himself detached from his artistic roots, working solely for financial gain and feeling increasingly disconnected from his true purpose. This period marked a low point in his life, as he struggled with the absence of creativity and fulfillment.
In 2012, seeking to reclaim his authentic self, Vecheria moved to Bali. This significant life change rekindled his passion for art. On the island, he rediscovered his creative voice, met his muse and future wife, and began to immerse himself in a life of travel and exploration. This journey took him across the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and various parts of Asia, ultimately leading to a profound personal and artistic transformation.
Oleg Vecheria: The Artistic Awakening
Vecheria’s artistic journey began in his childhood, driven by an innate desire to create. His first encounter with charcoal left a lasting impression, igniting a lifelong fascination with this medium. He always felt that art was his calling, a way to express the deepest parts of his soul. His early years in art school were filled with learning and inspiration, shaped by the people and natural beauty around him. The techniques he acquired during this period became the foundation for his evolving artistic style.
In the last twelve years, his art has been profoundly influenced by his wife, their travels, and their relationship. Bali was the backdrop for his first art exhibitions, marking the start of his international career. His work has since been showcased in personal and group exhibitions in Bali, Turkey, Germany, Italy, the USA, and China. His unique style and thematic depth have garnered attention, and his pieces are set to be exhibited in Germany and Austria over the next two years.
Vecheria’s artistic journey is not just a career but a continuous exploration of life itself. His travels inspire new ideas and projects, each reflecting his evolving understanding of the world. His wife remains a central figure in his life and work, serving as both muse and partner in their artistic adventures.
A Fusion of Techniques and Themes
Vecheria’s artistic style is characterized by its eclectic blend of techniques and mediums. He employs various tools, from brushes and palette knives to his own hands, combining materials like varnishes, pencils, charcoal, oil, and acrylic paints on a single canvas. This approach creates a dynamic visual effect, showcasing the harmony and balance between different elements. His work often captures movement and the essence of a moment, bringing his subjects to life.
His sculptures further demonstrate his innovative use of materials, incorporating metal, gypsum, acrylic, and varnishes. Through his paintings, photographs, and sculptures, Vecheria seeks to convey a profound connection between humanity and the universe. He explores themes of racial and gender equality, aiming to evoke genuine emotions and self-awareness in his audience. His work encourages viewers to embrace their uniqueness and feel a part of the vast, interconnected universe.
One of his most significant works is “Goddess Rising,” a painting that embodies his philosophy. This piece reflects the power of faith and the strength found within oneself. The vibrant colors and elemental themes of water, earth, and air highlight the goddess’s connection to the world and the universe. Through this painting, Vecheria inspires viewers to pursue their dreams with confidence and to recognize their limitless potential.
Oleg Vecheria: Creative Spaces and Future Projects
For Vecheria, a conducive workspace is essential for his creativity. He values a spacious, well-lit environment that allows freedom of movement during the artistic process. However, he also thrives on change and finds inspiration in travel. Regularly moving to new cities and countries every two to three weeks, Vecheria gathers fresh ideas and perspectives that fuel his artistic endeavors. This constant movement helps him avoid creative stagnation and keeps his work vibrant and innovative.
His wife plays a crucial role as his biggest artistic influence and muse. Her presence and their shared experiences significantly shape his creative output. Their relationship is a source of inspiration, driving him to explore new themes and techniques in his art.
Among his notable projects is the “Golodы” series, a new race of beings depicted without eyes and closed mouths. These figures communicate through touch and changing colors, representing a unique form of interaction and energy exchange. Additionally, Vecheria is working on a sculpture project titled “Goddess,” which blends various mediums like gypsum, glass, metal, and wood. This ambitious project aims to merge classical nude sculpture with modern technology, showcasing the harmony of different materials and artistic styles. Vecheria’s future projects promise to push the boundaries of creativity, blending traditional and contemporary elements to create compelling and thought-provoking art.
