“My objective is to provoke a reaction, a feeling, an impression, to give the people a chance to trust their imagination, to see the images and colors the way I see them, that’s why my painting can’t be static or unemotional.”
A Journey Shaped by Two Worlds
Victor Bokarev, a celebrated artist born in Moscow, has spent over 16 years calling Barcelona home. This fusion of two culturally vibrant cities profoundly shapes his artistic vision, enriching his work with a unique dialogue between tradition and modernity. As an honorary academician of the Russian Academy of Art and a member of the Creative Union of Artists of Russia, Bokarev’s career is adorned with accolades, including the prestigious Silver Medal from the Union of Artists of Russia and the Gold Medal from the Russian Academy of Art.
Bokarev’s formative years were defined by his studies at the Surikov Art School and the Moscow Stroganov Univercity of Arts and Industry. These institutions laid the groundwork for his exploration into abstract and semi-abstract impressionism, a genre he has mastered. Over the course of his career, his work has been showcased in over 60 solo exhibitions and more than 100 group exhibitions worldwide, from Moscow to Madrid and Munich to Milan. His art resides in the collections of esteemed institutions, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art in Moscow, alongside private collections spanning continents.
Art critic Vitaly Pazukov encapsulates the essence of Bokarev’s work as a “reality on the other side,” highlighting the artist’s ability to craft compositions that transport viewers into spaces of personal introspection and dream-like wonder. This distinctive approach makes his creations both evocative and timeless.
Victor Bokarev: The Evolution of an Artistic Visionary
Bokarev’s artistic journey began at an early age, as he discovered a profound passion for painting at just five years old. By the time he was 12, he was honing his skills in art school, studying the works of masters like Van Gogh, Matisse, and Gauguin. These formative experiences ignited a deep appreciation for impressionist and post-impressionist styles, which continue to influence his abstract and semi-abstract interpretations.
His artistic practice is multifaceted, spanning a variety of mediums including acrylic, watercolor, wood, and metal. These materials serve as tools to express a diverse range of themes and emotions. Bokarev’s workspace reflects his need for focus and solitude; he finds inspiration while listening to jazz or classical music, a practice that fosters a meditative creative process. He admits that distractions disrupt his flow, emphasizing the importance of an undisturbed environment to fully immerse himself in his work.
Inspiration is also drawn from his admiration for artists such as Fonvizin and Zverev, as well as Chinese and Japanese watercolorists, whose mastery of technique and subtlety resonates deeply with him. This blend of global influences and a disciplined approach to his craft underpins Bokarev’s distinctive artistic voice.
Exploring Themes and Techniques Across Boundaries
Bokarev’s work is characterized by a profound exploration of the human condition and the metaphysical, often transcending traditional boundaries between abstraction and realism. He has created numerous acclaimed series, including Terra Incognita, Deja Vu, Metamorphoses, and City X. Each series serves as an individual narrative, varying in degrees of abstraction and realism but united by their introspective depth.
While Bokarev avoids singling out a specific piece as most meaningful, he describes each series as a deeply personal endeavor, requiring him to invest his soul, energy, and intellect. His artworks become an extension of his life, forming an intimate relationship between the creator and his creations. This intrinsic connection allows his work to resonate universally, inviting viewers to find their own meanings within his compositions.
His versatility extends to his preferred mediums, with acrylic and watercolor standing out as his favorites. However, his education at Moscow Stroganov Univercity of Arts and Industry exposed him to a wide array of techniques, including tapestry and sculptural objects in wood and metal. This diverse training has equipped him with the tools to experiment and innovate across multiple forms of expression.
Victor Bokarev: Crafting Infinity with “Fractals”
One of Bokarev’s most ambitious projects to date is his ongoing series Fractals, a collection that delves into the concept of infinity through mathematical and artistic lenses. Comprising intricate objects crafted from wood and watercolors, Fractals reflects his fascination with the endless possibilities inherent in the natural and mathematical world. These works represent a significant evolution in his artistic practice, merging structural precision with the fluidity of watercolor to create pieces that are both grounded and transcendent.
The concept of infinity has always intrigued Bokarev, offering a symbolic framework through which he explores human existence and the interconnectedness of all things. This project underscores his ability to push the boundaries of his mediums, marrying traditional techniques with contemporary themes. Through Fractals, he invites audiences to reflect on the eternal and the ephemeral, creating a profound dialogue between the tangible and the abstract.
As Bokarev continues to refine his vision, his work remains a testament to the transformative power of art. Whether through the vibrant palettes of his paintings or the intricate geometries of his sculptural objects, his creations stand as a bridge between the seen and the unseen, offering viewers a glimpse into a world of infinite possibilities.
