Alex Kuznetsov
Belarusian, 1978
Alex Kuznetsov
Origin: Minsk, Belarus
Alex Kuznetsov is a contemporary abstract artist whose journey began in Minsk, Belarus. His early passion for painting was deeply influenced by his mother's roots in Vitebsk, a city known for its vibrant artistic legacy, particularly during the early 20th century with luminaries like Marc Chagall and Kazimir Malevich. After starting his career in graphic design, Kuznetsov discovered spray paint in 1997, which opened the door to street art and graffiti. He adopted various aliases, including Liquid, Ners, Awek, Temos, and Monk, and his graffiti crew, TRUE STILO, gained recognition across post-Soviet territories and Europe.
In 2010, a pivotal moment occurred during a visit to a Hong Kong gallery, where a striking large red canvas ignited his fascination with pure color. This experience inspired a shift in his artistic direction towards Abstract Expressionism.
Kuznetsov has collaborated with prestigious publications and brands, including Vogue, AD Magazine, Absolut, Tumi, Adidas, and Nike, as well as the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. His solo exhibitions have taken place in notable venues such as the National Center for Contemporary Arts in Belarus, Triumph Gallery in Moscow, MSK Eastside Gallery in Moscow, Speerstra Gallery in Geneva and Paris, and Montana Gallery in Barcelona. His artwork is collected and showcased internationally, with notable presence in cities like San Francisco, London, Seoul, Hong Kong, Brussels, and New York.
Drawing on his graffiti roots, Kuznetsov’s artistic exploration centers on the transformative power of color across various mediums, including paintings, works on paper, and prints. His abstract compositions are marked by bold strokes that foster a meditative state, where the creative process is as vital as the final piece. Engaging deeply with the vibrations of color, he employs a technique using squeeges to enhance the fluidity and movement within his work.
While his abstract paintings may evoke familiar urban imagery—such as futuristic shapes and horizon lines—they transcend mere representation, allowing materials and mediums to assert their own significance. Influenced by the works of Gerhard Richter, Barnett Newman, and Pierre Soulages, Kuznetsov has developed a distinctive style that resonates with inner energy. He uses large aluminum rulers to apply acrylic paint, imbuing each mechanical gesture with intention and meaning. His process-led approach emphasizes fluidity, the act of erasure, and an intuitive application of paint, exploring themes of presence and memory through the interplay of control and spontaneity.
For Kuznetsov, painting is an ongoing pursuit of perfection, reflecting his desire to harmonize the chaos of the world. He channels his visions onto the canvas, inviting viewers to engage and find their own interpretations. As Sigmund Freud noted, "An artist is originally a man who turns out from reality... He finds his way back to reality... by making use of special gifts to mold his phantasies into truths of a new kind." Through his work, Kuznetsov strives to create these new truths, forging a profound connection with his audience.
Origin: Minsk, Belarus
Alex Kuznetsov is a contemporary abstract artist whose journey began in Minsk, Belarus. His early passion for painting was deeply influenced by his mother's roots in Vitebsk, a city known for its vibrant artistic legacy, particularly during the early 20th century with luminaries like Marc Chagall and Kazimir Malevich. After starting his career in graphic design, Kuznetsov discovered spray paint in 1997, which opened the door to street art and graffiti. He adopted various aliases, including Liquid, Ners, Awek, Temos, and Monk, and his graffiti crew, TRUE STILO, gained recognition across post-Soviet territories and Europe.
In 2010, a pivotal moment occurred during a visit to a Hong Kong gallery, where a striking large red canvas ignited his fascination with pure color. This experience inspired a shift in his artistic direction towards Abstract Expressionism.
Kuznetsov has collaborated with prestigious publications and brands, including Vogue, AD Magazine, Absolut, Tumi, Adidas, and Nike, as well as the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. His solo exhibitions have taken place in notable venues such as the National Center for Contemporary Arts in Belarus, Triumph Gallery in Moscow, MSK Eastside Gallery in Moscow, Speerstra Gallery in Geneva and Paris, and Montana Gallery in Barcelona. His artwork is collected and showcased internationally, with notable presence in cities like San Francisco, London, Seoul, Hong Kong, Brussels, and New York.
Drawing on his graffiti roots, Kuznetsov’s artistic exploration centers on the transformative power of color across various mediums, including paintings, works on paper, and prints. His abstract compositions are marked by bold strokes that foster a meditative state, where the creative process is as vital as the final piece. Engaging deeply with the vibrations of color, he employs a technique using squeeges to enhance the fluidity and movement within his work.
While his abstract paintings may evoke familiar urban imagery—such as futuristic shapes and horizon lines—they transcend mere representation, allowing materials and mediums to assert their own significance. Influenced by the works of Gerhard Richter, Barnett Newman, and Pierre Soulages, Kuznetsov has developed a distinctive style that resonates with inner energy. He uses large aluminum rulers to apply acrylic paint, imbuing each mechanical gesture with intention and meaning. His process-led approach emphasizes fluidity, the act of erasure, and an intuitive application of paint, exploring themes of presence and memory through the interplay of control and spontaneity.
For Kuznetsov, painting is an ongoing pursuit of perfection, reflecting his desire to harmonize the chaos of the world. He channels his visions onto the canvas, inviting viewers to engage and find their own interpretations. As Sigmund Freud noted, "An artist is originally a man who turns out from reality... He finds his way back to reality... by making use of special gifts to mold his phantasies into truths of a new kind." Through his work, Kuznetsov strives to create these new truths, forging a profound connection with his audience.
Alex Kuznetsov
New Worker (Alex Kuznetsov and Mitya Pisliak) (Abstract painting), 2024
H 59.06 in W 39.37 in
$ 7,807
Loading...