8 Questions with Anna Snegina

Anna Snegina is a painter artist featured in Al-Tiba9 magazine ISSUE04, interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj.

Anna Snegina was born and grew up in the Urals region in Russia, a place where the urban life of an industrial city meets beautiful nature. That is why she loves to combine materials that are unlikely to be combined and follow her own path.

Anna Snegina abstract expressionism work often includes dynamic brushstrokes as well as drips of paint. It may have accurate geometric shapes and elements. She calls this LOOSE and CONTROLLED techniques. Whether it’s a photo or a sculpture, it’s always the creative process that leads Anna in her art, and it’s a study of the world and introspection at the same time. her goal is to inspire those who see her artwork to discover the beauty in ordinary and simple things through colors, shapes, everyday objects.

Describe the intention behind your art. How does this intention successfully find expression in your work?

In my works, I want to be as honest as possible, first of all, to myself: to do what I want and the way I feel. After all, the need for any artist is a reflection of self inner world, feelings, and impressions through various artistic means, giving a form to the intangible.

And at the junction of the inner and outer world, with their interaction, an artwork is born. And I just let this interaction be, that’s the whole secret.

Can you talk a little about your formative years as an artist - what were the influences that shaped who you would become?

I have been studying with private teachers for many years, and I still do. None of them are engaged in abstract painting. My world as an artist was turned upside down when I began painting abstractly. My way of creating abstract art is personal. The freedom that I feel at my fingertips is a revelation for me. Sometimes I like to create figurative paintings or make illustrations for books, but abstraction holds a special place in my heart. This feeling is akin to thirst when you really want to take up canvas and paints and start a new story, the end of which is unknown to you.

How do you feel your work is unique and truly your own?

My work is influenced by events, people, or images from the real world, but each artwork is like a unique cast of a particular moment of my life that will never happen again. I like to be in search of something new, new ways of expression, to create unexpected combinations of colors and materials.

What is the most significant advantage of creating art using a variety of artistic materials and techniques?

When I work with different media, I always experiment and sometimes get unexpectedly impressive and unusual results, or I may get completely new crazy ideas for future projects.

What do you believe is a crucial element in creating a good painting?

Freedom. Passion. Idea.

If you could give advice to your younger self, what do you wish you knew about painting before you got started?

I have been through a long journey to be the artist I am today. So I am proud of every part of my artistic progress, which I would not change it for anything. I would have said to myself: do not be afraid and work hard. If we talk about global goals and dreams, then I want abstract art in Russia to have as many spectators and fans as possible. People are used to seeing beauty in concrete and easily understandable things, I want them to learn how to look at the world from a different angle.

Do you listen to music while working? If so, what is your favorite genre of music? 

Oh yeah, almost all the time! It depends on my mood; usually, it’s indie, rock, alternative, hip-hop, or classical music. Sometimes I work in complete silence, this is also music to me.

Can you tell us about any upcoming shows or collaborations you have on the horizon? 

I am going to the art residence in Athens, I can’t wait to see all the gems of culture that this city keeps. I am also ready for a new solo exhibition dedicated to my hometown of Yekaterinburg and the color pink.