10 Questions with Natalia Titova
Natalia Titova is a digital artist born in 1992 in Omsk, Russia, and currently based in Belgrade, Serbia.
Specializing in concept art and digital collages, Natalia Titova blends diverse techniques to create captivating, minimalist compositions. Her work explores the impact of literature, crafting digital collages that capture the essence of her favourite authors. Each piece reflects the emotions and meanings embedded in their words, resonating with the unique energies and insights each writer brings to the world. Through layered imagery and dynamic compositions, Titova invites viewers to experience the unseen harmonies and inspirations that connect literature and visual art.
Natalia Titova - Portrait
INTERVIEW
Please tell us a bit about your journey into digital art. What led you to specialize in concept art and digital collage?
I have always thought that combining different pre-existing elements and pieces can sometimes be even more complicated than creating something brand new. It is a kind of challenge and an exciting pleasure for me to express my thoughts through collage art. Using various pieces to convey the main idea of a work is the most mesmerizing part of the processfor me.
How did you first get interested in digital mediums? And how did you develop into the artist you are today?
I believe digital art is our present and will undoubtedly be our future. There are two important aspects of art for me: the first is being in sync with the time you live in, and the second is transcending time. Digital art is a new form of expression, the art of our generation, but at the same time, through it, we can convey something eternal and timeless. I have been working as a digital artist for several years, and I find it to be the most boundless medium.
Collage Bulgakov, digital art, 2400x1080 px, 2024 © Natalia Titova
Literature plays a central role in your work. Can you share how this passion developed and what inspired you to bridge the worlds of literature and visual art?
Literature is a timeless art, and it compels me deeply. For me, books are a huge source of inspiration. I find it incredibly interesting to explore them, both as a reader and as an artist. On the one hand, I enjoy delving into books for their content, but on the other hand, I also love expressing my impressions and emotions about the author's work through my creative process. I strive to capture the details and meaning of the book in my artwork.
What is your process like when creating a piece inspired by a specific author? How do you translate their words and ideas into digital imagery?
When I am in the process of creating, I strive to blend my interpretation of the author's work with my personal perspective and emotional response. I aim to capture the essence of the author's ideas, themes, and narrative style, translating them into visual elements that resonate with their core message. This often involves identifying key motifs, symbols, or emotions in their work and weaving them into the imagery. At the same time, I allow space for my own creativity to shape the final piece, ensuring that it reflects both the original inspiration and my unique artistic voice.
Collage Dickens, digital art, 2400x1080 px, 2022 © Natalia Titova
Collage Gogol, digital art, 2400x1080 px, 2022 © Natalia Titova
As you mention in your statement, your work often conveys complex emotions through minimalist compositions. What draws you to minimalism, and how do you use it to evoke specific feelings?
As I was saying, using different elements to express the main idea of a work is the most exciting part of my creative process. Minimalism is a key part of my style, as it helps me focus on the essence of the message by removing distractions. Through the simple use of space, shape, and colour, I try to create specific emotions and invite viewers to connect deeply with the work.
Could you share an example of a particular work that captures the essence of an author's words? What inspired it, and what did you hope to convey?
One of my favourite authors is Charles Dickens. I created a collage dedicated to his work, aiming to convey not only the overarching ideas but also the hidden meanings and subtexts. For example, I explored his study of human destinies through the metaphor of the road, which appears as an important element in many of his books. In my collage, I depicted this concept by showing a magnifying glass focused on the wheel of a stroller, symbolizing the intricate journey of life.
Collage London, digital art, 2400x1080 px, 2022 © Natalia Titova
Digital collage offers infinite possibilities for layering and experimentation. How do you decide when a piece is complete, and what do you look for in the final composition?
For me, deciding when a digital collage is complete ties closely to my minimalist approach. I focus on ensuring that every element serves a purpose, contributing to the core message without unnecessary complexity. Minimalism helps me identify the essence of the piece, stripping away excess until the composition feels balanced and complete. In the final work, I look for clarity, harmony, and a seamless connection between the layers that aligns with the emotions or ideas I aim to express.
In what ways do you think digital art, and collage in particular, can express literary themes differently than traditional media?
Digital art and collage allow for a unique expression of literary themes by combining various elements—text, images, and textures—into one cohesive piece. Collage, especially in a minimalist style, lets me distil the essence of a story, focusing on key symbols and emotions while leaving space for interpretation. Unlike traditional media, digital tools offer endless flexibility to experiment with layering, scaling, and blending elements, enabling a more dynamic interplay of ideas. This versatility allows for a fresh perspective on literary themes, making them more accessible and resonant for modern audiences.
Collage Pushkin, digital art, 2400x1080 px, 2022 © Natalia Titova
Collage Tove Ditlevsen, digital art, 2400x1080 px, 2024 © Natalia Titova
How do you hope viewers will interact with your art? Are there specific emotions or insights you aim for them to take away?
I hope viewers will connect emotionally with the blend of images and text. I want them to find new insights or feelings that enhance their understanding of the literary work. By combining visual elements with literature, I aim to create a deeper connection, inviting reflection and a fresh perspective. Ultimately, I want viewers to feel moved and inspired by the way art can amplify the power of storytelling.
Are there any new themes, techniques, or authors you're excited to explore in your upcoming work?
Recently, I have started a series of collages dedicated to women writers, focusing on themes of identity, resilience, and their unique literary contributions. I am particularly drawn to the power these writers possess in shaping narratives, challenging conventions, and giving voice to underrepresented perspectives. Through my collages, I hope to highlight their strength, creativity, and the lasting impact their words have had on both literature and society.
Artist’s Talk
Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.
