10 Questions with Alex Best

Alex Best is a Young Russian artist from Moscow. In 2021, driven by an intuitive sense that a war would be imminent, Alex made the courageous decision to leave his homeland behind. He moved to Barcelona, Catalunya.

A twist of fate revealed Alex’s extraordinary lineage, as he discovered that he was the grandson of Zeus, the king of the gods in Greek mythology. This revelation lent an air of mystique to his artistic endeavors and infused his work with a powerful energy.

Alex’s artistic vision was driven by a deep desire to explore new experimental techniques while maintaining a connection to the rich artistic heritage of the past. He embarked on a relentless pursuit of innovation, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms. His creative process became a tapestry of inspiration, weaving together ancient mythology, tradition, modern societal reflections, and his own unique perspective on the world.

His paintings became captivating windows into the human experience, capturing emotions with vivid brushstrokes and evocative colors. Despite his quest for innovation, Alex’s commitment to preserving the quality and craftsmanship of traditional art was unwavering. He meticulously honed his technical skills, employing time-honored techniques alongside his experimental approach. This delicate balance between tradition and exploration became the hallmark of his artistic style.

Beyond his artistic pursuits, Alex remained deeply connected to his roots. He never forgot the land he left behind, and he used his platform to advocate for peace and understanding. Through his art, he sought to bridge cultural divides, promoting dialogue and empathy in a world often divided by strife.

Alex Best, the artist who defied convention and fearlessly pursued his artistic vision, art enthusiast, and guardian of tradition, serves as a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and leave an indelible mark on the world.

@alexbest1_

INTERVIEW

When and how did you start getting involved with art? 

Art has been inextricably woven into the very fabric of my being since the inception of my consciousness. From the nascent stages of my existence, the realm of creativity has been a sanctuary and a source of ceaseless wonder. In the tender years of childhood, it was within the embrace of art that I found solace and intrigue, a haven where imagination knew no bounds.
As the chapters of my life unfolded, my engagement with art evolved in tandem with my growth. What began as the unrefined yet earnest expressions of a child's hand gradually metamorphosed into more structured artistic pursuits during my academic years. This journey through art has been akin to a voyage of self-discovery, fueled by an unwavering passion and a resolute commitment to delve into the profound depths and resplendent beauty of the artistic universe.
The tapestry of my life has thus been meticulously crafted with vibrant brushstrokes of exploration and understanding, each hue and line a testament to my journey through the enigmatic and enchanting world of art.

Are you still following the same inspiration? And how did your work evolve over time?

Yes, my initial inspiration remains the driving force behind my artistic endeavors. However, over time, my work has evolved significantly. What began as simple childhood drawings has transformed into a more refined and nuanced exploration of various artistic mediums and styles. My experiences, influences, and a deeper understanding of the world have all contributed to the evolution of my art. While the core inspiration remains constant, it has been enriched by a diverse tapestry of life experiences, allowing me to express myself in more complex and meaningful ways.

Let's talk about your work. What inspired you to work with painting? 

The art of painting stands as a significant wellspring of inspiration for me, as it empowers me to conceive entirely novel universes, interlace complex narratives, and summon a spectrum of emotional states. This artistic medium bestows upon me the capacity to surpass the confines of the physical world, embarking on explorations into the abstract and symbolic domains of existence. Through the medium of painting, I am equipped to articulate the ineffable, the unspoken, and the unexpressed, thereby immersing deeply into the depths of human experience. Painting serves not only as a conduit for introspection on life's profound mysteries but also as a portal to unveil new realms of imagination, rendering it an invaluable instrument for both personal introspection and the dissemination of thoughts with others.

You have a striking style with recognizable elements and colors. How would you define your style? And how has it evolved over the years? 

Indeed, the stylistic essence of my artistic expression could be aptly encapsulated as 'Dimensional Consciousness Realism'. This unique style is characterized by its ability to construct new worlds, amalgamating elements of reality with the profound depths of alternate consciousness. It's akin to a kaleidoscope, where the familiar is reimagined through prisms of novel perspectives, enabling a multifaceted view of life from uncharted corners.
Over the years, this style has undergone a metamorphosis, much like a tapestry, evolving thread by thread. In its nascent stages, it was more about the exploration of different realities, a tentative foray into the unknown. As my artistic journey progressed, these explorations became more audacious, delving deeper into the essence of consciousness. The colors grew more vibrant, the narratives more intricate, symbolizing an expansion not just in technique but in thought. Now, my style doesn't just create worlds; it breathes life into new versions of consciousness, offering viewers a lens to witness life from a vantage point that dances on the edge of imagination and reality. It's a style that continually evolves, as boundless as the minds it seeks to inspire.

How do you choose the subjects of your paintings? And what is your creative process like?

The selection of subjects for my paintings is deeply rooted in the observation of everyday, seemingly mundane moments, especially those where individuals are engulfed in the rush of daily life, almost in a trance-like state, disconnected from the present. It is within these ordinary scenarios, often overlooked and underappreciated, where I find my inspiration. My process begins with capturing these moments and mentally bookmarking them for their raw, unfiltered essence.
In the studio, my creative process transforms these snapshots of routine life into something far more profound. I meticulously reconstruct these scenes, infusing them with heightened consciousness and clarity. This transformation involves altering perspectives, enriching colors, and adding symbolic elements, thereby elevating the ordinary to the extraordinary. My goal is to demonstrate that every mundane moment holds the potential for depth and significance.
The process is akin to waking these moments from a dream, guiding them from a state of subconscious routine into a realm of conscious awareness. By doing so, I aim to encourage viewers to rediscover and appreciate the profoundness hidden in their everyday lives. Each painting becomes a portal, offering a glimpse into how ordinary moments can be transformed into extraordinary visions when viewed through the lens of heightened consciousness. This approach not only enriches the artistic narrative of each piece but also invites viewers to engage in a deeper, more introspective interaction with the world around them.

Where do you find inspiration for your work? 

My inspiration, the very genesis of my artistic endeavors, is delicately anchored in a triad of profound elements: Life, Exploration, and Death. Each serves as a cornerstone, imbuing my work with depth and resonance.
Life, in its boundless spectrum of experiences and emotions, offers an inexhaustible wellspring of inspiration. It is in the vibrancy of existence, the tapestry of human interactions, emotions, and the subtle nuances of everyday life, that I find the colors and textures for my canvas. Life's dynamism and diversity allow me to capture its essence in myriad forms, constantly fueling my creative spirit.
Exploration, both of the external world and the internal landscapes of the mind acts as a catalyst for my creativity. It is through the lens of exploration that I delve into the unknown, unearthing new perspectives and ideas. This quest for understanding and discovery drives me to push the boundaries of conventional artistry, leading me to uncharted territories of expression.
Death, while often perceived as an end, serves as a powerful muse in my work. It is in the contemplation of mortality and the ephemeral nature of existence that I find a profound source of inspiration. Death reminds us of the finite nature of our time, urging a deeper appreciation and interpretation of life and existence in my art. It provides a poignant contrast to life, adding a layer of depth and introspection to my creations.
Together, these three elements – Life, Exploration, and Death – form a harmonious trinity that continuously nurtures and shapes my artistic journey, allowing me to craft works that are not only visually compelling but also rich in meaning and emotion.

What do you hope that the public takes away from your work?

In presenting my work to the public, my foremost aspiration is to bestow upon them a novel vision, an altered lens through which they may perceive the world. It is my intent that those who engage with my art depart with a renewed perspective, one that challenges their conventional views and opens new avenues of thought and understanding.
Moreover, my creations are meticulously designed to forge new connections within the viewer's mind. Each stroke, each hue, and each form is a deliberate choice intended to stimulate cognitive pathways and evoke a deeper level of contemplation. By intertwining the familiar with the surreal, I aim to spark a cognitive renaissance, encouraging the audience to draw unconventional correlations and see beyond the apparent.
The ultimate goal of my art is to serve not merely as a visual spectacle but as a conduit for intellectual and emotional enrichment. I strive to imbue the viewer with a sense of wonder and curiosity, to inspire them to question, explore, and connect with the world in ways they had not previously considered. In essence, my work is an invitation to embark on a journey of mental and emotional exploration, to discover new dimensions of thought and feeling, and to embrace a broader, more enriched understanding of existence.

What are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future in terms of new projects? 

Currently, my artistic endeavors are intricately interwoven with the realms of learning, engineering, technology, and science. This fusion represents not merely a synthesis of art and intellect but a bold foray into the future of creative expression. My current projects are at the vanguard of this interdisciplinary approach, harnessing the transformative power of these fields to redefine the boundaries of art.
In these works, learning and technology serve as both muse and medium, guiding my creative process and enabling me to explore new artistic frontiers. By integrating principles of engineering and scientific inquiry, I am able to craft pieces that are not just visually captivating but intellectually stimulating, inviting viewers to engage with art in a manner that is both experiential and contemplative.
Looking ahead, my plans are to further push the envelope of what art can be. The future projects I envision will be the culmination of this exploratory journey – a series of works that crystallize the learnings and insights garnered from this unique blend of art and science. The goal is to create art that not only represents the world as it is but also imagines what it could be. These future creations will aim to showcase the possibilities that emerge when art converges with other disciplines, ultimately revealing the potential outcomes and insights that such a synthesis can yield.
In essence, my future projects will not only reflect where I am as an artist today but also chart a course for where art can go tomorrow. They will be testaments to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, standing as beacons of innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of artistic expression.

Do you have any upcoming shows or collaborations you are looking forward to?

Indeed, the horizon of my artistic endeavors is marked by exhilarating prospects as I stand on the cusp of embarking upon a series of collaborations and exhibitions that promise to be as groundbreaking as they are enlightening. These collaborative efforts, involving luminaries from the fields of science, engineering, and philosophy, herald a new epoch in my creative journey.
The fusion of art with the precision of science and engineering is poised to unlock new dimensions of expression, where the boundaries of imagination are redefined by the laws of physics and the marvels of technology. The collaboration with scientists and engineers is not merely a partnership but a symbiotic melding of disciplines, creating a crucible where art and innovation coalesce to forge a visual language that speaks of the future.
In alliance with philosophers, the dialogue extends beyond the tangible, exploring existential themes and existential inquiries. These intellectual exchanges are set to imbue my work with a profound depth, weaving a tapestry of thought that challenges perceptions and provokes introspection.
The intrigue and anticipation surrounding these collaborations stem from the unknown alchemy that will result from such diverse interplays of knowledge and creativity. What will emerge from these synergies is a matter of keen anticipation – a series of works that promise to not only captivate the senses but also engage the intellect, challenging the audience to view the world through a prismatic lens of art, science, and philosophy.
These upcoming shows and collaborations are set to be more than mere exhibitions; they are destined to be a revelation, a showcase of what happens when disparate realms of knowledge converge through the medium of art. The anticipation surrounding these events is imbued with the promise of unveiling something unprecedented, a new artistic narrative that is as intellectually stimulating as it is visually compelling.

Finally, share something you would like the world to know about you.

In the grand tapestry of my being, I am profoundly woven from an extraordinary lineage - a rich heritage of economists, farmers, engineers, medics, scientists, warriors, and entrepreneurs. Each thread of this ancestral fabric has imparted its unique strength, wisdom, and resilience, shaping me into the individual I am today. Their indefatigable efforts and their unwavering dedication have been the bedrock upon which my life and achievements are built. I stand as a testament to their legacy, imbued with a deep sense of indebtedness to each of them for their life-long endeavors that have paved my path.
In this acknowledgment, I extend an earnest exhortation to the world: to remember and honor our roots. Our heritage is not merely a historical footnote but a beacon that guides our journey forward. It is in understanding and embracing where we come from that we can truly shape a future that is smarter, more comfortable, and harmonious. This call to remembrance is not just about looking back but about drawing strength and inspiration from our origins to forge ahead.
As we stand on the shoulders of the giants who came before us, let us commit to building a future that embodies the best of their values and visions. A future where our endeavors are not just for individual gain but for the collective good. Where innovation, empathy, and resilience are the cornerstones of our societal progress.
In closing, let this be a clarion call to each one of us: to strive towards our highest potential and to contribute to a world that is not just surviving but thriving. Let us do our utmost, for in the pursuit of our best selves lies the promise of a future that is not only brighter but also more equitable and fulfilling for all, and we have to do our Best.

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.