Interview With A London Based Russian Artist - Rinat Shingareev With A Gallery Of His Pop Iconographic Works

Hi Renat, please tell us briefly about yourself

My art education career began in Russia, where I finished a fine arts school and took a multitude of courses from interior design to web design. Those years also involved a lot of gallery shows of my paintings. Later on, I continued my education in Italy, where I finished the Fine Art Academy with honors. My works have been exhibited in group shows through out Italy, Germany and Austria and I’ve appeared in many Italian magazines. My paintings are done with oils on canvas. 

Tell us about your childhood. What was it like growing up in Russia?

I grew up in a small provincial town of Russia. It was a special place for me with its tranquil atmosphere. Probably my family, my childhood friends, experiences and education that I gained not only from my school but also from the streets that contributed greatly to form my personality and who I am as an artist. For many years I was actively involved in different types of sports which helped me to develop willpower, a sence of responsibility and discipline. Years of my childhood were full of magical and special moments and excitements that inspire me even now. Those years taught me to work responsibly and provoked my desire to reach the highest levels in all my endeavors.

At what age did you start to explore your artistic abilities? When did you realize that you wanted to be an artist?

At the age of four I drew my favourite heroes of comics, I guess that was my first time attempts to be creative. I always had that overwelming urge to draw and create something new and explore my artistic abilities. I was six years old when I began studying at art school and from those early years I came to understand that art was the driving power and meaning of my life.

I realized at a very yearly stage of my life that only through my painting I am able to communicate completely my thoughts, tell about myself, things that surround and inspire me and the times I am living in. I see myself being an artist as a destined fate, and that was pretty much clear to me from the moment I first picked up a brush and applied my first lines to the canvas. “What's meant for you, won't pass you by” - the saying applies to me perfectly!

Do your parents support your artisitc inspirations? Is there anyone else in your family that is artistically inclined?

My father was an architect and could paint perfectly. I guess from him I got my artistic abilities.

My mother has  always been near me in all my artistic adventures and supported all my art projects. She has invested tremendous amount of time and effort in promoting my art too. Her support means a lot to me and I will always be very grateful for that! 

What were your interests and what types of work were you producing while studying at the fine art academy?

During those years I did many painted works mainly with acrylic paints which is less convenient than oil, but  has some advantages. Besides of that I studied photography, prints, industrial design and interior design.  

How did you become evolved into your current style?

Everything happened very spontaneously. Instead of boring and classical tonalities, I began to use bright and rich colors. It seemed to me very intriguing and interesting. I love constantly experimenting with new techniques and methods and I try not to stand at one place. This aproach helps me to continually find new and original ideas and forms my style as an artist. 

Pop-art Iconography by Rinat Shingareev

Click an image to view gallery

Tell us about your paintings,  what message are you trying to send through your art?

I believe in the idea that my art should bring only positive emotions. I see myself as an observer who comments on things that surrounds us and as an artist who is able to turn a mix of saturated colors, unusual situations and familiar personalities into pop-art iconography. This brings about the success of my work. Many of my paintings portray personalities and faces that we meet only though newspapers, magazines, on-line, TV screens or on the radio. In my paintings I invite you - viewers to look at these unapproachable personalities from a different point of view, one which reveals more of their human qualities. Also I just wanted to mention that I have nothing but respect for the personalities in my paintings, and that I do not render political beliefs through my work.

What is the most important element of your paintings - is it your subjects or is it your vision, idea and concepts?

Both subjects and ideas which I want to transfer In my works are very important for me. Conneting the subject with the idea is the most basic formula which leads to the success of my paintings in featuring my vision and concept.

What has influenced your use of color?

The desire to convey to people only positive emotions and change the world for the better.

Explain your thought process while making your paintings.

It can take a minimum amount of time from idea to the realization of this idea on a canvas. It happens spontaneously as usual.  I try to adapt the most convenient form for me which seems new and interesting. I carefully process the selected material, using different variations in dozens of sketches and only after my realization is clear I start to put it on a canvas. In my work, I focus my attention to both the idea and the technical part, because of this the process of work takes me a lot of time. 

How many hours a day do you create?

I am engaged in painting 7 days a week for 6-8 hours per day.

What's the best and worst parts of being a full time artist?

I'm in love with art. This is my life. I am totally immersed in every new idea and project that concerns my artisitc work. Every time I try to grasp the highist levels and new possibilities in my paintings. All this I see as being good and it is hard for me to think of anything which wouldn't be pleasant to me when I create.  

Why do you feel the need to create?

You can try a thousand things, but you’ll always know what it is your heart really wants. A connection between me and the public is very important for me. Art is the most universal means of communication, uniting in itself of absolutely different people who are living in different parts of the world and speaking different languages. It is the unique mechanism allowing you completely to realize the ideas, no matter how difficult they might seem.

What does art give back to you?

Unique opportunity to express myself  as an artist and positive feedback from people regarding my art are the biggest awards for my creative efforts.

Are you a romantic?

I am romantic in a way that I believe in miracles and that one day dreams come true with some help of perseverance. I believe that many things that seem impossible at first is possible. However, I may disappoint some by saying that I do not believe in the power of love.

Oh Rinat, you certainly disappoint me by saying that. Does your own life experience play a role in your imagery?

Yes, of course, experience plays a big role in the vision of my art. 

What are your artistic goals?

I want to introduce my art all over the world and become THE BEST ARTIST ALIVE.

Are you artistically satisfied with yourself?

I would say that -Yes, I’m very satisfied with myself , however I am only at the beginning of my long way as an artist, and loking forward to new ideas, project, goals and achievements in the future. 

Who are some artists that are currently producing work that you like?

There are a lot of talented living artists although I would like to highlight the work of artist Banksy.

If you could study under any artist who has ever lived, who would it be?

This is a very interesting question! Maybe I would like to see inside of all the genius and madness of Dali. Maybe I would want to know all the nuances of the business of the art world from Warhol. And maybe I would like to work on a joint project with Banksy.

If you could be any other artist for one day who would it be?

Of course, I would like to be Jasper Johns for one day. I would be very glad to live that day when he has sold for the first time his work for one million dollars! :-)

What is the hardest thing about being an artist?

Always to be ahead of all others. Continuously transforming a simple thing into a genius. Continuously to amaze not only the audience but also myself. This is the most interesting and complex thing about the artist.

Do you have to focus on your exhibitions and commissions while you are creating your work or do you try to ignore your schedule to allow your work to develop freely?

At the moment I have a large number of orders, but I have little time and I have to defer work on a personal exhibition. I work with professionals who are engaged in all aspects of the business part and this helps me to cope with the pressure of the commercial side of being an artist.

What makes an artist an artist?

Only the total concentration, constant work on itself, undivided commitment to art together with talent and passion makes an artist an artist. 

What is the importance of art?

The opportunity to transmit knowledge and values into the ideas for all subsequent generations. 

How do you feel about people’s reaction to your work?

I am always very glad to hear people's opinions, as well as various interpretations and versions on my art. My art is like a puzzle that has many answers.

As an artist what do you try to communicate to those that view your art?

I try to convey to the people only the most positive emotions. I propose to look at familiar things from a different point of view.

How does, or should, the word passion relate to an artist?

Perhaps, the passion - is the soul, which transforms a pure canvas in a work of art. It’s a driving power that forces you to live your art 24 hours a day. That's something that separates genius from incompetence.

Is there enything else you would like to share with us?

Most recently, I started writing an autobiographical book. This is a new experience for me, which I like and enjoy very much. Also I have been working for some years with the young and talented DJ and producer, and very soon we will be releasing his debut album. Also before the end of the year, I wanted to shoot my first short film.

To learn more about  a London based Russian Artist - Rinat Shingareev  and his Pop Iconographic Art please visit his Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/thebestartistalive