Artist in conversation: Garegin Protopopov
“Black color does not exist. It neither exists in the shadows, nor at night”
Garegin Protopopov, a Moscow-born artist was raised in a family of artists and architects. His artistic journey began at the Carl Faberge Lyceum of Decorative and Applied Arts where he trained to become a jeweler. Garegin's early career found him immersed in stained-glass studios, contributing to significant restoration projects like the Novoslobodskaya metro station's windows. His skills were not limited to glass; he also worked with mosaics, contributing to the restoration of the VDNKh Expo center pavilions and the St. Sava Cathedral in Belgrade, Serbia.
In 2023, Garegin shifted his focus towards painting, drawing on his deep knowledge of noble metals, stone, and colored glass. He established "Goldsmalt," a gold and colored smalt production company, further cementing his reputation as an accomplished artist.
Garegin’s art reflects his personal philosophy and exploration of self through connection with beauty. He perceives the world as a tapestry interwoven with colors and the gold of the Sun, rejecting the existence of black even in shadows or night. His work captures moments of profound beauty, showcasing perfect proportions, integrity, and infinite harmony.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
Since I was a child, I have been in the creative environment of my father – an honored monumental artist, among reproductions, sketches and of course among the canvases and aromas of oil paint.
The noble interiors - antique furniture, miniatures in gilded frames, art objects - influenced the formation of my aesthetic taste, which was later strengthened by acquaintance with the history of art, museums and numerous exhibitions.
I have always dreamed of working in colour. It has always attracted me and stirred my imagination, ever since I became acquainted with the work of the Impressionists.
I had a dream to reveal my relationship to colour through paint.
For many years I have been busy building a successful career as an entrepreneur in another field. Finally, I made up my mind...
I have moved.
A sense of freedom, peace and enjoyment of beauty filled me.
It became a powerful impulse to realise my dream.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
Black color does not exist. It neither exists in the shadows, nor at night.
In my personal philosophy, this world is “woven” of different colors and of the gold of the Sun.
My way of an artist is the one of a philosopher and an explorer: It is self-discovery through connection with the beauty of this World.
My art is born where my feelings reach their highest point, and therefore it is as honest as possible. Landscapes and their fragments, caught at the point of revealing their beauty, details, the essence of things, their design, fractal structure and the logic of lines reveal to me the world of perfect proportions, integrity and infinite harmony. It is a true state of rapture that I want to capture, and a lofty sentiment that I want to share.
Inspired by the colors and spirituality of Nicholas Roerich's works, I connect my art to the main aspects of the Russian cosmism philosophy. Freedom and spiritual space resonate strongly with me, which is why I feel drawn to large canvases: it is in them that I can convey a wide range of forms, shades, depth of space and impressions, as well as lay down the cosmic scale and mysterious grandeur of nature. The images seem to exist out of time, have no shadows and float in weightlessness, having no connection to the earthly.
My paintings seek to affect the senses of the viewer: the vision and color sense of peace, freedom and cosmos carry the life-affirming idea of renewal.
How do you find the balance between self-destruction and re-creation as a way to conscious Happiness?
Everything in this world has the capacity only for self-destruction and only living matter opposes and contributes to the reduction of entropy.
It is necessary to be able to notice inner conflicts, work through them and strive for spiritual growth and awareness.
Can you discuss a specific piece or project that challenged you as an artist, and how you overcome those challenges?
At the moment I am working on a series of paintings called 'Heaven's Ark'
And this is the challenge to realise it.
The state of floating between heaven and earth, creates a sense of timelessness and epitomises freedom of thought and expression, which is a conscious necessity.
Crystalline fractality is the embodiment of the idea of cosmism, new energies and worldviews that have the desire to find wholeness.
The Ark of Light is a conduit between heaven and earth, and each of its crystals is a knowledge, a projection of light and true sincere love for this world.
How do you stay connected with other artists and keep up with new developments and trends in the art world?
I visit exhibitions. I read the current art press.
I am a member of groups and communities where I get all the news and events happening in the art world.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
I take it very well, I think criticism is necessary. One is not able to look at oneself objectively. This always has a positive effect, as it gives an opportunity for development and inner growth.
As a result, it allows one to look at creativity from a different angle.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
My rich inner world, my beloved family, the infinitely beautiful planet Earth - contact with its nature and of course the energy of the Space helps me to cope. I have always been interested in the history of mankind, the history of a single person, namely unusual destinies and drama.
I am inspired by semantic and philosophical concepts that make me rethink seemingly simple things.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I think it is a great opportunity to share my art and build a dialogue with the audience in such relevant spaces and prestigious locations around the world.
Thank you for this opportunity.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
I seek to transform the World, and the follower of my philosophy, the adept of my art will be able to find and discover its beauty in it.
My goal is to create meaning and evoke emotion through visual marks and rich colour.
I plan to work on whole series of works that will reveal my current concept in solo exhibitions.