reflection (2021) Painting by Pavel Filin

Pavel Filin, a contemporary artist, was born in Zelenodolsk, Russia, and currently resides in Czechia. His artistic journey began in a small town on the Volga, where his early works predominantly featured landscapes. However, Filin always aspired to capture the essence of the human figure, exploring its movements and emotions within his art.

From the onset of his creative endeavors, Pavel immersed himself in the world of galleries and painting exhibitions. It was during this time that he encountered the works of Feshina, a moment that left an indelible impression on him. Filin was captivated by Feshina's ability to convey human emotions, creating harmonious compositions with a full spectrum of colors.

Recognizing that theoretical knowledge alone did not bring satisfaction to his work, Filin sought solutions to artistic challenges by rapidly developing his paintings. One of his distinctive approaches involved using a palette knife instead of brushes, a technique criticized by some for its departure from traditional methods. Yet, Pavel believed that true art lies not in mimicry but in capturing the individuality of the subject. He contended that a genuine likeness is achieved by correctly interpreting the unique traits of appearance rather than merely replicating them.

Delving into the study of human anatomy, Filin expanded his artistic repertoire to encompass portraits, figures, landscapes, and still lifes. He adopted a conviction that painting, as a visual art form, requires no literary interpretation but should evoke emotions directly. The primary motivation for his work was the pursuit of feeling, allowing the canvas to unfold as an extension of his emotions and perceptions.

In Filin's artistic process, each creation mirrors the reality that surrounds him, offering continual discoveries and self-reflection. While flaws are acknowledged, he emphasizes that an artist must confront both successes and failures without hiding behind words. The success of a work, in Filin's view, rests solely on the artist's commitment and vision.

Sometimes, the initial plot of a painting may transform or merge with another, guided by a deep understanding of composition and color. The choice of hues plays a pivotal role for Filin, defining the essence of his future paintings. His creative process involves translating the envisioned composition onto the canvas in black and white before finalizing the color palette.

For Pavel Filin, painting is an exploration of the self and the world, a continuous journey of discovery where each stroke on the canvas is a reflection of his emotions, perceptions, and unwavering commitment to the genuine expression of art.

• Nationality: RUSSIA
• Date of birth : 1964
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Russian Contemporary Artists