10 Questions with Aleksandra de Pan
"Aleksandra is in front of the canvas. She observes it, in her size and emptiness. She begins, without a well-defined idea, to paint, guided by her own affinity and sensitivity and always listening to her heart, gradually completing her opera." - in this sequence, there is one of the most characteristic acts of the artist Aleksandra de Pan, whose passion for art and painting was born from a very young age.
Aleksandra de Pan is a painter of Russian origin currently living in Italy (Florence), which, thanks to its landmark art, culture, and nature, contributed to the further development of her artistic vein. Today, she has received several recognitions from some of the sector's leading critics and has showcased her works at a number of exhibitions, both domestically as well as internationally. From an educational perspective, although Aleksandra gained a degree in another subject for 3 years, she read at the Institute of Design in Moscow, where she gained the basic knowledge of academic painting.
Her style converges elements of surrealism and expressionism, whilst her approach to painting mirrors the "high Renaissance" instinct of following what is dictated by her heart. The result is unique works, heirs of the twentieth-century tradition of conceptual painting, an art full of hidden meanings, which challenges the observer to investigate the unknown. Mirror of her own personality, Aleksandra de Pan is constantly looking for stimuli that lead her to experiment with new techniques and styles in her works.
Aleksandra de Pan - Portrait
ARTIST STATEMENT
“Art is life, and as such, I will never decouple from it! I’m expressing my emotions through my works. Art is a way of using my imagination when I paint, as well as in every small moment when I enjoy what surrounds me, from nature to people and their creations, in an extremely interconnected way. Creation is an absolute necessity that makes you forget everything else. Art evokes emotions, and emotions make you feel alive, so here, the circle is closed.
With regard to the creative process, after getting a rough idea of what I would like to create, I start painting, guided by my own affinity and sensitivity and always listening to the inner senses, gradually completing my opera. In most cases, the final result is different from the initial idea. Guided by my instinct, I feel when the opera is completed, that is how it’s supposed to be.
Every painting I have created is highly connected to the state of my soul. This connection gives a chance to reflect, think about fundamental questions, such as those about existence, reason, knowledge, values and etc.” - Aleksandra de Pan
Essence, acrylic on canvas, 100х70 cm, 2022 © Aleksandra de Pan
INTERVIEW
First of all, tell our readers a little bit about you. Who are you, and how did you start experimenting with images?
I am a Russian-origin, Italy-based painter, with a strong passion for art and painting that was born to me at a very young age. In my home city of Moscow, when I studied costume design, I was learning how to draw and paint – which, many years later, has now led me to pursue painting as a serious professional career. I ended up moving to Italy (Florence), where I recognized in the Renaissance heritage a sense of profound affinity with my own artistic feeling and affection.
What is your personal aim as an artist?
My artworks live through specific values, such as a spiritual journey, senses, and feelings. Each opera has its own well-defined, unique message; they all lay around energy, power of mind, spiritual realization, visible and invisible connections between different dimensions.
Amore-and-Psiche, acrylic on canvas, 80x80 cm, 2023 © Aleksandra de Pan
Can you tell us about the process of creating your work? What aspect of your work do you pay particular attention to?
In my style converge elements of surrealism and expressionism, whilst my approach to painting mirrors the "High Renaissance" instinct when art was perceived as one of the most powerful means to know oneself and own nature. My art can be defined as intuitive creativity, where the creative process follows the flow, within which I disconnect from the material world but with a very precise knowledge of what is happening inside me.
Let's talk about your color palette and techniques. Do you have recurring colors in your work? And what are your preferred techniques for your work?
I have indeed some favorite colors that I use in my art, such as light blue, purple, and gold. For me, the use of color is instinctive, and the choice of tones follows harmony. Sometimes, I use brushes, sometimes a roller or spatula for a more material effect, but, as per my art as a whole, the choices are always dictated by instinct. The same goes for the themes I deal with in my works, which always follow a spiritual line, aiming at introspection and linking up with the energies naturally present in me and in the universe.
Did you experiment with anything new recently? Or is there anything you want to try in the future?
I am working on developing a series of sculptures that take shape from my own paintings. It's a dynamic process that I have been contemplating since last year, in continuous evolution, with the first sculpture potentially being revealed at my solo exhibition in April of this year.
Eternal Melody, Orpheus, Eurydice, acrylic on canvas, 80x80 cm, 2023 © Aleksandra de Pan
You mention being inspired by surrealism and expressionism. Is there any artist you particularly look up to when creating your work?
I am inspired by surrealism; however, I can not really name any specific artist that influenced me, but I can say that I admire iconic artists belonging to this style like Salvator Dali, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Rene Magritte, and the Renaissance period - Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli.
What is your favorite experience as an artist so far?
Although I have been painting since a very early age, art for me became a professional career a few years ago. Professionally so far, one of the most satisfying experiences has been taking part in an international art expo with thousands of visitors, during which I had the chance to present my art and not only receive astonishingly positive feedback but also share experiences, ideas and visions with other fellow artists from all over the world.
Awaking, acrylic on canvas, 50x70 cm, 2020 © Aleksandra de Pan
What are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future? Anything exciting you can tell us about?
I am currently working on a series of artworks that will be presented at my Solo exhibition, scheduled to take place in April 2024 at Brancacci Art Gallery in Florence. The exhibition, called "Eternal Melody," will comprise paintings drawn from mythological inspiration focusing on the infinite love between the souls and exploring the themes of mythology as well as the concept of spiritual growth and interpretation of life, recurring spheres in my art. The exhibition will include some performances which we are currently defining. We are also working on a mini movie focusing on my artistic path so far, and together with a well-known curator, I am working on the writing of a book.
What is one lesson you learnt from this past year? And how did it help you further develop your art?
My curiosity leads me to constantly explore new perspectives and elements and focus on new aspects every day, even the smallest in life. In that respect, I continuously evolve, and so does my art with me. A life-learning process that never stops and that enriches our lives spontaneously.
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.
