ART, WHATEVER IT TAKES
Since the early pandemic in 2020, Rome Art Program has conducted a series of interviews, “Art, Whatever It Takes.”
Artists, Art Critics, and Art Historians living in Italy, the U.S., and U.K., share their insights during these powerful times.
Interview with Boris Minkovsky
Boris Minkovsky creates contemporary work that is deeply rooted in the history of abstraction. He received his MFA in art and architecture from the Novosibirsk State University, Russia. He has exhibited widely: Museum Ludwig-Germany; Usher Gallery-Germany; Grammer Gallery-Germany; Sculpture Museum-Germany, Worpswede Museum of Art-Germany, BAM Art Gallery-New Jersey City.
Since 2008 he has been professor at FIT-New York.
RAP: What is your definition of “art” today?
Boris Minkovsky: Art has always been a mirror of what is happening; it challenged conventions and refuted assumptions. It’s no difference now. Art takes many forms; it’s reflects the time we live in.
RAP: Art is dynamic and regenerates itself… how does it change, and how did it change us?
Boris: Engaging with art is not simply a solitary event. It is not that we agree about the experience that we share, but that we consider it worthwhile sharing an experience at all.
RAP: When (and how) did you understand that art was becoming very important in your life?
Boris: When I was about 12 years old, I lived a rich inner life. I spent hours drawing to express some very personal stories. From that time on, it became an obsession.
RAP: What role does art play today? What are the “great figures” who have recently changed it? Do you feel close to any of these figures?
Boris: In my view, today art is in a very difficult state. The war in Ukraine, economical instability around the world getting more attention pushing arts and culture suffer. GERHARD RICHTER, AI WEIWEI considered by many to be the greatest artists alive today, changed course a number of times throughout career; a versatility, humanity that has only furthered the reputation. This is something great that happened in spite of all the chaos in the world.
RAP: Are there still traditional figures such as collectors, muses, mecenate and patrons, in today’s art and society interaction model?
Boris: Considering how patronage has changed and adapted throughout history and understanding the influence it has, not only allows a deeper understanding of the art world but also the world’s culture. Today art world is in confusion and moving in new directions, but they are not yet established.
RAP: How have the new technologies and media culture changed art today, improving or worsening it…? What do you feel are your biggest challenges?
Boris: Art institutions increasingly embrace new media for the display, promotion and conservation of their collections. I think that new technologies are welcome, but they can’t change the perception of the way we reflect the reality. I see the challenges in mixing up technology with understanding of the Art.
RAP: Art as a mirror of man, in this moment of emergency seems to be shattered …what do these fragments reflect now?… Shadow or light of the moment?
Boris: Good times or bad times, shadow or light, are always present in our lives. We might be able to spot certain instances in which art affects cultural trends in a significant way, but it always goes the other way around too.
RAP: Understanding, interpreting, and then possibly judging the work of art; which is the right path when we are in front of a piece of art?
Boris: In my view, most important how personal the expression is, how much energy has the voice, is it convincing or not? All my real constructive experience with people was about good or not good. It’s very important. It almost has moral connotations of good and evil.
RAP: Which is the real role of Academies and Art schools today? What can artists learn from these institutions today?
Boris: The transformative experience is what art and art schools are constantly seeking. As an Art educator for more then 3 decades I may say that most important is to teach students thinking individual way. They have to learn how to be personal and honest.
RAP: Art too has undergone a complex process of globalization; can having an authentic and genuine style be an advantage or a drag for an artist?
Boris: I think that globalization gave us more understanding how important our personal voice and vocabulary are. Art mirrors personal views on everything happens around, but in need of positive reflection. It has to be light in any expression that gives us natural way to be secure and independent.
RAP: How do Art Galleries and Museums position themselves today, and, in your opinion, how should they?
Boris: Unfortunately, all art institutions are very conservative, commercially dependent. They reflect only formal directions. I think they need to be more proactive and open to the reality.
RAP: “Figuration” vs “Abstraction”. Which of the two is better descriptive of the period we live in? Which one will have a better future?
Boris: That’s a very difficult question, but they are really different, the figurative and the abstract. To complete the picture and say: “This is finished, this is good,” we use the same criterion, both in abstract and realistic paintings. Both have specific expressive meanings. In that sense, they do not compete with each other.
RAP: Today we often speak of “emerging artists”; what advice based on your experience do you feel you can give to young artists?
Boris: Everyone’s path is different. Hold on to your beliefs, take your time, be true to yourself, and seize opportunities on your path. Keep working.
RAP: Art as a lens for reading the present, can it modify the space and time we pass through? …will art save us?
Boris: Art can change the way we perceive the world. I don’t think art can change the processes we go through or “save” us. But art can become a mirror in which we can better see ourselves and understand what depends on us.
@minkovskijboris