Marat's Artistic Journey: From Abstract to Geometry
Original Oil Painting on Canvas
Marat is an artist in perpetual evolution. His works serve as a visual diary, capturing the essence of his personal and professional growth over the years. Through his exploration of diverse styles and techniques, Marat communicates emotions, thoughts, and cultural influences. Each chapter of his artistic journey symbolizes not only a shift in visual expression but also an evolution in his painting methods and overall approach to art.
The Early Years: Naive-Expressive Abstraction
Marat's artistic odyssey began in the late 1980s in Almaty, Kazakhstan. As one of the founders of the underground abstract movement in Kazakhstan, he embraced a style that could be described as naive-expressive. His early works, primarily large oil paintings on canvas, were marked by bold colors and sweeping brushstrokes that exuded vibrancy and energy. Beneath the abstraction, however, lay hints of figures, architectural elements, and natural motifs.
Parallel to his work on canvas, Marat delved into intricate pen-and-paper compositions. These pieces, filled with minute details, invited prolonged contemplation and demonstrated his versatility as an artist.
A New Chapter: Transition to Israel
Marat’s relocation to Israel in the 1990s marked a turning point in his artistic expression. The vibrant Mediterranean climate and rich cultural tapestry influenced not only his color palette but also his techniques. His expressive brushstrokes gave way to meticulous palette knife work, resulting in textured, layered compositions. Shapes and colors began to harmonize dynamically, with figures blending seamlessly into the canvas, creating a sense of perpetual movement.
Reflecting on the relationship between art and its audience, Marat emphasizes that viewers often seek familiar shapes in abstract works. However, he believes the essence of abstract art lies in liberating the mind from predefined notions, inviting viewers into a world of raw emotions and unfiltered thoughts. In his creative process, Marat enters a meditative state, allowing his compositions to emerge organically, almost as if guided by intuition.
Cézanne's Influence and a Harmonious Palette
The early 2000s heralded another shift in Marat’s work. His palette darkened, and his compositions achieved a newfound harmony. Inspired by the techniques of Paul Cézanne, Marat embraced a subtler approach. The bold brushstrokes of his earlier years softened, giving way to tones that evoked serenity and introspection.
Geometry and Surreal Worlds
In the years following 2010, Marat’s art took on a more geometric form. Lines and shapes became more defined, merging seamlessly to create structured compositions. His color palette also evolved, favoring muted tones of blue, gray, and green-blue, which imbued his works with a sense of tranquility. Within these geometric frameworks, dreamlike landscapes emerged, transporting viewers to surreal and imaginative realms.
A Lasting Impression
Marat’s paintings often evoke a sense of familiarity, as if they contain echoes of tangible forms. Yet, they simultaneously invite viewers to connect on a deeper, emotional level, often without understanding precisely why they feel drawn to them.
Marat aspires for his works to resonate with viewers over time, allowing the emotions they evoke to linger and grow, becoming a lasting source of inspiration and connection.