Interview with the artist of the week -
Sergey Dergun
( http://dergunsk.smyart.com )

When did you start to be interested in art? Why did you choose to draw?

As I recall, in the ninth grade. I have interest in reproductions of paintings by artists from the then popular magazine in the USSR "Spark". True, even earlier, in a class of 4, I saw how the artist painted a wall in a sanatorium, portraying the white wall a birch grove, lighted by the sun. It seemed a miracle.

Do you remember your first artwork, what was it like?

My first work I remember, but it's certainly not a work of art. It was a still life of what was in the kitchen (a frying pan, onion, something else). As primed canvas, then I do not know why he wrote in oils directly on the cardboard. My first picture I think was my thesis - spring landscape, it is under the strong influence of the Impressionists.

What are your favourite topics and why? Is there anything you would not depict?

My favorite theme now - is the transfer of space in geometric abstraction, creating optical illusions. I do not do what I'm not interested in. At the moment I'm not interested to draw genre pictures.

How education has influenced your creativity and changed your professional way?

Education has given the necessary instrument and allowed to be free to express our ideas. But the main thing - it's self, working in a workshop, visiting exhibitions and museums, socializing with colleagues. Much work has given me a teacher. Teaching students myself.

Do you think that nationality has its place in art?

I'm not sure if correctly understood the question. The artist - a man of the world. The fewer barriers, the better.

From which authors do you get inspiration?

The list will be very long: someone like the light, someone form, etc. Of course there are idols: Filonov, Vazarelli ...

What, do you think is the place of visual arts in today's life? Do you think art can influence the public life?

On human influences for sure. It happened to me. As for social life - probably yes, especially in crucial moments. It is no accident for the exhibition of "free" art in the 80's were huge queues (for example, the famous exhibition at the Little Georgian in Moscow). It was a breath of fresh air in a stagnant time.

Which books are you reading lately?

Those that I recommend my friends. Most of the innovations keep busy. Now I'm interested in our recent past. I like when this is done without excessive politicization, with humor, irony, such as a Dovlatov, Rubin.

Are there any projects you are working on at the moment?

I'm always working on some project. Now preparing a new solo exhibition in St. Petersburg.

How do you see your future?

Difficult question. I think little will change. My future - at the easel.

Would you say in one sentence what is the art for you?

The meaning of life.