Aleksei Rumanietsev
Russia
Aleksei Rumiantsev is a Russian mixed media artist whose work delves into the profound shifts of identity and the human psyche. Rejecting premeditated narratives, he allows subconscious imagery to emerge organically on canvas, expressed through sharp lines, abstract forms, and vivid allegories. His art captures the tension of inner transformation, reflecting personal experiences and emotions that transcend words.
Exhibited at prestigious international art fairs and galleries across Europe, the USA, and Asia, Rumiantsev’s evocative creations resonate globally and are featured in private collections worldwide, cementing his reputation as a compelling voice in contemporary art.
Artist Interview
Q: What draws you to monochromatic expression, and how does it enhance the themes of transformation and emotional depth?
A: Definitely, monochromatic expression is a defining element of my art. I am drawn to black and white not just as colors, but as pure energy. In ancient Chinese philosophy, Ba-Gua, white symbolizes vital energy, the essence of earth and life itself. Black, paradoxically, is the ultimate concentration of light — it represents the void, the unknown, the divine presence, the air we breathe. It embodies the very nature from which we are formed, a reminder of our spiritual origin that we often fear to confront.
Laozi once wrote: “It is empty, and therefore indestructible. It is ever-changing, and thus unparalleled in its manifestations.” In my art, the interplay of black and white mirrors the duality of existence—life and light, presence and absence. It strips away the distractions, allowing the viewers to see their true selves beyond the frozen images of the ideal personality we try to be. Through this stark contrast, I emphasize the nature of inevitable profound transformation that have already started in a modern person and help them see, accept and embrace this process.
Q: Your art focuses on human transformation in the contemporary world. What are some periods of transformation that have been crucial in your creative journey?
A: For many years, I was a conceptual artist, crafting in-depth theoretical texts and constructing large-scale installations from scaffolding and paper, often integrating them with emerging technologies. My art revolved around digital transformation and its influence on human behavior. However, the key shift in my artistic journey occurred when I unexpectedly suffered a severe injury that left me blind in one eye. This traumatic event fundamentally altered my perspective — not just physically, but creatively and emotionally. It compelled me to turn inward and experience transformation on a deeply personal level. Previously, I had explored these processes only on a theoretical level, but now I was living them. I became acutely aware how suppressed emotions and subconscious imagery surfaced within me. This introspection, combined with a series of inexplicable mystical events surrounding my injury, led me to develop my artistic approach, Affective Realism. Through this style, I bring these emotions to the surface of a canvas.