Alexander Solotzew

Alexander Solotzew, a luminary in the contemporary art scene, is celebrated not only for his vibrant and profound artworks but also for his unique philosophy towards life and art. His journey is one of continuous exploration, seeking a deeper understanding that goes beyond the tangible world. Solotzew’s narrative is richly woven with threads of passion, love, heritage, and an insatiable quest for artistic enlightenment.

Born into the cultural richness of Kaliningrad, Russia, in 1957, Solotzew was predestined for an artist's life, a path that was illuminated early on by his father, an artist and professor who recognized and nurtured his burgeoning talent. From the tender age of 10, Solotzew embarked on a lifelong journey of artistic discovery, leading him to the prestigious Moscow Academic Art Lyceum and the Tambov Art College, where he began to lay the foundations of his unique creative voice.

Solotzew's commitment to his art was further honed at the St. Petersburg State Academy of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture. Despite migrating to East Germany and later to Landau in der Pfalz, Germany, his artwork retained deep-seated connections to his Russian heritage while embracing avant-garde and cubism-inspired techniques. This period marked a significant turning point in his career, as his innovative oil paintings began to capture the art world's attention, leading to national and soon international recognition and establishing a solid reputation among private collectors and gallery owners.

The move to Florida opened a new chapter in Solotzew's personal and professional life, notably through his partnership with Marina, a retired real estate professional who became his muse, manager, and translator. This partnership, founded on an immediate and profound connection, has been a cornerstone of Solotzew's art and life, underscoring the vital role of love and support in the artistic journey.

Solotzew's philosophy that "the artist never retires. He always works all the way until he dies" reflects his dedication to a life of artistic pursuit and evolution. He believes that the prime of an artist's career is marked by an epiphany of something beyond oneself, a universal and ageless insight into the essence of existence, hence why his artwork is valued for its emotional resonance, not just monetary value.

His art transcends mere visual aesthetics, serving as a medium for exploring the soul and engaging in a higher dialogue. Solotzew’s artistic preferences, favoring Matisse and Chagall over Dali and Picasso, are influenced not only by their artistic prowess but also by their personal integrity and the essence of their character. Alexander’s paintings are a form of escapism that synthesizes his own reality, created through a non-linear and spontaneous process.

Art, for Solotzew, is akin to a vital force, an addiction that occupies his every thought and action. His creative process, described by Marina as akin to a gestational period, underscores his deep immersion in his work, where he exists in a realm consumed by the vision of his unfolding creations.

Alexander doesn’t sketch his work on paper. Rather, he imagines a narrative story in his mind and then takes it to the canvas. His work, previously described as non-linear, in fact, is circulatory, in which the movement of the background in complement with the characters is strategically placed to create a compositional spiral. Alexander uses color and movement to create energy and connection in his work.

The auditory backdrop of Jimi Hendrix, Mozart, Bjork, and Tom Waits during his creative sessions reflects the complexity of his artistry, with each note and melody harmonizing with the rhythm of his brushstrokes. This synergy between music and painting highlights Solotzew’s holistic approach to art, where every element is interconnected.

Alexander’s paintings feature both real and imagined landscapes, cities, and skylines that invite viewers to enter a 3D space. In fact, he creates paintings inspired by these different locations, and more often than not, there is no clear explanation for the connections between them. The characters and compositional elements are not just imagined but based on real-life circus performers and their stories, using vibrant colors to convey their beauty and resilience.

During a visit to New York, Alexander was inspired by seeing his friend's granddaughter, Mimi, attempting to wear her mother's oversized shoes, embodying her desire to mature quickly. This led to the creation of the painting Mimi in New York, depicting Mimi in Times Square amidst adults dressed as various characters symbolizing human vices, including a Mickey Mouse offering wine for temptation, a Transformer as societal control, and a Naked Cowboy as a faux musician, with a Lady painted in the American flag. Despite the surrounding temptations, Mimi, holding a Guardian Angel puppet for protection and a small Sun symbolizing her childhood universe, looks out with innocence and sadness. The direction of her mother's shoes towards the crowd hints at her inevitable growth into adulthood and integration into the world's complexities.

A forthcoming highlight in Solotzew’s career is his plan to paint over a brick from the Berlin Wall at Art Ovation, symbolizing his life’s journey and the transformative power of art to bridge divides. This act epitomizes Solotzew's belief in the process of creation, the dialogue between the artist and canvas, and the ultimate connection with the audience.

Alexander and Marina both believe that his inspiration comes from angelic enlightenment, researching and painting based on triggers and themes. Alexander’s ability to paint people’s thoughts and

Solotzew's work is imbued with the philosophy that love holds the world together, a theme that resonates through his exploration of political landscapes, religious nuances, and the joy of dance. His ability to elicit a wide range of emotions underscores his mastery of the medium and a profound understanding of the human condition.

Alexander Solotzew’s life and work stand as a beacon to aspiring artists, a reminder that art is not merely about creating beauty but about the relentless pursuit of a deeper understanding of our world and our place within it. His journey from the cultural heart of Russia to the vibrant studios of Florida encapsulates a narrative of growth, discovery, and an unending dialogue between the artist and the universe, ever-evolving and eternally inspiring.

Check out Alexander’s virtual gallery here .

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