Andrey Shatilov. Social studies

Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art presents an exhibition by Andrey Shatilov, who in his works addresses social and nostalgic themes in a fabulous-surrealistic performance

• Topical, “life” paintings that have already found many fans on the Internet
• Author’s technique, supplemented with applications from newspapers and magazines, which emphasizes the essence of the image
• Artist-musician, drummer and music lover, which is reflected in his paintings

While still a teenager, Andrei Shatilov not only drew, but also enthusiastically played the drums in musical groups created together with friends to the delight of the neighbors of his native five-story building. Thus, from his passion for drawing and music, his own, closed, idealized world was formed, says the artist. This is reflected in his works today: no matter how serious and difficult the themes of the paintings may be, his painting always carries an element of fabulousness and surrealism.

Viewers rightly call Andrei Shatilov’s works “vital”; with their topicality, they resonate in the minds of people. His paintings have long found their fans on the Internet. Many will recognize the painting “Moscow Prayer” presented at the exhibition, where the metro map becomes the halo of a tired contemporary woman.

The idea is most important for the author. It gestates for several weeks - and if it is not forgotten, it becomes a plot, which, already thought out to the smallest detail, is embodied on canvas. The artist constantly addresses social topics, which brings him closer to the Itinerants, who are related to him with their humanistic message. In the second half of the 19th century, the Peredvizhniki turned in their painting to contemporary reality and problems - this line in art is continued by Andrei Shatilov in his own way today.

Andrey Shatilov developed his own App technology. Art (where App is short for application). These are fragments of newspapers and magazines torn by hand, when the text necessarily emphasizes the essence of the image. Also App. He introduces art into the traditional technique of “oil on canvas”, as, for example, in the painting “Let’s go! (We’re taking you with us)." According to the author, children, following someone, drag the broken statue of Gagarin for restoration. In the background are houses made using App technology. Art, which at the same time represent slogans emphasizing the meaning of the picture. Children are forced to grow up against the backdrop of “elders” who start a snowball war and, like Sisyphus, mindlessly roll a giant snow globe.

In the film “Beadles,” the author connects legendary musicians with Russian realities, as well as with his own childhood. His passion for music began with hearing the Beatles song “A Hard Day’s Night” on a record.

The theme of adult children and their collision with modern reality is the leitmotif of the artist’s paintings, which are characterized by stories and plots where every detail is meaningful and non-random. The exhibition presents only a small part of Andrei Shatilov’s works. He is in demand and actively paints new paintings while continuing to play the drums.

about the author

Andrey Shatilov was born in 1987 in the city of Akhtubinsk, Astrakhan region. In 2006 he graduated from the Astrakhan Art School. P. A. Vlasova, and in 2012 - the Faculty of Graphic Design of the Volgograd State Pedagogical University. Author-winner of the Erarta Prize - 2023.

Andrey Shatilov at the Gallerix Art Club