Inspirations — Sergei Sviatchenko
We have been following the very talented Sergei Sviatchenko, born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, and now based in Denmark, since he stepped into the limelight about five years ago. This starting point was the foundation of Close Up and Private in 2009, Sergei’s online art project in which he shared his collage-like photographic vision on style. The project quickly rose to fame due to both the unique aesthetic he created and Sergei’s impeccable personal style.
Building on the foundation of Close Up and Private, Sergei recently decided to take his endeavors a step further with a new concept that features continuing collaborations with an international range of heritage brands and skilled craftsmen. Named Private Classicist, the new project aims to create a solid range of classic menswear items that push the boundaries of current minimalist fashion, all while championing the classic style that Sergei himself embodies through his work.
Having been highly inspired by Sergei for all these years, today we’re excited to share some of the questions we asked him to learn more about what inspires a master like him.
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Please introduce yourself.
Sergei Sviatchenko, an artist.
Who is the most inspiring person in history and why?
Le Corbusier, because he was so diverse and holistic at the same time.
Who is the most inspiring person in your life and why?
Andrei Tarkovsky. Probably because he could ask not to stay on the grass before shooting tomorrow or use documental footage as an illustration of emotions.
Who do you consider the most inspiring photographer?
And the photograph that will always stay in your mind?
Arnold Newman’s portrait of Igor Stravinsky in 1946.
Who for you is the most inspiring artist?
Marcel Duchamp – his concept removing objects from their ordinary context is genius and useful.
And what is the most inspiring music?
The Beatles!
The thing you never go without?
My watch and blood glucose measurement aid.
Your favorite city?
Paris.
Your favorite hideout?
My music room.
The website you often check?
Yours [Thank you!]
The books on your coffee table?
‘The Photobook: A History volume III’ by Martin Parr and Gerry Badger – very altruistic job to work with great books of the others. But it really stands your own achievement in the right perspective.
The books on your bedside table?
‘I Celebrate Myself’ – about Allen Ginsberg. Written by Bill Morgan.
What is your dream?
To continue my work and the Bradford by Crockett&Jones!
What would you do if you could start all over again?
Smile more often.
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Portrayed with the interview is on the one hand newly released work by Sergei which was published on the 17th of October by SCHLEBRÜGGE.EDITOR in the first monograph to focus exclusively on his prolific collage output. Edited by Rick Poynor, whose essay provides an engaging critical overview, it gathers Sergei’s most significant work from the past 10 years and shows little seen collages from his early years in Ukraine before he moved in 1990 to live and work in Denmark. Also included is some new editorial material of Sergei’s Private Classicist project.
Order ‘Sergei Sviatchenko: Collages’ online here >
Follow Sergei’s inspirational Close Up and Private here >
For Private Classicist see here >
