Inside the Studio
Genna Gurvich
What are the major themes you pursue in your work?
For me, everything is connected. I’m constantly searching for associations and relationships. My goal is to reject the idea of “the eclectic,” so as to keep a clear focus on what’s disjointed and what’s misunderstood. A major theme of late would involve a clash of cultures. I experiment with different and contrasting artifacts and technologies and, if I can see clean lines in how they can co-exist as a piece, I move my vision towards that.
What was the best advice given to you as an artist?
“Do not lie.” I’ve no idea who told me this. It boils down to making art versus imitating art.
Prefer to work with music or in silence?
The radio switch turns off the reality. Phillip Glass is in the air now.
If you could only have one piece of art in your life, what would it be?
“The Sphinx” or “Aegean Sea” by Hiroshi Sugimoto. One is ancient, the other is modern, yet both are timeless.
Who are your favorite writers?
I enjoy the language of Andrei Platonov, the mode of Hermann Hesse, and the idea of Fritjof Capra.
