Painter Konstantin Bessmertny
Described by The Spectator as possessing "technical mastery combined with intellectual playfulness and a darkly idiosyncratic sense of humour", Russian-born painter Konstantin Bessmertny has made his home in Macau for over a decade. Himself married to a concert pianist, he is currently preparing for private exhibitions in Macau and Hong Kong early 2006 - and a subsequent European tour. He talks to Yvonne Young about his work, and his love for the little Europe of China.
I didn't choose to come to Macau - Macau chose me. I was invited to work here for one year after an exhibition. And then for another. And another...
Macau is a whole world in miniature, a Mediterranean world in Asia, or the “Macondo” [fictional place from “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez] of the Orient. I hope it will stay the same even after Las Vegas is built here.
Colonial history is not necessarily bad history. We should be proud of who we are and take advantage of having the mixed culture of Chinese and European.
It’s difficult to describe my own style. To write or talk about visual arts is like dancing about architecture.
I don’t know why art is so special, but we just need it to be around us. As for myself as a painter, my biggest pleasure is mixing colors.
I don’t have a strong Russian character, but I do have a Russian accent. Eventually, though, I'd like to learn to speak Cantonese. And play the piano.
I'm not sure why so many artists have settled here. We just settled here because we like Macau.