Anton Acid · Dialogues
Dialogues – Anton Acid
We asked a few questions to Anton, one of the gallery's pioneers, to learn more about his practice, his views on the artistic process and the context in which his work takes shape.
Vecher: How did it all start?
Anton: I started painting in 2008. The first time I went out to paint was to get to talk to a girl from the parallel class. At first I had no complete vision of art, but I had a strong desire to make varied, interesting works.
V: Was there anyone who especially inspired you at the very beginning?
A: Apart from local names, I was very inspired by Grisha Ozzik (0331c). His works in Izmaylovo met me in the most unexpected places; back then I didn't even understand how such works could be made physically. It was real magic.
V: Are there artists who have influenced your work? Who do you follow now?
A: At different times I had different points of focus and, accordingly, different sources of inspiration. I like neckface, 0331c and horfe. I still follow all of them.
V: How is your style developing?
A: From the very start I had a plan to develop my style, and I stuck to it. I'm inspired by horror films, the products of the Tekhnolog company and strange underground toys.
V: Does the audience's reaction matter to you?
A: Yes, it does, but it can be deceptive. I more often rely on the opinion of particular people close to me, and the sample is as diverse as possible. That helps me get the views of ordinary people and of my peers alike.
V: Do you often face negativity or criticism? How do you feel about it?
A: I don't get hate, and I ask for criticism myself from time to time. It helps me understand how my work resonates inside people.
V: How do you choose locations for new works?
A: I love clean walls and picturesque views. I have a favourite place near Podolsk; it's a kind of testing ground for my ideas.
V: What does preparing a work involve?
A: I'm very meticulous about what I want to get from my work, so I always have a sketch ready, sometimes even in colour. Victory loves preparation.
V: What materials and tools do you use, and what do you usually work with?
A: I use only premium materials and try to buy them at VkusVill because I care about the environment.
V: What is always in your bag when you go out to paint?
A: I always try to take my house keys so that after exhausting work I can reward myself with sleep in a soft bed rather than sleeping on the street in boxes.
V: Your works have many figurative elements: characters, mascots. Who are they?
A: Knights, little hearts and other creatures: all of them reflect my inner world in one way or another.
V: What track do you listen to most while working? And does music help or distract?
A: Music helps, but I don't have a favourite track. I like Drexciya, Legowelt, partiboi69.
V: Which of your recent works do you consider the most successful, and why?
A: I like the three-metre character on the facade of a building. Good scale and location.
V: If you had to leave street art tomorrow, what would your last message to the streets be?
A: See you in game dev.
