The exhibition "Thoughts.." by arch. Alexander Simov and his unique artistic style. Social satire, grotesque, or something else?
The exhibition "Thoughts.." by architect Alexander Simov showcases a unique artistic voice that stands apart, blending an architect’s perspective with a deeply personal commentary on the world. When architects venture into visual art, their work often diverges from that of traditional artists, likely because their creative process is rooted in the tangible realities of their profession. In designing buildings, architects grapple with concrete factors: the physical environment, technical constraints, and client demands. Simov’s exhibition embodies this "architectural" sensibility, reflecting his nuanced response to the political, social, and historical challenges of the 21st century. Through his canvases, Simov mirrors reality—not as a passive observer, but as someone who feels its weight. His art confronts the coarseness, arrogance, and indifference of our era, yet it does so in a manner that defies easy categorization. His style is elusive yet unmistakable, teetering between naivety and caricature, leaving viewers to ponder its essence. Is it social satire, grotesque, or something entirely distinct? For me, his work evokes the spirit of comics, where images and narratives intertwine to tell a story. Though Simov omits text, each detail in his compositions speaks volumes about the world we inhabit. To grasp this, one must draw closer, "reading" the intricate layers of meaning woven into his art. Take, for instance, the curious symbols he employs: nesting dolls perched atop Putin’s head or Wilma Flintstone flashing a grin at Biden. These surreal juxtapositions invite interpretation, blending humor with critique in a way that feels both playful and piercing. Perhaps this is where Simov’s architectural roots shine through—his ability to construct visual "structures" that balance the absurd with the profound, much like a building must reconcile form and function. His work might best be described as a hybrid: a satirical grotesque with a comic twist, filtered through an architect’s lens. It’s a style that doesn’t just reflect reality but reshapes it, urging us to look harder at the absurdities we’ve come to accept.Hr. Stomonyakava
