“No life worthy of the name consists of anything more than the continual series of struggles to develop one’s character through the medium of whatever one has chosen as a career.”
– Juan Belmonte
Roman Stepanenko, an up-and-coming visual artist, born in Kazakstan and based in Amsterdam, draws inspiration from graffiti, minimalism, microscopy, ikebana, and philosophies such as self-reflexivity, and stream-of-consciousness.
Applying the technique of stream-of-consciousness drawing to still-life subjects, Roman invites viewers to engage with his work on a personal level, fostering a personal connection between the artist and the audience. Each artwork is a labor of love and meticulous detail, undergoing numerous stages and taking a considerable amount of time to reach completion. However, despite their modern aesthetic, his intricately detailed prints retain a sense of timeless elegance, echoing the masterpieces upon which they were inspired.
Postmodern self-reflexivity is a key aspect of Roman’s work, drawing the viewer’s attention to the fact that what they’re seeing might feel compelling but ultimately is flawed and subjective. This self-awareness adds another layer of depth to Roman’s art, encouraging viewers to question their perceptions and interpretations.
Roman has ambitions to expand his artistic expression beyond print. He seeks to explore other mediums such as jewelry and sculpture, aiming to bring his unique vision to life in new and exciting ways.