Mikhail’s important projects include a collaboration with the Rigraiser brand and the Meshcheryakov Publishing House, as well as the launch of the Studio 34 creative center in his hometown.

In addition, the artist has an impressive number of personal and group exhibitions: from exhibitions in galleries in Omsk and Suzdal to the capital’s Cube Moscow and Peredelkino.

1. Which qualities of personality help an artist to make art and which hinder?

There are different types of artists. What is good for one is destructive for another. For example, for an expressive painter, it is probably important to be able to find some kind of drama or even tragedy, strong impressions, falling in love, emotionality, and so on. For my practice, on the contrary, a cool mind, contemplation, calmness, and clarity of thoughts are important. In addition, I am the type who is my own manager, art dealer, and PR person, so business skills, communication skills, and so on are important.

2. What is your favorite pastime besides art?

Music. This is a big part of my life. I became interested in the guitar and music culture in general, like many, in my teens, and then I was never able to quit. For about 10 years I played in the group «Answer: No»‎, later in «Fish Full of Hate» (all in Omsk), and now in Moscow I am creating the ElectroUnheimlich project together with Anton Mizerov. We have already made soundtracks for my exhibitions and played live at their openings.

3. Have you ever had a situation in your life that influenced your art positively/negatively? Or greatly changed your views on what you do?

I think that almost all situations in life affect creativity. My practice is formed partly from the totality of situations that have happened to me and in the world. It’s difficult to single out something specific... The Baza Institute, for example, has a positive influence and slightly changes the optics. As I can now see, a trip to Buryatia a couple of years ago had quite a strong influence and also positively. Routine, quarrels, scandals have a negative impact.

4. Who would you like to talk to of any person who has ever lived or is living now? Why this person in particular?

Complex issue. I don't have any obvious idols. I guess I would like to talk to my grandparents, who, unfortunately, passed away before I became an adult.

5. How does your art change the world, the culture, yourself?

Here I am forced to quote part of my artist statement: «One of the most important tasks that I try to solve with my practice is a kind of “uprooting” of the viewer from his usual worldview. This action is accomplished through a confrontation with an absurd statement of evidence or through the play of various kinds of signs, which, puzzling the viewer at first glance, subsequently open his eyes to something in himself that he cannot encounter in the perspective of his own everyday life».‎

6. What do you think about the future of contemporary art?

It exists, a normal future, no matter what is happening in the world.

7. What do you think about the ups and downs of NFT? Do you have any NFT projects?

This topic is not close to me and I never really believed in it. There were a couple of sluggish attempts to enter the market, but they predictably failed and I finally realized that this was not for me. I think that this is no longer about art, but about business.

8. What is the most valuable thing for you (in the world, in life, in creativity)?

Mutual understanding, kindness, honesty.