The subjects of his works are a reflection on everyday life, and also reflect bright events — in his signature style. Sergei creates a kind of parallel universe — sometimes imaginary creatures appear here and objects come to life. His world is imbued with a fairy tale, and various details occasionally refer the viewer to street and pop culture — sometimes ironically, sometimes seriously, but always sincerely.

The artist's approach changes and develops every day — Zhivoy Personazh does not focus on one thing. Now his works can be found in collaborations with brands (FC Spartak Moscow, Underdog Streetwear and others) and in the design of public spaces and establishments (Bertgold Center, Brusnitsyn, Russian Railways Museum, Ossu eatery, Fabrika cultural space and others). Also, circulation graphics, merch and canvases by Sergei are found in private collections in Russia and abroad (Germany, Scotland).

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

I believe that creativity, determination, persistence, self-discipline, self-confidence (not to be confused with self-confidence), and communication skills help. The opposite ones get in the way.


2. What is your favorite pastime besides art?

I used to be very fond of martial arts. For a long time I practiced Thai boxing and then classical boxing. I took a break from sport for a few years, during which time I fully devoted myself to art. But now there is a desire to return, so I think it's not far off to return to the gym. Otherwise, I really like walking, traveling and other activities of this kind.

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?

The same break in sports and active development in contemporary art, besides graffiti, in which I have been involved for a long time, gave me time to think, to get rid of some unnecessary boundaries in my head, to look more into myself and to discover the themes that are really important to me, that I would like to show to the audience, not relying on trends and pops (there are a lot of them). This is how I became more conscious of each of my works — and of myself.

There was no particular occasion as such. There were events, contests, invitations to projects and other things where I won prizes or did a cool project in my portfolio — it fueled me to develop further. One of them, for example, was the V1 Battle International Festival — it used to take place in St. Petersburg. I took second place then, and was recognized by judges from Germany (my childhood idol was among them!) and the USA.

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

I would like to talk to my favorite musicians. I won't list them all, but here are some of them: Ian Brown (lead singer of The Stone Roses), Paul Ashcroft (The Verve) and others. Music is something I love very much, second only to painting. These are the first people that came to my mind — they are inspiring and very charismatic, their tracks are close to me.

I would also like to talk to some world-famous artists that I sympathize with, but I can't single out anyone in particular.

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

I believe that my works touch upon themes that evoke certain emotions and associations in the viewer, and open up new meanings.

The simplest of them are at least pleasing and give a certain aesthetic pleasure. Thus, thanks to my art, I start a dialogue with people. I am glad when I manage to make them think about some things that are important to me and, as I think, to people around me who are close to me in spirit.

It's too early to talk about changing the world globally, but I like the expression «If you want to change the world, start with yourself». A significant theme in my works is sincerity, freedom, harmony, and honesty with myself. Thanks to this, I look into myself more consciously, and I am glad when the viewer is able to do the same, to be or become himself, without masks and contrived moments.

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

Bright! Contemporary art is developing very actively and there is only further growth ahead. I like the fact that Snoops sovrisque has a lot of interesting artists with a street, graffiti background. I think they (myself included) bring a special layer, vision, new techniques and so on.

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

I'm not very knowledgeable on this topic, as I've never really liked NFT as a project. It's more something about purely making money, and more about art as I see it. A file on a computer will never compare to a physical work in a gallery, for example. Like books. Most people enjoy reading paper ones more. Electronic ones win only in convenience. I'm fortunate that in art, «convenience» is not on the list of important components. It's the emotion and aesthetic pleasure of viewing and owning that counts. Well, illustrations made to order, mailed or thrown on a flash drive are fun...

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

The most valuable thing in life is the close people around me.

In the world, as well as in art, it is honesty and self-awareness. If people are honest with themselves, with others and responsibly approach and understand what they are doing, there will be less falsity, stupidity, evil and other unnecessary moments in the world. I guess I try to take these same principles into account in my creative work.

Also, in creativity, the style of the artist is very valuable to me. I like it when it is readable and when it is unique.