The Russian artist Sergey Nehaev is Exploring the World Through Therapeutic Collage Art

Sergey Nehaev aka NightCollage (b. 1976) is an artist whose creative drive is fueled by the therapeutic nature of art and the exploration of new ideas. For him, collage serves as a form of art therapy, providing a means to process life's events and reflect upon them with humor and irony. Drawing inspiration from various sources such as music, literature, and everyday observations, Sergey finds creative impulses in the most unexpected places.
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The process of collage, according to Sergey, is a magical one. It allows him to see familiar objects and concepts from a fresh perspective, reigniting the sense of wonder often lost with age. Beyond that, the act of creating collages also offers a meditative experience, allowing him to relax and experience the joy that comes with artistic expression.

Despite not being a professional artist, Sergey has developed an extensive artistic vocabulary through his interactions with artists and continuous exposure to various forms of art. Engaging in conversations with fellow artists and exploring the works of others play a crucial role in his creative life, offering him new insights and fresh perspectives.
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When it comes to approaching his work, Sergey's process can vary. Sometimes ideas come to him in flashes, and he feels compelled to bring them to life immediately. Other times, he spends considerable time mulling over concepts, recording them in his mobile application until the right moment arrives to transform them into collages. His approach is flexible, allowing for experimentation and the organic evolution of his themes.

In terms of preferred media, Sergey draws inspiration from sources such as news channels on the Telegram application, carefully avoiding propaganda. He also enjoys watching travel programs and cooking shows on television, finding inspiration and ideas in the diverse range of content he encounters.

The emergence of Sergey's artworks can take different forms. While constructing collages, he often creates dramatic situations and seeks to find the plot and dramaturgy as he goes along, playing with images, archetypes, and unconventional narratives. At other times, he may have a clear vision of how each element fits together in advance. His creative process is marked by experimentation and a willingness to explore diverse approaches.

Sergey's selection of ideas for his artworks is primarily intuitive, without a specific algorithm or recipe. However, he is also driven by the need to address current topics and important events occurring in the world. Universal values such as love, freedom, pacifism, faith, gender relations, and aesthetics are central themes that concern him and find expression in his art.

For Sergey, a key element in creating a good composition is the focus of attention. He avoids overloading his collages with excessive details, recognizing that viewers often engage with his work online, where their attention may be fleeting. By maintaining balance and allowing viewers to catch a glimpse of his art in a matter of moments, he ensures that the essence of his creations is captured effectively.

When it comes to artistic influences, Sergey finds inspiration in the works of surrealist artists and their predecessors, such as Giorgio de Chirico, Max Ernst, René Magritte, Salvador Dalí, and Sergey Parajanov. The films of renowned directors like David Cronenberg, Peter Greenaway, and Andrei Tarkovsky also play a significant role in shaping his artistic vision. Additionally, he draws inspiration from contemporary collage masters, particularly those from the Spanish and Latin American schools, who possess a unique expression and artistic poignancy.
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Sergey Nehaev's art is a testament to the power of collage as a therapeutic and transformative medium. Through his creative process and diverse influences, he explores the world, engages with important themes, and invites viewers to reawaken their sense of wonder through his thought-provoking and visually captivating works.

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ARTICULATE 36 [extended personalities], is a magazine of contemporary art, packed with 70 pages of high quality content, showcasing the work of 5 professional artists, featuring the Danish artist Nour Fog, the Austrian sculpture artist Ulli Zerzer, painter Alex Garant, Brazilian urban activist Daniel Melim and Russian digital explorer Sergey Nehaev.

This interview with Sergey Nehaev is part of the 36th magazine, ARTICULATE #36 | extended personalities. Read, download or order your print version of the full publication below.