Roman Minin about digital art, global changes in the art world and its future

We are publishing an interview with Roman Minin, a contemporary Ukrainian artist, about digital art, global changes in the art world and the future of the art market.

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What changes in the art world in recent years do you consider the most significant?

The illusion of stability in this world has left the humankind for some time. Countries were faced with systemic crises and forced to evolve or die out. The time has come for metamodernism in art. I have noticed a long time ago that new “isms” in art do not improve the previous ones, but are a natural budding according to the laws of the time. A couple of years ago while reading the manifesto of transmonumentalism in front of the Derzhprom in Kharkiv, I also understood that I did not propose a panacea, but only a path of development, a kind of ferry to that shore for my favorite monumental and decorative art genre. The transition to digital neosocialism will be painful, and many will perish without finding a ford and a crossing. Digitalization offers unprecedented unlimited possibilities to artists, which frighten artists, who are numbed or completely devoid of imagination, and this will lead to the natural selection. There is no way to the past, but many will resist, and resistance itself will become the meaning of life for many people. I think that this is not the most successful mission for an artist. Generative design puts checkmate to all artists living in the paradigm of the past, that is what has changed in the world of art.

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Where do you think is the line between mass and elite art?

In the head of the artist himself, when he chooses what tasks his work should solve. Those who do not pose any tasks are either the blessed children of millionaires or cunning. Depending on the role in the game that the artist has chosen for himself. Of course, there are exceptions when society begins to use the work of a particular author for advertising, propaganda or economic interests. But this happens rarely. The state and society usually do not know how to use art, and it grows by itself like mold in beneficial places. Mass art can become elite only as antiques in a few centuries. And the elite becomes mass over time, time works wonders. Of course, most artists strive to become elite during their own lifetime, but now it seems to me, that it is cooler to be mass than elite.

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How does digital art change the market? What are its strengths and weaknesses? Does it change the philosophy of art in general?

We want to understand exactly how digital art is changing the market. So far I’m not ready to provide all the numbers, tables and sine waves, but a clearly positive trend is visible in the growth of participants in this process, while there are significantly more artists than buyers. The strengths of digital art are that it is not yet politically or corruptly engaged, so an artist from Uganda or Ukraine can be equally appreciated, exactly as an American or a graduate of the London Academy of Arts. Digital artworks do not need customs clearance and expensive services of transport companies. Digital art is so universal that it is really hard to comprehend for a beginner who noticed it firstly not just as a form of art, but, I would say, a new way of life. And the new way of life naturally changes the philosophy of the entire art, and vice versa.

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What motivated you to become a Co-Founder of V.Art?

Confidence in the future and in the team. We all have the talent to understand the future and take concrete steps in the right direction. Of course, it is difficult to be apologists and newcomers, but going after us will be much easier. I remember how 10 years ago when I said “my miners will become a symbol of mining,” many people twisted their fingers at the temple. Nowadays it is becoming a reality. With the V.Art team we will bring the future closer to many artists and collectors and help to get across to the “other side”.

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What do you think V.Art can give you as to the artist?

As an artist I need a virtual platform to present my art, I want to create my own world, an exhibition that never gets closed and can only grow. I also need to continue to create my own sales history, I am sure that through this platform there will be more of them, and a legal sales history is the most important document of for artist’s career. Everyone can think of themselves as if they are Leonardo, but facts and figures should confirm the creative growth. Either during life or after death any good artist will be digitized, appreciated. At the speed of our modern life success can be achieved in 5 years, if desired. Tomorrow it will be possible to achieve it in a year. But success will not be long-running, another philosophy is inappropriate here.

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What are your forecasts of changes in the art world, which are coming due to the pandemic and after the abolition of forced quarantine measures?

My predictions … Digital neosocialism. This may be frightening at the beginning, but soon most people will defend this model of the world, many will “perish”, defending the values ​​of the past. Soon national ideas will lose their need as unnecessary tools and become a burden to the new world. Accordingly, artists who serve political or national needs intentionally or unintentionally will remain out of work. However, there will be new deals, enough work for everyone who can learn how to produce digital content, and some will even learn how to create it. This eternal difference will determine the value of artworks of the future and separate Creators from Producers. We can talk particularly about this difference later.

Written by Anastasiia Gliebova, CEO at V.Art