Igor Volos stands as a bridge between the past and the present. His artworks embody a deep reverence for the traditional forms and artistic techniques of various cultures, while infusing them with his own unique vision and contemporary interpretation, inviting viewers to contemplate the intertwining threads of history, culture, and the ever-evolving nature of artistic expression. His passion for preserving heritage and exploring diverse influences ensures that his artistic journey remains a vibrant tapestry of creativity and cultural interconnectedness. The following feature discusses his artistic development and a short conversation about the essential visionary shapings of his art and life path.
Igor V. Volosnikov was born in 1964 in the city of Kirov, nestled within the picturesque Ural Mountains in Russia. He attended the Schools of Art and Higher Art in Kirov. After completing his education, Volos worked as a senior artist at the RKhMC (Regional House of National Creativity). Continuing his artistic pursuits, Volosnikov studied monumental art at the Moscow State Pedagogical University (MGPU). Around the age of 25, Igor Volos ventured into the realm of architectural design, working on boarding house projects in the picturesque coastal city of Yalta. It was during this time that he developed a deep fascination with marine paintings and surrealism, finding inspiration in the interplay between dreamlike imagery and the vastness of the ocean.
In the 1990s, Igor Volos showcased his paintings influenced by the style of Salvador Dalí in various exhibitions during his travels across Spain. These exhibitions allowed him to connect with audiences and further refine his artistic voice.
Volos studied monumental art at the Moscow State Pedagogical University (MGPU), which is named after Stroganov. He also focused on the restoration of monumental painting, which led him to participate in the restoration of a temple in Sao Paulo, Brazil, built by the Bibikovs, a family of royal nobility. This experience exposed him to the rich history and architectural traditions of Brazil, shaping his appreciation for diverse cultural influences.
In 1996, he received an invitation to exhibit his works at a gallery in Buenos Aires, Argentina, further expanding his international presence. A year later, Volos embarked on another journey, this time to Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he had the opportunity to contribute his artistic skills to a significant restoration project in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he contributed to the refurbishment of a temple constructed by the Bibikovs, a revered family of royal nobility.
As Volos continued his artistic journey, he dedicated himself to exploring various techniques and styles. This quest for artistic growth led him to paint in different cultures, allowing him to absorb and pay homage to the rich artistic traditions and cultural influences he encountered along the way.
In 2012-2015, his street exhibitions on Beverly Hills caught the attention of esteemed associations such as The Art Renewal Center, OPA (Oil Painters of America), Portrait Society of America, Cecilia Beaux Society, and National Oil and Acrylic Painters, further validating his talent and contributions to the art world.
Presently, Igor Volos finds himself working with galleries in Los Angeles and San Francisco, showcasing his ever-evolving artistic expressions. His paintings serve as a tribute to the divine traditional forms found in the diverse cultural influences he has tapped into throughout his artistic journey.
We are very honoured to present a brief but beautiful interview which shines light upon the depth and mysteries that radiate in Igor Volos work.
Daniel Mirante
We will start with childhood. When did you become conscious of yourself as ‘an artist’? Did you rediscover your art in adult life or has your artistic activity been continuous since childhood?
Igor Volos
My father worked at the factory as a military aircraft design engineer. He asked me to draw sketches and did children’s exhibitions where I would always win.
Daniel
So your background was supportive to your art, or were there times you had to do other things?
Igor
When I was 3 years old, I became the winner of the 1967 exhibition. I painted at school, in the army, on travel and at home. It didn’t bring wealth, but it kept my soul intuitive and connected.
Daniel
Was there a point then where you were able to work as a painter full time or did life necessitate working another job at the same time?
Igor
I’ve seen angels since I was a child and angels helped me. I served the angels by drawing them. When I worked in a church in Sao Paulo, I prayed a lot to see the saints I drew.
God gave me a beautiful wife and a child. But I haven’t finished traveling. I visited about 30 countries
I remembered my past birth on the Mexican pyramids. Amazon shamans and American Indians became my brothers. I tried a lot of magical rituals when I chose my magical path. But the main ritual in which I became good is painting.
One day I saw the Loom that Jose Argüelles wrote about. Every thread of this universal fabric is an individual dream of this world, and the world is the fabric of a collective dream
Daniel
I’m very inspired by the Jose Arguelles book ‘The Transformative Vision’ – its provided me a deep map of art, and met him randomly in real life when hitchhiking in New Zealand. But how did you see this Loom?
Igor
I saw it in Petra Jordan when a sandstorm began and I was waiting in a cave and I thought about Mexican caves that are connected as portals. And then I flew to the Loom in which I found myself and saw a lot of revelations.
Daniel
Through your life your painting style has changed – you’ve gone through different themes and phases – do these correlate to major life events, teachers or experiences? Your current work is extremely sculptural.
Igor
Thank you my friend ! I’m still studying…
José Argüelles, a prominent figure in the fields of anthropology, art, and spirituality, developed a concept called “the loom” as part of his teachings and theories related to human consciousness and the nature of time. Argüelles proposed that the human mind is intricately connected to a vast cosmic fabric, which he referred to as the “galactic loom.” According to Argüelles, the loom represents a collective and interconnected consciousness that transcends individual experience and spans across the universe. He believed that this cosmic loom weaves together the threads of existence, influencing our perception of time, reality, and the interconnectedness of all beings.
Daniel
Studying is for life 🙂 it looks like the energy of woman (or the goddess) is a great drive in your work? Would you care to comment on the role of woman in your art?
Igor
I’ve never been alone. As a child, I was surrounded by fairies, beautiful girls in my youth, and now beautiful girls and magical fairies. I saw my guardian angel. He has a female appearance.
And my wife, with whom I have been together for 33 years, is another beautiful guardian angel.
Daniel
That’s beautiful Igor.
What do you see forecast for the future of humanity?
Igor
People’s consciousness sleeps in a dark sleep today, but I believe that there will be an awakening. The value of many things will change. People will stop dying for things. And faith in God and his angels will win.
Daniel
Was there any particular initiations that opened up your inner vision?
Igor
30 years ago, I tried the peyotl cactus before going to bed to open portals to dream worlds. I’ve met Mexican shamans. They taught me to perform rituals while in a conscious dream and use magical objects there.
