FEATURING WOOLOOPICK OF NOVEMBER

This week we are featuring artist Alexander Razin

With the majority of public votes from both Wooloo members and visitors, Alexander recently became the WoolooPick of November
Alexander Razin was born in 1958 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. In 1996, he emigrated to the United States with his family and settled in Long Island, New York.

Wooloo spoke to Alexander about his life and work.

Wooloo: How would you describe your artistic practice?

Alexander: As a post-modern conceptual artist, I always look for symbols to connect the content of my art with the contemporary world. I always utilize the principles of repetition, simplicity, imagination, and symbolism in my art.
As of late, I have received most joy when working on site-specific installations. This includes the ‘’Japanese Garden’’ (link) and ‘’Hanging Garden’’ (link) installations featured on Wooloo.org (linkto: www.wooloo.org), as well as the recently exhibited ‘’Urban Garden project. I particularly enjoy working in larges spaces which allow me to express my ideas through different mediums.

What inspires you to create your work?

Alexander: There are a number of factors which provide inspiration for my work that are also dependent on the project at hand. However, I receive most of my inspiration from the urban landscape and everyday life in New York.

We are glad to have you on Wooloo.org. Tell us a little about your use of the website?

I have been a member of Wooloo.org for approximately two years. The website serves as a great tool for interacting and sharing work with other artists around the world who may view things from a different perspective.
Also, often I take advantage of the artist opportunities posted on the website.
In general, the internet has certainly affected the way I practice art. Primarily as an informational tool which I can use a resource to develop ideas.

You write in your bio that you grew up in an “Art Village”. What is that? Can you tell us about growing up in one?

I spent the majority of my childhood with my grandfather who was also an artist. We lived in the former Soviet Union, in a specific part of the city was dedicated to artists.
The government provided studio space and housing and the only residents were artists, fine art professors and their families.
From the age of 6 I shared my grandfather’s studio where I was constantly surrounded by various artists. This type of upbringing inspired me to become the artist I am today.