Artist Statement

Ilia Filatov is a contemporary Russian artist working in the medium of oil painting. At the core of his practice lies an exploration of the boundaries between reality and its visual interpretation. He captures moments that resemble frames torn from a film, creating images filled with emotion and a strong sense of presence.

The foundation of his artistic method is a cinematic approach. His works resemble freeze frames, where light, color, and composition function as tools for conveying atmosphere. These are not merely recorded moments, but visual points of choice in which the viewer may recognize their own narrative.

The artist’s works immerse the viewer in a state of uncertainty: the figures appear on the threshold of movement, observation, or immersion. Within this “world, ” not only the choice itself is important, but also the moment before or after it - a possible pause where multiple scenarios can unfold. Water and figures suspended between motion and stillness are recurring elements that create a sense of space between possibility and action. Pools, seas/oceans, and interiors act as visual boundaries that can either be crossed or remained within.