Daniil Sobolev

Danya Sobolev is a self-taught artist from Saint Petersburg, working in the genre of expressive primitivism. The central characters of his paintings are naive figures who reveal themselves in simple yet allegorical scenes. Sobolev's naive art is influenced by children’s drawings, but its primitive expression encapsulates rather complex emotional states. For instance, in the series "Panicking Together," the artist explores the internal and collective experience of anxiety and its causes. In the series "Can't Wait for Tomorrow," he delves into feelings such as suspense, apathy, and panic. To the artist, a person immersed in these emotions is akin to a frog stuck in a dangerous, sticky swamp. Beneath the outward calm lie profound inner struggles and a yearning to escape, a hope for a brighter “tomorrow” that seems just within reach. Each painting offers a deep dive into the world of emotions. Despite the common associations with a grim swamp, the artist strives to reveal its hidden beauty and diversity. Drawing parallels with complex life situations, Sobolev suggests that not everything is as hopeless as it seems. Panic often controls us, pushing us to exaggerate problems. However, just as a swamp, when viewed from another perspective, unveils a stunning and picturesque world, so too can challenges lead to unexpected discoveries. They can sharpen our focus on the kindness and joys of life, opening new horizons even in the most difficult circumstances. Through simple and chaotic lines, Sobolev demonstrates that the emotionality and color of a brushstroke can take precedence over structural precision and the academic rigor of composition.