Upper Lars (Верхний Ларс) (2023) Painting by Vanya Kasatka

I started painting at the moment when I found myself in a foreign country, when I was left alone with my demons - I felt like a discarded toy, and thrown away by life itself; I am afraid of a lot and live in fear, which is why I study states of anxiety, self-destruction, and decline in my works. I have a negative attitude towards the world and the fact of being born in it, although paradoxically I love life.

I rarely use classic brushes, preferring razor blades, pill wrappers, brooms, nails and needles, and my favorite brush is a knife. It seems to me that violence as a symbol has not yet been fully studied within the framework of world art - I am trying to find something valuable in this area.

I also write poetry, music, and am preparing a collection of short stories and an art book for publication. My last personal exhibition was held at Gallery 25 in Gyumri in December 2023; it was called "Cuttlefish of Anxiety and Violence."

My revelations are your revelations, and I am glad to everyone who is interested in my tortured art. We are not alone in our horror, and I hope that my paintings will infuse you with strength to fight the world order - resistance is art.

• Nationality: RUSSIA
• Date of birth : 1993
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Russian Contemporary Artists