STRN6 INTERVIEW
STRN6 MAGAZINE
6 QUESTIONS WITH MALCOLM ROXS
The Ascension, a journey that challenges our perceptions of reality and fiction
Malcolm Roxs explores the line between reality and fiction. He uses his own experiences and creative ideas to tell stories that show how reality and imagination are connected.
1. What inspired you to explore the concept of The Ascension?
I was inspired to explore "The Ascension" due to my personal experiences and a desire to grow as both a person and an artist. I wanted to understand my true potential, so I sought a deep connection within myself to embark on this journey. I created a fictional story through an art installation in a peaceful forest at the end of a cold Russian winter. This setting allowed me to engage with and imagine the ideas of artist Joseph Beuys and scientist Konstantin Tsiolkovsky.
2. How do you define The Ascension in a spiritual context?
I define The Ascension as a transcendental experience that helps me use my imagination to better understand reality. It often mixes reality with fiction, making me think about what’s really real. This journey is about growing as an artist and person while looking at how art affects society. It makes me think about how art can bring about change, not just through visuals but also through performances and community activities.
3.What distinguishes Chapter 2 from the first chapter?
In Chapter 1, I paid tribute to Beuys and Tsiolkovsky by creating a story that combines space exploration with fiction. This chapter focuses on how art and science can work together and inspire each other, highlighting the influence of these two important figures in a shared journey.
In Chapter 2, the story looks up at the beautiful sky over Moscow. "The Ascension II" explores themes of clouds, aviation, inspired by Russian art and philosophy.
4.How do you incorporate philosophical elements into your artwork?
Philosophy is important to my creative process and shapes how I make art. Engaging with nihilism and Russian philosophy adds depth to my work. Nihilism suggests that life may not have a clear meaning, which inspires me to explore themes of doubt and the search for purpose. I find inspiration in thinkers like Dostoevsky and Ivan Turgenev. My art expresses the struggle between my dreams and the limits society places on us. Their ideas help me show how our personal goals can clash with others' expectations. This conflict connects deeply with the human experience, encouraging viewers to consider their own dreams and challenges.
5. What is the significance of juxtaposing recent works with earlier pieces?
Comparing my recent works to my earlier pieces shows how my artistic voice has changed over time. It lets viewers see the influences and shifts in my style while reminding them that past ideas and themes still matter in my current work. This approach helps connect my art across different times. In the end, my paintings tell the story of my life through hidden messages.
6. How do you approach the challenge of blending reality and fiction in your pieces?
I enjoy mixing reality and fiction in my work. I start with real ideas, like aviation, and add creative elements to make them interesting. This blend allows me to share my personal journey through my art, turning each piece into a story that invites people to explore more deeply. By combining real-life experiences with my imagination, I create a space where reality and creativity come together, highlighting the richness of both life and art.
