When critics begin to discuss the works of Andrei Bartenev, they often cannot give a concrete definition of the genre in which he works. And no wonder. The maestro himself presents art as a single stream containing a variety of forms.
Starting conditions
To find a fulcrum for describing the work of Andrei Dmitrievich Bartenev, it is necessary to agree that he is an artist. Both domestic and foreign experts agree with this definition. Yes, he creates pictures. But for this he uses not canvases and paints, but people and the surrounding landscapes. The basis for the picture can be green lawns in parks or rough industrial structures made of concrete and metal. Installations of this kind make viewers surprised and indignant. Often, the artist deliberately shocked a drowsy audience. In this he sees one of his tasks.
The future director and fashion designer was born on October 9, 1965 in an ordinary Soviet family. Parents at that time lived in the polar city of Norilsk. My father worked at a metallurgical plant. Mother was engaged in raising children in kindergarten. At an early age, the child was no different from peers. At school, Andrei studied well. With great willingness attended labor lessons in workshops. Always sawed shapes and profiles from plywood. Glued voluminous objects from wrapping paper. In high school, Bartenev went to the pioneer camps as a counselor or educator for the summer.
Creative activity
After school, Andrei left for Krasnoyarsk to get a specialized education in the directing department of the Institute of Arts. As a student, he found friends and like-minded friends among classmates. In the late 80s, censorship was abolished, and young talents smelled the heady smell of freedom. He created his first installations from glass jars and plastic bottles. Bartenev managed to mount the backlight from New Year's garlands and LEDs. After some time, rumors about the work of the novice director spread throughout the cities and towns.
Having moved to Moscow, Bartenev from the first days fell into a favorable environment. He was surrounded by colleagues and connoisseurs of avant-garde art. In 1992, the artist staged his first large-scale performance called The Botanical Ballet. At the traditional Riga festival, the performance received the main prize. The next stage in the director’s career was the dynamic performance “The Snow Queen”. Foreign art historians have already started talking about this project. In 1996, Bartenev was admitted to the Union of Artists of Moscow.
