Mikhail Sedov is a visual artist from Moscow, currently living and working in Paris. With a background in sociology and political science, his work reflects a blend of intellectual exploration and artistic expression. Since 2007, he has also been involved in independent theater projects, which have significantly influenced his artistic practice. The dynamics of performance have shaped his paintings, making process and movement central to his work. Each piece carries a sense of immediacy, where there is always an interplay between figure and background, and a constant presence of process. Sedov's paintings explore themes of identity and memory, with a particular focus on the psychological aspects of human experience. His craft-based approach strives to balance conceptual depth with the physicality of painting, allowing for both improvisation and careful deliberation in his practice.
Artist Statement
Through my work, I explore the relationship between the self and external realities, using painting as a means to engage with subconscious processes. My practice is centered on the tension between individual experience and collective memory, seeking to address the emotional and psychological dimensions of these themes. I am particularly interested in how the act of painting itself—through layers of paint—can reflect time, effort, and the internal dynamics we experience. The influence of performance art is present in my work, where the dynamic between figure and background, as well as the process itself, plays a key role. Each brushstroke is a part of a larger, evolving conversation, where both planned and spontaneous moments contribute to the work’s form. For me, the process of making is as significant as the final piece, with each layer contributing to a narrative that speaks of human experience and transformation.