The Alchemist: Artist Sasha Knezevic on recycling and transformation
After a career in professional basketball, Sasha Knezevic became known as an international top model, worked with photographers such as Peter Lindbergh, Mario Sorrenti, Steven Meisel, Inez Vinoodh, or Alexi Lubomirski. Back in the Austrian capital, he is now causing a sensation with his works. The Schweighofer Private Foundation provided him with free space at Palais Herberstein for his solo exhibition.
From professional basketball to the international fashion world and now artists. That's a life path that can hardly be planned. When did the third station crystallize?
Sasha Knezevic: "When I came back to Vienna from New York 5 years ago, I had my first exhibition in front of the MQ. Art has actually always been a part of me as well. I want to reflect the creativity and impressions and capture them in my works, passion, and spontaneity play a big role."
Your works are striking, abstract, large-format: what impression should the viewer have and what message should resonate in the mind? Sasha Knezevic: "I see myself as a recycling artist, maybe even more of an alchemist who transforms propaganda and advertising into art. Transformation is a big part of our being and our only security. If the viewer can experience that feeling I have done my job well."
The female body as a silhouette is a recurring motif. How did it come about?
Sasha Knezevic: "I can very much not put into words but believe in a higher inspiration. The female silhouette embodied my kind of a muse and I let this energy dance in my paintings."
The artworld is an ever-accelerating one. How can you survive in it as an art maker?
Sasha Knezevic: "By not looking for your style but freeing yourself from all templates and preconceptions, constantly reinventing yourself."
What does your "world" look like at Palais Herberstein and what was important in designing the space?
Sasha Knezevic: "I work very spontaneously and like to be inspired by a space. In doing so, I let this space have an effect on me and then bring my creativity to the paintings or even directly to the walls. I am very grateful that the Schweighöfer Private Foundation supports artists and has given me free rein in my creativity. Here also once again a big thank you to Johannes Marek and Petra Gamböck, without whom this project would not have come about."
London, Paris, New York - the epicenters of the art world are diverse. What can Vienna do that others can't?
Sasha Knezevic: "Vienna has always been an epicenter for great artists and a new generation of creators is emerging. What's special about Vienna is that it supports and encourages young artists."
Until 30.7.2021 the artworks are on display at Palais Herberstein (by appointment). Registration at office (at) super-market.at
