Finding Selfhood: The Philosophy of Vitaly Volovich’s Artwork

The article’s focus is an examination of the subject of artistic creativity, based on the materials of autobiographical manuscripts, memoirs, and reflections of the People’s Artist of Russia, Vitaly Mikhailovich Volovich (1928-2018). These materials are included in his book, entitled The Workshop (The Notes of the Artist). The analysis of V. Volovich’s records exemplifies the complex interplay between artistic expression and individual creativity, delving into the nuances of language employed in art, the distinctive features of graphical and illustrative techniques, and the unique aspects of book illustration. The focus of the discussion is the distinctive aspects of the creative process, which can be described as the “martyrdom of creativity.” This term encapsulates the internal tensions experienced by artists, their aspiration to grapple with the enigmatic and to transcend the limitations of conventional training, and their pursuit of a unique stylistic expression that reflects their personal vision of the world. V. Volovich is often to be found asking the simple but profound question, “Why?”, and enquiring as to whom the reflections are intended for. The artist himself responds that the work offers a multitude of possibilities, including the opportunity to gain insight into one’s own life, to find meaning and creativity, and to realize one’s true self. It is of significance, however, not only to the author of The Notes, but also to all those with an interest in the issues inherent to the field of art. The objective of this article is to analyse the artist’s self-consciousness, his act of “looking” and “listening” into the enigmatic depths of his creative self.