In His East Williamsburg Studio, Artist Vladislav Markov Makes 3D Prints, Pounds Coffee, And Plays A Single Song On Repeat
Multimedia artist Vladislav Markov (b. 1993) does not take half measures. The artist held his first gallery show in New York last fall, transforming the downtown gallery's exhibition space into a dilapidated box, covering the walls with perforated board and the floor with gray carpet. . For the artist, this infinite background evokes the real architecture of the post-Soviet child and serves as the only impersonal background for his paintings and sculptures using scanners, 3D printers and imaging technologies, the complex aura of hospitals, medical laboratories. . and offices.
Vladislav Markov, 2023. Photo: Inna Svyatsky.
Markov has a studio in an unassuming building in East Williamsburg...it may not have the best security. But the price is reasonable and it has a large collection of 3D printers. During his eight years in the space, Markov created an incredibly comfortable studio in the building. Markov is currently working on a new piece of art that will be installed in September at the Nada House in State Island, New York . Recently, she took a look at the studio where she spends her days with her dog and her beloved Nespresso machine.
In Vladislav Markov's East Williamsburg studio. Photo: Inna Sviatsky.
Tell us about your education. Where is it, how did you find it, what is it like, etc.
My studio is in East Williamsburg. I had it on and off for about eight years… it was empty when I was in graduate school at Cornell. My landlord liked it so much that I bought it when I got back to New York. The place has a '60s Tribeca vibe - low energy, no air conditioning or insulation - but it's cheap, so I can't complain too much. I found the place on craigslist and it didn't even have a picture...just the size.
How many hours do you usually spend in the studio, what day do you find most productive and what tasks do you usually complete?
6-8 hours a day. I am physically active in the morning and late evening. The moment of the day to look for materials and work in front of the screen. But if I have time, I don't go out for a few days.
In Vladislav Markov's East Williamsburg studio. Photo: Inna Sviatsky.
What's the first thing you do when you walk into your studio (after turning on the lights)?
I always wash my hands first. Put on my studio clothes, go to the Nespresso coffee machine... smoke.
what are you doing now Send us smartphone photos of work-in-progress or pictures of different jobs in progress, which will give you an idea of your process, however you like.
I am currently working on several projects at the same time. In September I have to finish work on Governors Island of the Nada House, a large outdoor installation in Utah in the last desert heat in the spring of 2024, which requires a lot of planning and preparation, and my first solo exhibition at SIMULACRA in China.
In Vladislav Markov's East Williamsburg studio. Photo: Inna Sviatsky.
What is your favorite tool or art material to work with and why? Please send some.
I love my 3D printers. They are not fancy but have a relatively large bed for the price. I give the coffee machine an honorable mention.
What environment do you prefer to work in? Something you enjoy listening to/watching/reading/watching in the studio for inspiration or as ambient culture
I have all the devices that can play music set to repeat and yes, the music plays when the coffee is served. I always listen to the same song over and over again within a week. In a day or two, this voice will be my silence. You really know after a week of listening. And it's not limited to techno... I'm into rap, brutal, soundtrack and also/especially Steve Reich.
In Vladislav Markov's East Williamsburg studio. Photo: Inna Sviatsky.
When you feel like you're getting stuck preparing for a performance, what do you do to keep yourself from getting stuck?
I do something that is not directly related to art. It could be as simple as taking my dog for a long walk on a rooftop, going to an area of New York that I don't spend much time in, or getting into a drunken bar fight. I think the point is to try something different. Living a normal life can kill ideas and motivation. It's important to go back to the studio and experience a new day every day, seeing things and feeling different emotions.
What images or objects do you see while working? Are there other artists working in your studio? If so, share a photo from your phone and tell the story behind it.
Carl Ostendarp was a professor at my university and gave me one of his works as a graduation gift. This is a shadow puppet portrait of John F. Kennedy. I leave it because I don't like seeing other people's work next to me when I'm working. I know where this picture is in my studio and I can picture it in my head and that's enough for me.
In Vladislav Markov's East Williamsburg studio. Photo: Inna Sviatsky.
What was the last museum or gallery exhibit that really moved you and why?
I follow Shinkel Pavillon and SIMYAN closely. I don't know of any shows like this anywhere in New York, which probably explains why I found myself there. The Taylor Ashby Hawkins exhibition at No Place Gallery is fantastic. I'm attracted to a job that doesn't fit your average Upper East Side elevator.
Where do you get your food or what do you eat when you get hungry in the studio?
I ordered cheap Japanese food from Seamless, made by Ecuadorian men.
Is there anything in your studio that surprises guests?
In Vladislav Markov's East Williamsburg studio. Photo: Inna Sviatsky.
What is your favorite object in your studio? Too humble?
My Intex inflatable sofa and my dog CYBR.
How does your studio environment influence your work?
This is very important. The studio was a mess, so I spent 20 minutes looking for gear. I now use commercial grade Stilton store shelves. Why settle for chaos when you can turn your studio into a well-organized retreat?
In Vladislav Markov's East Williamsburg studio. Photo: Inna Sviatsky.
Describe the place with three adjectives.
Summer: hot, empty, noisy. Winter - dry, gray, gray.
At the end of the day (besides turning off the lights), what's the last thing you do before you leave the studio?
I always check my keys. I only have one pair. Which reminds me I need to make another batch.
What do you like to do next?
Sometimes I like to have a drink at Fanelli's and then go home.
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