Series '18': In some cultures 18 is the symbol of fate, that one should not resist but should accept with an open heart. I completely agree with the statement that abstraction is the purity of art. It is the simplicity, clarity and certain ‘monochromaticism’ that make abstract works exceptionally impressive. For me the most important about abstract art is that it does not have to copy or imitate the real life or certain real objects. Everything is different there: the volume and the flat, the textures, the perspective and the substance. The space itself is built in accordance with different rules there. Here in '18' series, I use simple geometrical lines and shapes as well as such colors as black, red, grey, gold and maroon - I consider these colors composed and solemn at the same time. There are some human figures included into this series of works that remind orthodox icons. They are indeed the most powerful images for me since I was a child. Here I intended that they look rather flat or even schematic in order not to break the rules of the abstract world.