Born in St. Petersburg in 1961, Ilia emigrated to Canada in 1997 and settled in Montreal. Zaitseff was 24 when he graduated from the State Naval University of St. Petersburg. He studied mechanical engineering graphic design, majoring in naval construction. He nevertheless soon chose to indulge his love of art and at 28 he became a guide-interpreter at different St-Petersburg museums. Soon after, he was trained under the tutelage of the professors of Mukhina Academy of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg.
SUBJECT-MATTER
In discussing his work, the artist frequently alludes to German and Flemish painters of the Renaissance. Indeed, the majority of his paintings are constructed according to the strictest rules of perspective, the figures situated within a well defined space. His rendering of richly embroidered fabrics and opulent slabs of marble is remarkably precise and detailed. He borrows the use of symbols and text in his paintings from the Gothic style. A stylish shoe seemingly ready to glide across the floor, an omnipresent siamese cat, an apple or a mirror are all significant in creating an aura of mystery. Ilia places his figures in historical settings, but they are dressed in present-day clothing. The young and sophisticated woman who appears in most of his paintings beckons the viewer with a seductive, enigmatic look. These are not portraits. Rather, they are paintings that hint at a story that tantalizes our imagination but that remain shrouded in mystery.
TECHNIQUE
Ilia works in oils on panel, applying a thin layer of pigment that has the transparency of classical art. His paintings are generally medium-sized with abundant detail, meticulously executed using a fine brush. His figures have skin that is delicately transparent, and sumptuous fabrics and furnishings are richly depicted. Ilia’s paintings are not highly coloured; he achieves a subtle contrast through a play of light and the use of varying shades of gray and brown.
EXHIBITIONS
2006 New Works, Solo exhibition, Galerie Valentin, Montreal
2011-10-09-08-07-06-05-04 Artists’ choice, Group exhibition, Galerie Valentin, Montreal
2010-09-08-07-06-05-04-03 Small Size Works, Group exhibition, Galerie Valentin, Montreal
2005 Impromptu, Group exhibition, Galerie Valentin, Montreal
2003 New Works, Solo exhibition, Galerie Valentin, Montreal
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Parcours, Vol. 12, no 1 (Printemps 2006), "Ilia Zaitseff : More than symbols" by Robert Bernier
