Artist Proof: Nikolai Larin aka Maruto is a Russian graphic designer who grew up in Leningrad, USSR. Attending the St-Petersburg Mukhina Art Academy, he developed and enhanced his diverse range of illustrative skills. He then moved to the US to attend the California College of Arts and Crafts (CCAC). After he graduated, he returned to Saint Petersburg where he now works as a freelance artist.

Artsprojekt: Without Sharing your techique, how would you describe your work?

Nikolai Larin: Today, I work in several styles, but most recently I have become interested in so-called pixel choreography. Оbjects I`m developing already have details of form, so by restructuring elements I don’t lose details, I develop it.

AP: What is your art education background?

NL: I graduated Mukhina Art Academy with a diploma from the faculty of Design in 1998.

AP: Have you travelled the world? or have you always lived in St. Petersburd?

NL: At the moment I haven’t been doing much traveling but it is one of my favorite pastimes.

AP: Please describe the creative community in Russis, especiallyy in St. Petersburd

NL: Saint Petersburg is considered the cultural capital of Russia. There are quite a few colleges, so interesting young people from all over the country come here to study.

AP: How has your environment informed your style?

NL: Constructive elements of the program visualization have influenced my style, if you can call it a style. However that is base environment of mine and its curiosity overwhelms me everyday and I`m grateful to be living in the 21st century and especially for the Internet.

AP: How would you say this style has evolved?

NL: Best way I think is to stop using the computer as a main instrument and give back it to those for whom it was created – the programmers. Artists who have the courage today to use brushes are wise. People who use the computer for art look ridiculous, like blondes who drive big jeeps. The computer deserves attention as an instrument for art and no one better can work with it but programmers.

AP: Do you credit any artist or genre as infuential in your work?

NL: I was greatly influenced by Yugo Nakamura and Eric Natzke. I think these two people created the interactive aesthetic of the late 90’s, doubtless it was they who outlined the founding principles for all such creative work.

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