Born on January 21, 1962, in Plungė, Lithuania, Vladimiras Nikonovas now resides and creates in Šėta, within the Kėdainiai district. A self-taught artist, Nikonovas has immersed himself in multiple artistic disciplines, such as photography, painting, and sculpture. He is especially recognized for his inventive approach to incorporating unconventional materials into his pieces.
His artistic process is characterized by ongoing experimentation and a devotion to daily creative exploration. By integrating elements from mechanical devices and everyday objects, Nikonovas expertly utilizes essential artistic concepts like form, color, and composition. With these atypical materials, he brings to life imaginative works depicting both real and mythical entities.
Every sculpture or assemblage by Nikonovas is crafted with exceptional care, frequently undergoing years of shaping and sanding before being finalized. These creations are displayed on distinctive surfaces—boards or slabs—that further emphasize their uniqueness. The finished artworks are notable for their originality and resourceful repurposing of ordinary materials.
Vladimiras Nikonovas has actively participated in the art world since 1989, both within Lithuania and internationally. He has taken part in several artistic projects, including seven iterations of the "Homo ludens" art forum, where his sculptures have become significant components of Jonava’s cityscape. In addition, his solo exhibitions have been presented domestically and abroad, solidifying his reputation as an innovative artist in contemporary experimental art.
About this artwork+
The artwork exhibits an imaginative mechanical representation of an angelfish, assembled entirely from metal parts and machinery components. In this creation, various gears, clock faces, and metallic elements come together to form the outline and detailed structure of the fish. The main body incorporates a central, eye-like component, resonating a vivid, gem-like appearance that draws attention. Protruding from this central part are intricate, skeletal-like fins and a tail, meticulously crafted from what seems to be cut-out metal and clock hands, enhancing its dynamic, fluid form. The detailed fins are pierced and ornate, resembling delicate bones or filigree, while the tail stretches out with sleek, sharp points, completing the fish’s ethereal, mechanical guise against a stark, dark background that accentuates its metallic luster.
