From my early childhood — just when I decided to become an artist at the age of 10 and my father bought me palette and brushes - I was deeply struck by three artists: Francisco Goya, Vincent van Gogh and Honoré Daumier. These preferences never changed in my life. A reproduction of "Family on Barricades" by Daumier was over my bed, Goya’s "Shot at May, the 3rd" was the main picture I admired and a book of van Gogh’s letters was always in my bag. My only desire was to be the same type of artist. I thought more about the role and the position of the artist towards society than about a concrete style.

Later I was told that this style is called "Expressionism", I became acquainted with German Expressionists and the artists of New Objectivity. I was impressed by George Grosz for instance. But this knowledge of German Expressionism came later — when I was already about 25 — 30 years old, when my own style already got a certain form. It was interesting to find common things and similarities — but the roots remain in my childhood: it is my early love for Goya, van Gogh and Daumier.

To be exposed by Galerie Nierendorf means a lot for me. It means particularly to join a certain family of artists, a certain tradition which — in my eyes — never was interrupted. I am honoured to be included in such a family.

Still I am very convinced that art has to fulfil a definite role in society: art has to oppose injustice and to protect human values. Colours, palette, brushes, canvas — these are weapons with which an artist faces the world. If such a way is called "Expressionism" — then I am an Expressionist. Each day I am trying to use my weapons better.

Moskau, September 2005                                                                      Maxim Kantor