Hi Alexander, it's nice to talk to you! First, would you like to introduce yourself? Who are you, where are you from, where do you live now? Tell us a bit about your personal background!
Hello everyone! I'm Alex from Sofia, Bulgaria. I'm 33 years old now and... well, I don't feel that old myself. We live in strange times. Especially nowadays (I mean with the beginning of the COVID pandemic). Something about myself? Well, I currently work as a graphic designer. I studied history and then photo art. Like any normal person, I love traveling, reading books, having fun and exploring new wonderful places like small towns and villages.
When did you start getting involved in photography?
I have been interested in photography since 2006. My first camera was a digital Kodak. But I saved up some money and later bought a Canon IXUS Digital 800. There were some settings I could change. I wanted to control the speed, the ISO... For example, I was very impressed that I could set a bokeh style. I thought to myself: "Wow, that looks so cool!". Then I learned about macro photography and the panning effect, which is still my favorite. You can quickly see that I use a lot of cars in my collages. This is because I love taking photos of cars. I took some courses before I started studying photo art at university and then I bought my current camera, a Canon 400D. Yes - it's an old camera, but I love it. It takes pictures like a film camera, the colors are incredible and I don't think I'll be changing it anytime soon. :) However, I also have some film cameras: Pentax ME Super and a TLR camera - Seagull 4A.
Your pictures are super creative and sometimes remind us a lot of science fiction! How did you develop your style? Is science fiction by any chance your favorite genre?
To be honest, I follow different tendencies. Yes, I love discovering artists on IG and I see that many of them do space art, sci-fi art and much more. When I was quarantined because of COVID, I started my first series of sci-fi collages, which I called "Dr. Fictio's Tales". I can't say that's my favorite genre. To be precise, my favorite paintings are the minimalist collages. For example, the series with the cars, where I mix cars with fishes or birds (I have the whole series on Behance too). I hope to continue it... How did I start? Well, when I was in Athens for the first time in 2017, I enjoyed the streets of Athens (more precisely the streets of the Plaka and Anafiotika districts) and of course the Parthenon. I watched the changing of the guard in Syntagma Square and thought that I must make a collage with Greek elements. If you are in Plaka on a Sunday you can find really wonderful flea markets and lots of antique goods. That's how I found something called "found photography" - I bought old portrait photos which became my first source for my first collage series called “ Untitled Thoughts ”.
What inspires you and why?
Inspiration is all around us! Yes, really! My inspiration comes from music - I like listening to jazz, film music, classical and electronic music. I think the combination of sci-fi collages and electronic music is a really good idea. When I look at them, I can hear the music in my head... When I create something, I often listen to the Dutch-Belgian acoustic-electronic piano trio De Beren Gieren. Their music is really magical. My favorite classical artists are Rene Magritte and Max Ernst. I think it would not be wrong to say that they are pioneers of surrealism. Another source of inspiration are the old advertising posters. I like looking at them (especially the ones with cars). I think some of them are really well designed. It's incredible that I can find such good examples of old advertising posters nowadays and then realize that people in the mid-20th century managed to create such creative visions without today's technologies.
What do you like most about surrealism?
Well, I can mix things that don't exist in reality. I can visualize my dreams and fantasies in one place. Surrealism is a journey through dreams and other realities. Everything is possible there. That's it! In my case, I make collages on the computer and very rarely I also make collages by hand. Another thing I really like is that when I show my work to some of my friends, their first reaction is: "You're crazy, man!". But times are crazy today too, aren't they?
Definitely! Would you like to tell us a little about your creative process? How do you come up with your ideas and how do you edit your images?
It's always different. I don't have a specific creative process. When I walk through the streets and see something I can use in my works, I think to myself: "Hm, I can search the internet for this or that..." When I see an interesting photo or poster, I save it on my computer for further inspiration or to find something similar. When I make a collage, I like to try combinations with different elements. Sometimes it takes a little longer to find my combination. I usually make my collages late at night. It's much more relaxing for me at that time. My emotions fly high (laughs).
When and why did you start sharing your pictures on Instagram?
It all started in 2016 when I opened my second account on IG - al.nikoloff . I wanted to find a place where I could upload my ideas about photography and art. I started with minimalist art and after a year I discovered the magic of collages. Today I think IG is a really great place where I can find amazing new artists, inspire myself and who knows, maybe one day start selling my works.
You seem to really enjoy incorporating different cars into your images – do cars have a special meaning for you?
Yes, they really have a special meaning for me. I love vintage cars. And why? Because they were deliberately designed to look much better than the new cars. They were designed to please the eye. Vintage cars are not just for car lovers, but also for lovers of technology, design, art and history. My favorite years are the 30s and 40s - for example, big American cars. If you scroll down to the very first photos of my account, you will also find a particularly large number of minimalist photos of old cars.
Do you have a favorite picture? Can you tell us the story behind it?
I have two favorite photos. The first one is called "Bricklayer." It was taken in 1928 by August Sander. This photo is part of August Sander's "People of the Twentieth Century" project. The project represents German society through portraits of artists, students, painters, politicians, soldiers, and ordinary people. What I like about this photo is the dramatic light over the man's face and how his head is framed by the bricks. The second photograph that I love so much is "Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange. It was taken in 1936. It is one of the most iconic photos in American history. It symbolizes the hunger, poverty, and hopelessness that so many Americans had to endure during the Great Depression. In the case of "Migrant Mother," we can say that a picture is worth a thousand words.
What do you think about your IG community? Do you exchange a lot of ideas with them and maybe get new ideas that way?
I've made a lot of new friends on IG. I love discovering new artists and collage work. There are some collage communities that offer weekly challenges based on a photo or a word. It's a great way to get inspired and start new projects. The best part for me is the opportunity to collaborate with other artists. Collaboration is a really good way to get new ideas and see how other artists work. It's really fun!
Can you tell us some of your favorite Instagrammers who inspire you?
Yes, I have some favorite artists. They are: @ candycars.de , @Frank Moth , @Yash Tambe , @Laurent Chehere , @tonihearncollage and many more...
Do you still enjoy sending and receiving postcards?
I haven't done this for a long time. The last time I sent a postcard was when I was a kid. Well, I think it's a good idea to start again!
Did you know about Pickmotion before our cooperation? If so, how did you find out about us?
No, I didn't. It was in the summer of 2018. I was at the gym when I received an email. A colleague of yours sent me an invitation email. One of my works was selected to be included in your magnet collection. And so our collaboration began. I'm very happy about it. Last year I sent 4 more of my works to Pickmotion!
Would you like to share a little anecdote or story with us at the end? Feel free to tell us whatever comes to mind!
Instead of writing you a little story, I'll show you my favorite meme! :)
If you are as fascinated by @al.nikoloff's work as we are, you should definitely follow his Instagram profile ! In our shop you will also find three beautiful art posters with his design - great as a home decoration or as a gift for your loved ones!
