A Brush Mightier than the Pen?

In the world of New York City based artist, Andrei Petrov, you see that “the brush is mightier than the pen.”

Art has New York City as one of its greatest sponsors.  With seemingly unlimited access to the creations of renowned artists from all over the world, how should New York companies looking to have their work environments designed select from such a vast artistic pool?

For my company, OfficeLinks, a New York City office space provider of next generation workspaces, it was an obvious choice.  We recruited a local artist, Andrei Petrov, who has developed a unique, identifiable style that can be described as “layered abstract painting.”

When Andrei first told me he believes “the brush is mightier than the pen,” I begged to differ as a writer.  However, after visiting his Lower East Side studio and observing this creative mastermind in his natural environment, I understand his mantra.  Over the past few years I’ve admired Andrei’s work in our hallways; colorful, abstract looking pieces which I now know are based on memories, more specifically moments of clarity and passages of distortion meant to trigger lucidity in viewer’s minds.  For some people, like me, writing is our source of expression.  But for Andrei, as evidenced in his work, visuals are more powerful.

Andrei’s career as an artist began at age five; he remembers copying cartoon characters as a child.  The talented artist honed his skills at Laguardia High School and SUNY Purchase University.  His mentors include his uncle, a surrealist painter, and his father, a set designer, which Andrei views as his father’s very own canvases.  Finding inspiration in moments, Andrei notices the way a puddle hits the curb or how snow melts or the essence of people.  A highlight of Andrei’s career was his appearance on Donald Trump’s popular show “The Apprentice.”  On air, Andrei led his team to victory by teaching them to sell his art which I wasn’t surprised to hear given the consultative role he took in the placement of his pieces within OfficeLinks’ work environments.  He uses all different scales and shapes and believes it’s important to know and understand the spaces where the art will be placed.  For example, Andrei suggested that the oil-based panoramas be positioned in the conference rooms and the vertical pieces in the stairways.

Outside OfficeLinks’ halls, Andrei’s art can be viewed at Hotel Plaza Athenee, The Anthem, The Four Seasons Washington, and of course private residences.  For more information about Andrei’s art or to get in touch with him, please visit Andrei’s website at www.andreipetrov.com.  I know Andrei would love to hear from you; he told me that one of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is observing people taking the time to experience his paintings.